Motormouth From Ipoh – Asian Food & Travel Blog

Wong Fee Kee @ Bercham Main Road/Lorong Bercham 5 corner

Porridge aka Congee aka Bubur aka Kanji.

KYT was the one raving about this porridge stall at this restaurant in Bercham. Directions to come at the end of the post. Pretty easy to locate, but parking your vehicles may be a chore. Most drivers park theirs haphazardly by the roadside. And guess what? The authority just couldn’t care less.

Zhu Zhap Chuk (Mixed Pig’s Innards Porridge) @ RM3.00

The man sells a variety of porridge, from the average pork meat and innards, to fish and eels, and even shark’s meat. Yup, anything and everything goes. Sometimes having some plain and smooth, good ol’ porridge’s perfect for detoxification purposes, and “clearing the bowels”, or so they say. But with so much temptations around us, plain porridge ain’t cutting it, no?

Coagulated blood, intestines, liver, and what-nots from the swine, cooked in the smooth and tasteful porridge base

Finding good porridge nowadays is tough. Finding a good pig’s innards porridge is even tougher. And this one did not disappoint. The deep-fried parts stole the limelight, providing some crunch and texture in contrast to the smooth and piping hot porridge, while the jelly-like coagulated pig’s blood was fortunately lacking in unpleasant aroma. The pig’s liver cuts were generous, though may evoke paranoia and havoc in a health freak’s diet.

Crispy, sinful Siew Yoke (Crispy Roasted Pork) RM5 and ….

…. sweet, caramelized Char Siew (BBQ marinated pork) RM5

If you consider porridge to be somewhat lacking as a meal on its own, do not fret. “Help” is on the way. Or rather, a few stalls away. The aunty selling roast pork and BBQ pork was doing brisk business, and I’ve full faith in her products, as my family’s been loyal customers since aeons ago. Mostly during festivities.

The crispy roasted pork was delicious, the meat not too salty and the accompanying chilli sauce not too overpowering. Some serve theirs with too much garlicky taste, drowning the meat’s flavour. Surprisingly, the Char Siew won me over with its sweet, sticky, and slightly charred, caramelized ends, drizzled liberately with the luscious sweet and savoury sauce. No chilli sauce needed for the scrumptious cuts of meat. (Btw, she doesn’t sell chicken, or rice for that matter). Perfect accompaniments for your noodles, or porridge.

Still craving for more?

Deep-fried Popiah (Spring Rolls) RM1.50

Egg Skin Popiah RM2.60

Right beside the Siew Yoke aunty, was this stall selling Popiah. Tried their deep-fried popiah before, and was pleasantly surprised she’s selling egg-skin popiah as well. Something Jason might wanna take notice. 🙂

Whoops. Our plan to eat a “Healthy & Simple” meal was thwarted by my glutton instincts. But I’m sure the others wont mind, right? RIGHT? =P

Location : WONG FEE KEE @ Jln Bercham/Lorong Bercham 5. Exiting from PLUS highway Ipoh Selatan toll, you’ll reach a traffic lights, then turn RIGHT. The sign should say Bercham. Then at the next traffic lights at a slope, turn right again, and you’ll see Tesco Extra on your left. Go straight for a while, passing by rows and rows of shops on your left and right, and 3 consecutive traffic lights. Then the road will get narrower, and you’ll be able to see Lorong Bercham 1, 2, 3 and so on. Wong Fee Kee is on your left, at Lorong bercham 5’s junction. Daytime only.

Trivia : What’s in THOSE buckets?

Continuation from A Day’s Out @ Ocean Park, Hong Kong …

A splash of colours, the re-ignition of our childhood years, & a carnival-like ambience @ OCEAN PARK

Clockwise from top right : Baked Rice with Prawns & Avocado (HKD68/RM30.60), Baked Rice with Cod Fish & Salted Fish in Japanese Sauce (HKD68/RM30.60), and Red Ant Combo (HKD60/RM27)

Battered. Bruised. And numb limbs aplenty. We arrived back in Mong Kok in the evening, and proceeded for an early dinner at Red Ant Restaurant, located on 220, Sai Yeung Choi Street South. Red Ant is famous for its baked rice with gravy, and countless other specialities and desserts, the selection was downright mind-boggling. Difficult to make a decision, we trusted the “Signature Icons” on the menu, indicating their best-sellers.

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Continuous ramblings from Day FIVE in Hong Kong ….

Reliable breakfast at KAM WAH CAFE @ Bute Street

The day started cloudy. A positive sign, after such dreadfully hot weather throughout our journey? But couldn’t be a blessing in disguise, as after all, we were poised a day’s out at Ocean Park, Hong Kong’s formerly most recognizable theme park (before the existence of Disneyland).

Breakfast was at Kam Wah AGAIN, but the Polo Buns were so tempting, the magneticism was brushing off on me. We tried other stuff from their breakfast menu; the French toast (HKD13/RM5.85), the Egg sandwiches (HKD11/RM4.95) and Macaroni Soup with Salted Vege Set (HKD19/RM8.55). Of course, not forgetting the Polo Bun. Breakfast for four including drinks came to HKD79.50/RM35.80.

After breakfast, the weather was starting to get better, thankfully. We took the train from Prince Edward MTR station to reach Admiralty MTR (HKD9.50/RM4.30), where we bought the entrance tickets to Ocean Park.

The word ADULT printed on the ticket proved that Ocean Park’s not for kids only. Hehe .. so I consoled myself.

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Iron Lady flipping her fingers. I meant, her pancakes. =P

Ever heard of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival? In Cantonese, “Kow Wong Yeh” festival, a 9 days extravaganza celebrated by Taoists in the 9th lunar month, depicted by the famous Red Tortoise Buns (scroll to the end of the post for the pics), devotees praying at the temples and going vegetarian, as well as frequent rain throughout the nine days. For Ipohans, the Tow Boo Keong temple is located at Jalan Tokong, Pasir Putih.

Every year, we never failed to flock to the aforementioned temple at least once throughout the nine days. This year was no difference, though my initial plan to pray on the 1st day itself was somewhat thwarted by the dastardly food-poisoning spell.

Peanut and Corn Pancake (RM1.30)

Hence I went on the second day. The crowd was surprisingly not as congested as I’ve expected. Thank goodness. Previous years’ experiences revealed the hidden sadistic nature of humans in their attempts to scar me with incense, and the jostle for placing them on the altar often resulted in burnt hole in my shirt, or scorched skin.

Lunch in Pasir Putih area is an easy task. Everywhere you turn, there’s bound to be a restaurant, or coffee shop. The famous Tuck Kee Restaurant, Big Tree Foot’s Yong Tau F00, and various other gastronomic delights attract customers from near and far.

Tuna + Onion + Cheese Pancake (RM3.70)

We opted for lunch at a restaurant along the road connecting Jalan Kampar and Tuck Kee Restaurant which is situated on Jalan King. Sorry as I’m not sure of the exact location. But coming from Jalan Kampar (Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun) towards Pasir Putih, turn left at a junction where MAXIS Service Centre is located. Tim Shun Loong Restaurant is along the road, before you reach Tuck Kee and Dai Shu Geok (Big Tree Foot) on your right.

Many patrons ordered the pancakes from the stall at the front of the shop. Manned by a lady, she was fast, though rather un-friendly. Her apom pancakes can be filled with many combination of ingredients, from the sweet to the savouries, not unlike Penang’s famous AKI Pancakes.

Pie Tee (RM3.00 for 6)

The Tuna/Onion/Cheese combination was wonderful, cheesy and rich, with delectable chunks of tuna. Though my gripe was the pancakes were rather small in portion. We had the Pie Tee (or Top Hats), a famous Nyonya snack with fillings of yambeans, wood ear fungus and carrot strips, garnished with fried shallots. Crispy and light, they serve as good appetizers.

Lou Shu Fan (Rice Noodles) with Yong Tau Foo (Stuffed Fish Paste)

A sinful bowl of Curry Vermicelli

Dry Curry Hor Fun (Flat Noodles)

The wait for the curry noodles was daunting. Possibly the crowd at the restaurant was on the heavier side, being a public holiday and all. But was the wait worthwhile? Hmm, not one of the best I’ve tasted, but still passed the mark for decent curry noodles. Especially when tonnes of cockles (>10!) were served, in addition to char siew (BBQ pork meat), siew yoke (roasted pork) and even 2 deep-fried wantons. Around RM3.50 per plate, if I remembered correctly.

Witness the power of the gluttons!

Various stalls selling the same stuff – Red Tortoise Buns, and Lotus paste Buns

Rows after rows of Red Tortoise Buns

Some may lament the lack of fillings or taste when it comes to the Red Tortoise Buns, but I’m accustomed to the soft, fluffy and slightly sweet dough, especially when freshly steamed. Of course, you can be creative and dab some kaya, butter, or even cut them into pieces and fry them with some eggs. Yum. A pair for RM1.70-RM2.0o.

The festival only comes ONCE a year, for a mere 9 days. Go on, get a pair of the fluffy stuff before it’s too late …

With the bowl of Curry Lamb Noodles at Bowrington Market still lingering in my bowels, we walked to Causeway Bay MTR station and took a train to Admiralty (HKD3.60/RM1.60), where buses to The Peak and Ocean Park are in service.

Sleek, and stylish architecture

The Tram to the Peak

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Continuation from Day Four in Hong Kong …

Jostle/elbow/smackdown your way down the escalators if you have to !!!

Central @ Hong Kong Island

The slopes are crazy at Central, you’re practically climbing and descending “hills” on the same road … Look at the guy pushing the cart uphill. SLOW depicts his speed, obviously.

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Let’s go ORGANIC today !!! R U Lohas? =P

The constant travelling-and-indulging cycle took its toll on me. Finally felt the wrath of one too many Nasi Briyani (Benaz Briyani Cafe), Thai Spicy Fried Noodles (Noodle Station) and Kam Heong Mantis Prawns (Hai Nan Village), rendering me incapitated the whole day, & a short anorexic spell ensued.

Operating since not too long ago, R U Lohas has been attracting a steady stream of patrons with its brand of healthy food

Been tempted to give this restaurant/cafe a try ever since reading Dine & Health’s take on the place. In fact, I noticed this place during my visits to Onix Jun Korean Restaurant, which is located next door. But somehow the word “ORGANIC” brought to mind an image of chomping on bland & tasteless greens and grains, while STILL paying an arm and a leg for them. No?

But since Motormouth’s suffered the impending doom of eating haphazardly, it struck my mind to dine healthily for once, as dining out with family normally translates to Mega-Feast for Carnivores. Yup, we LOVE our meats.

Clockwise from top left : (a) Healthy Blooming Tea (for 2 pax) & Red Dates+Pear Tea (for 2 pax), (b) The funky looking flower/plant in the Healthy Blooming Tea, (c) Strawberry Vinegar Tea, and (d) Hawthorn Rose Juice

The cafe’s (let’s call this a cafe for the remainder of the post, to ease things a little) alien-sounding name is derived from their motto, aRe yoU Lifestyle Of Healths And Sustainability? Yeah I know, broken English in some parts, but at least the name’ll stuck in your head for aeons to come.

The menu’s quite impressive, offering items from rice to noodles, and Korean style Bibimbap to healthy snacks, desserts and beverages. As if you’re not confused enough with the “healthy-sounding names”, you can pick from their set menu as well. Needless to say, by the time we started to decide on our orders, our eyes were crossed (*o*) … the yellow and dim lighting did not help much either. But no qualms.

The organic teas came in a jar, that serves two. At only RM5.80 per jar, the Pear with Red Dates tea is sweeter yet soothing, while the strange-sounding Healthy Blooming Tea contained a funky looking plant/flower, but tasted smooth and fragrant, without sugar. Quite tasteless in fact, resembling Chinese tea. My Strawberry Vinegar Tea (RM4.80) was served chilled, and gladly not too sour nor sweet. Refreshing. Bro was having second thoughts with his Hawthorn Rose Tea though, claiming the taste to be slightly overpowering (whatever that means).

Drunken Chicken Noodle (RM10.80)

They use their self-made organic noodles in their noodle dishes. Stole spoonfuls of mum’s noodles’ soup. A strong hint of ginger, and subtle tone of Chinese wine, this serving reminded us of that famous dish concocted specially for women in confinement.

Set of Minced Organic Pork Dry Noodle + Soup + Gui Ling Gao (Tortoise Jelly) + Shot of Kombucha/ Enzyme Drink @ RM9.80

Grandma A had the Set above, and gave her thumbs up. But of course, she has a strong aversion to noodles, in whatever forms. But from the looks of it, the noodles served with braised peanuts, halved egg, and strips of carrots, yambean (Sengkuang) and cucumber, appeared to be healthy, yet savoury.

Japanese Udon Set + Green Tea/Red Bean/Glutinous Rice Ball + Shot of Kombucha/ Enzyme @ RM10.80

BBQ Sakura Pork Rice Set + Soup + Gui Ling Gao + Shot of Kombucha/ Enzyme Drink @ RM9.80

Their BBQ Sakura Pork Rice sounded marvelous, thus Grandma B ordered the set. Sakura pork is a rather revolutionary method of raising premium pigs, feeding them with Lactobacillus (yup, THAT famous strain of beneficial bacteria) thus avoiding the use of antibiotics and chemicals in the animals’ feeding grains. The meat is red-der, not so tender but instead leaner and less fat. Somehow they tasted rather artificial, but it could be because the meat was marinated in a sauce that was a tad too sweet.

Nasi Kerabu + DQ Curry Chicken @ RM7.80

The DQ Curry Chicken

No wonder the waiter who took my order warned me beforehand of my Nasi Kerabu’s abundance of raw vegetables as garnishing. But stubborn me stick to my choice, and was overwhelmed by the amount of raw vegetables served with the blue rice.

Finely-chopped long beans, four-angled beans, parsley, LEMONGRASS (!!!), various leaves and bean sprouts were all sitting atop the serving of rice shaded with blue dye from bunga telang/clitoria flower. Yup, such healthy choice huh? I love my Lui Cha Rice, but the Nasi Kerabu was simply too dry to be eaten on its own. And the overwhelming scent and taste of freshly chopped, raw lemongrass was indeed, intimidating. Fortunately, the rice is served with curry chicken. NOT your average curry chicken, but DQ Chicken. Fed with unpolluted grasses, and raised in an environment with clean air and pristine mountain water, the chickens are classified as “CLEAN” ones, without any growth hormones, chemicals and the like. (www.dqcleanchicken.com)

Korean Bibimbap + DQ Curry Chicken @ RM7.80

Bro’s a fan of Korean food, (so am I) and picked the Bibimbap with the curry chicken. But this one was Bibimbap with a twist. No Korean chilli sauce (gochujang) was served together. But instead the moisture came from the curry chicken. The rice used in all their rice dishes is of organic nature, and definitely healthier choice compared to processed white rice. But the coarse texture may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

DESSERTS – Green tea Ice Cream+Red Bean+Glutinous Rice Ball, Red Bean Rice Ball in Ginger Soup, Gui Ling Gao aka Tortoise Jelly, and a shot of Kombucha to aid digestion

The Gui Ling Gao deserves a mention, as the slightly bitter jelly was tampered with some sweet and sour syrup, not overly/sickeningly sweet unlike most dessert outlets. The “tang yuen” like rice balls with red bean fillings, served in ginger soup got the thumbs up from bro and Grandma A. The rich and creamy green tea ice cream with red beans and rice balls was served a tad too early, thus was fully melted by the time we finished our mains. Yet, that plate of sweet temptations was too much to resist, and I finished off a lion’s share when everyone was still digging into their mains. Muahaha …. =P

Those who ordered set meals got a shot of Kombucha, either lemon or pineapple flavoured. A tangy drink with ice to end the meal.

Total for 6 = RM79.80, including 5% service charge. Being possibly the first organic cafe in Ipoh, they sell organic produce as well. Deserving of subsequent visits? A definite yes. Especially when I’m feeling under the weather from all the binging. LOL.

Location : R U Lohas @ 33, Jln Medan Ipoh 4, Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh. Tel : 05-5453454. Website : www.rulohas.com