Scotch Pub & Thum’s Western Food – Taste of the Yesteryear’s
July 23, 2010 | 15,277 views
A Slab of Pork Chop @ Scotch Restaurant & Pub – A tender cut commonly used in Chinese cooking, marinated then pan-fried in a simple manner.
Words can’t express how much I would love to divulge the history/legacy behind Scotch Pub, a classic Western diner that has been around for ages in Ipoh Garden South. 20 years? Or maybe more? I can’t be sure, but this perennial classic had been battling out with the newer, funkier generations and yet still standing strong.
The legendary FMS in Ipoh’s old town was closed back in late 2007, for renovations that lasted to this very day. Miner’s Arms (also in old town) on the other hand, was shut down for business sometime last year, though the charming, once the MOST prestigious Western diner in town was not doing so well in the past few years. First Coffee House on Cockman Street (Jalan Dato Onn Jaafar) recently underwent a major facelift, sporting a lime green exterior but I have not visited the cafe since my secondary school days. Rendezvous Cafe at the corner of Cockman Street and Brewster Road (Jalan Sultan Idris Shah) ceased operations few years ago, giving way to some dodgy cafe … followed suit by Blue Window Cafe located further down the road.
Do you think that Scotch Pub is in serious threat of losing out to the freshly-conceptualized fusion cafes, fine diners, and bistros? Or can they beat the odds; maybe creating history as THE longest running coffee house in Ipoh? Read on to find out …..
Scotch Pub – Owning possibly the darkest ambience one can ever find in Ipoh
Walking in into Scotch Pub brought back memories from the days of yore. Maybe not so much for the teenagers of today, but definitely something special for the 80’s babies, or prior to that. Miner’s Arms was deemed to be THE Indulgence back when I was a kid. A feast at the former was usually met with rounds of applause and gleeful cheer, a once in a blue moon celebratory outing.
And so we resorted to the slightly more affordable lunch sets at Rendezvous, First or Scotch Pub.
Surprise, surprise! Scotch Pub is STILL offering value for money sets (RM11.50/USD3.50) on a daily basis (not sure about weekends though, anyone?). The mains are rotated from day to day, hence you won’t get the same lamb chop set if you’re visiting on different days of the week.
Lamb Chop – Set Lunch of the Day for Fridays (correct me if I’m wrong)
A set comes with a soup of the day (it was a tangy, mixed vegetable soup in a tomato base, almost like a Borsch), butter and roll, a choice of tea or coffee, and a slice of fresh fruit.
But if you’re not keen on the full set, you can always order the other items on the menu, and for an additional RM1/USD0.30, you can opt to upgrade the main dish into a set with the same complementary items.
Chicken Chop in a thick batter, with the same boiled peas and carrots and crinkle-cut fries
I set my eyes on the pork chop almost instantaneously. Seldom can one find a good, traditional, no-frills pork chop in Western diners these days. I just knew that Scotch Pub would not screw the simple dish with excessive ‘flower power’ and fusion madness.
True to its theme of staying to its most original roots, the lamb, pork and chicken were exactly how they were done back in the days. Nothing fancy, and nothing ground-breaking. Just down-to-earth Western cuisine with a beautifully nostalgic Hainanese (Midas?) touch. Wait, I can’t even be sure if the restaurant is operated by Hainanese now …… Pardon my ignorance.
And to complete your set lunch – The coffee/tea plus a slice of watermelon.
Truthfully, Scotch Pub has never been one of my family’s favourite coffee house. We preferred Rendezvous Cafe back in the 90’s, for we felt that Scotch served rather measly portions in comparison.
Fast forward 20 years or so; and Scotch’s portions are deemed reasonably generous – given the easy on the eyes prices. After all, not many outlets can boast of serving lunch sets for less than RM15 each, and still manage to attract a familiar crowd on a daily basis for the quality of their food.
Scotch Pub also serves Asian cuisine like fried noodles, fried rice, inchi kabin chicken (a Nyonya style of crispy fried chicken), and many more.
Thum’s Western Food – This photo did not do justice to the immensely humongous portion of Chicken Maryland placed on our table !!!
On a completely different scale (more or less), Thum’s Western Food – a kiosk parked within New Weng Fatt Cafe & Restaurant in Ipoh Garden South still serves up some mean, huge portions of Western fares to the dinner crowd.
Don’t rule this out just yet. The sumptuous onion gravy is their killer creation, paired so marvelously with ANY of their mains, or even sides.
I wrote about them TWICE back in 2008 (Read HERE and HERE for the full stories). You may think this was just another one of those Western cuisine maestro wannabe, starting out from a pathetic stall in a coffee shop.
But you are SO WRONG. For years now, Thum’s Western Food has been a favourite with the local folks, a closely-guarded secret even. Although not everything’s splendid (some like the Fish & Chips are deep-fried until way too crispy; sometimes a little dry from the loss of moisture), you can’t go wrong with the pork chop, bacon sandwich, and onion rings. LOTS and LOTS of onion rings. Unlike the conventional frozen ones (Burger King‘s come to mind, naturally) with nary a touch of personalization, Thum’s version of the crispy snacks is top notch. You can really taste the sweet onions coated within the crunchy batter. And they serve onion rings AND fries together with the main of your choice.
The Fish & Chips comes with a dollop of mayo on the side, and a side saucer plate of orange sauce
Their Chicken Maryland is one of their forte. At any one time, you can see the other patrons digging into the large slab of fried chicken chop, a slice of ham and a sausage, but sans the banana. Though I don’t like everything to be deep-fried and piled together on the same plate, I still have to agree that their Maryland is one of the better ones in Ipoh. Maybe the onion sauce served together with the deep-fried items tamper the intense dryness of the dish. Or the killer onion rings once again ………
The Bacon Sandwich, Chicken Burger, and platter of Fried Mussels with Onion Rings are safe choices in case you’re seeking for a ‘lighter’ meal. Everything’s priced reasonably, with most items priced around RM9-RM15 (USD2.70-USD4.50) each.
You have to bear the wait on packed days. They may be well-staffed but not as efficient in terms of service. Oh, you have to walk over and make your orders, obviously.
There is a fried rice/noodles stall, another pan mee stall, and the rather famous capati/Indian curry rice stall in case anyone in your group is not fond of Western cuisine.
The purpose I included Thum’s Western Food together in this Scotch Pub post is because these two outlets are situated rather close to one another in Ipoh Garden South, and the fact that both of them are considered comfort (Western) food that I used to grow up with.
SO, WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE CLASSIC WESTERN DINER?
Scotch Restaurant & Pub
No 22, Tingkat Taman Ipoh 6,
Ipoh Garden South,
31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Business hours – 12.00pm – 12.00am (unconfirmed)
Thum’s Western Food @ Restoran Dan Kafe New Weng Fatt
Only for DINNER.
Refer to the previous posts – Thum’s Western Food, Teluk Intan Glutinous Rice & Buntong Beef Noodles
Here’s GOOGLE MAP to Scotch Pub & Thum’s Western Food in Ipoh Garden South.
Miner’s Arm gone already?
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Yup, according to my brother who works nearby.
But I myself have not been there for some time now.
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Fish and chips looks absolutely delicious. 😀
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The food taste so so only… service not satisfaction and the tips was necessary!
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Tips necessary?! What do you mean, Nicole?
Food is so-so, yes. I do agree on this.
But service was okay the time we went. Not exactly perfect, but can lah …
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Nicole Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 8:10 am
They will provide some wet tissue like chinese restaurant which cost aroubd 60 cents or 1 dollar. As i not using it, and would like to request deduct it from my bill. But, they told us that was their tips and cannot deduct. How come like this, better charge for service tax lo….
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jolum Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Scotch Restaurant & Pub had been around for more than 25 years and their service are legendary!
Sometime, they will snub you….. “drop” cutlery on your table…. they, make you invincible…. but hey!!…. that’s Scotch Restaurant! That’s their culture all these years!! Speak to them the same way their speak to you!! LOL!
Best time to visit… during a hot day afternoon, have a mug of chilling beer !!! and do try their Steam Chicken Drumstick!!! It’s Good!
J2Kfm Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Service legendary?! Haha … I gotta go more often to see this myself.
I am eyeing their fried meehoon and inchi kabin. Gotta be good with all the recommendations.
As notorious as they may be for the service, this place holds promise for staying to its old school root.
The environment looks quite simple to me.. I guess it’s comfortable inside 😀 Food so-so only? But they look very nice and tasty wor..
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Wow.. i almost forgot about this 2 places..
it’s time to pay a visit to reminisce the good old day 🙂
ahhh.. i miss ipoh food…
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Chicken Maryland! Blast fr the past indeed! Long gone are the days when I could stomach an entire plate of deep-fried goodness. But perhaps just for the sake of nostalgia…
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Yeah ….. nowadays, I see even some of the young children asking what’s the big deal about a piece of fried chicken, a ham, a sausage and a batter-fried banana?!!
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Chicken marryland always my choice when I REALLY hungry, I mean REALLY o…. haha ^^ Definitely can satisfy my stomach 😉
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Yeah, but the idea of eating everything that’s been deep-fried is kinda scary though.
But once in a while that’s fine.
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This is the kind of food that I was raised on. I am trying to learn all of the recipes so, I can keep enjoying the food that I love.
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Ooh just opposite my house! The Scotch one looks nais!
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:55 am
Staying in Ipoh Garden South? Haha … that’s good. Easy access to many eateries there.
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Looks like this wonderful nostalgic Scotch Pub will closed down soon just like Miners Arms. Rumors has it that the current owner is selling its business as there is none family members interested to run the restaurant.
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Really?!
Oh dang … and I thought that Scotch Pub will somehow achieve a miracle by staying as long as the previous FMS, sans renovations.
Kinda pity really, for a legacy would be lost just like that ….. because of no interest from the younger generations.
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Ah……food does look nostalgic. A pity about the younger folks :o)
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AH!!! All the old western restaurant in Ipoh… bring back old memories… Use to go to Miner’s Arm for most of our family birthday celebration.. .. Not the best of food but it is the best place in Ipoh you can get a piece of steak with standard…
Scotch use to go there 1-2 times a week during my school days.. Grandma will bring me… Seriously long time I never been there…. Thanks for reminding me will give it a try before it is gone like the rest.. Young people nowadays will not know how to appreciate this.. This are in a time when Indulgence and all the fancy mumbo jumbo western food are not in Ipoh…
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Wow, all these names bring back old memories – First, Rendezvous, Miner’s Arm, FMS, & Scotch of course……..but during secondary school days, we went to First & Rendezvous most coz accessible by bus after school. While Scotch is tuck away at another side of the city. Rendezvous was also more spacious comparing with Scotch…………But First offerred the most economical set lunch, though the interior was really so so then.
Gosh…….time flies, those were the happy days:) Sad to learn that the only one left standing nostalgic “coffee house” – Scotch also closing down soon:( Hopefully it’s just rumour…….
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Yeah, let’s hope that’s a rumour.
First is still standing, and had been renovated recently.
Though I don’t really like the food there.
Back then I really, really liked Rendezvous, for the comfortable environment and great sets.
They have this really good sweet and sour fish fillet (there’s a glamorous name for the ‘ikan kurau’ but I just can’t remember now)
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stanley Reply:
November 26th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
the ikan kurau u mentioned is called ikan kurau a la mexicaine another favourite in the menu those days in Rendezous is sole welaska and nowadays the western foods in the cafe is totally a let down
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Ahhh! I think I can take a guess of which generation you’re from hahaha! Grew up with all those names too …. First Coffee Hse was almost a weekly Sunday treat & Rendezvous was a hot favourite with for coffee and live music on Sat nites…Still remember their Irish coffee, it was only one of the very few places with great food AND decent live music on weekends back then..
I love Scotch’s fried rice too… Oh, another place with a possibly similar sorta Hainanese (yes it’s Midas!) chicken chop in Ipoh is in Ipoh Swimming Club…they still retain that ol’style of Western cooking, price easy on the eyes too but only members allowed 🙁
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Oh, yeah … I read before from Alexandra’s post in The Star, whereby she was brought to the club by the owner of Canning Garden roast duck stall owner; a feisty lady herself.
It’s been ages since I visited the Club, I think close to 15 years now!
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stanley Reply:
November 26th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
the place in the 90s with great live band was the old Ritz Garden Hotel in Jalan CM Yussuff and the foods r great Their curry noodles and nasi lemak was the best in town at that time
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Ah, Scotch. Only been there twice; on 1st time, we had a really bad service, where the waitress pour the coins onto our table when my friend tried to pick the change! 2nd time was ok but nothing excellent…. they really need to do more in case they wanna keep surviving.
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 8:08 am
Service really so deplorable? Haha, maybe they expected you to give tips instead?
But I’ll be frustrated if they do that to me too.
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Kar Weng Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 11:54 am
Jason, you are unfortunately served by the only below par waitress at Scotch. I’m a regular and I sort of know who and who. Don’t leave a cent of tip if it is not deserving.
On the other hand, on a lucky day, when fish is fresh at the market, fish & chips is highly recommmended, it’s on the menu but not available on a daily basis. I have also seen diner having steamed chicken thigh with steamed rice. It looks really appetising. The ginger & spring onion beef is delicious too, if you fancy beef.
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J2Kfm Reply:
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:10 pm
That afternoon we went was okay, considering that the staff were all accommodating and no attitudes.
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so old school like KL’s The SHip or Coliseum 😀
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[…] Scotch Pub & Restaurant (NEW!!) @ Ipoh Garden South – A traditional coffee house […]
Speaking of nostalgia Motormouth, have you ever tried Pete’s Western Grill in the 90’s? It was located on Jalan Dato Onn Jaafar. Let’s say you were heading towards Super Kinta from Olympia College/Bersatu, the place was on your left, opposite 1Stop, and just a little past Yohan bakery. It was run by a nice couple who could grill the heck out of anything. And near Xmas every year they’d take orders for roast turkey, complete with stuffing and cranberry sauce. Alas last I heard they moved to Malacca in the late 90’s, and I think now the restaurant is a furniture shop. I really thought that place was as good as Thum’s.
One more… have you tried the western food at YMCA Ipoh as a high school kid? The portions were enormous! I think the chef retired in the late 90’s as well. They had really good food. Fond memories, thanks for a good post dude.
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J2Kfm Reply:
September 7th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Uh oh… beats me Dr Lau !!! This may be too ancient to register on my memory. I gotta ask my parents on this one.
And YES! I have tried the chicken chop at YMCA before, when I was in secondary school. Though good of you to bring this up. YMCA serves mainly Chinese cuisine now, with their specialty of shark’s meat cooked in a variety of ways and a Futt Poot (yam ring with goodies in the centre).
Please share more dining experience here! 🙂
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J2Kfm Reply:
September 7th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Wait a minute! In the 90’s?!! I should remember Pete’s if there was ever one there! Hmm ….. we used to go to the food court after the row of shops with Yohan and such, a Hollywood Food Centre or something. They had a good Zhu Chap Chuk (mixed pig’s offals porridge) back then.
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Dr Lau Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
That’s the one! The Zhu Chap Chuk was totally awesome back then. More like a huge bowl of pig organs, with some porridge drizzled on top. Pete’s stall was just next to the porridge stall. Nowadays I heard the porridge man retired and his son took over the legacy. His stall is at the food court opposite Olympia College, but its a huge bowl of porridge with some organs drizzled on top. Father made it better. 😛
All the restaurants that you mentioned in the beginning of the post bring back old memories….. 🙂
Miner’s Arms, Blue Window, HMS, The Scotch…..
And what is the name of that at the same row of Blue Window? Corner shop at the traffic light….
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J2Kfm Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Rendezvous Cafe. I miss the food there and the ambience too.
By the way the current chef for Secret Garden came from Rendezvous-Blue Window years ago.
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try Alan Western Food’s grilled lamb chop located at Restaurant Cha Yang, Ipoh Garden South – just behind Pizza Hut / Dance Centre – simply the best!
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J2Kfm Reply:
December 5th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Yeah, that stall actually has been around for some time. Still remember back in those days when I took up tuition classes at Wijaya, we always went there for the Western food, the pan mee, the CKT and the tong sui.
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I’ve been to Scotch since I was a small girl and although the service may not be up to par with what’s expected these days, the waitresses there are really friendly (like old friends). By the way, the menu hasn’t changed since the first time I went there and that was probably 20 years ago. My favs are definitely the lamb chop, steamed chicken drumstick (for this you’ll have to wait 30 mins but it’s worth it!!!) and of course the once in a blue moon fish and chips.
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 6th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Oh … yeah, heard about this place closing down and selling off … but no concrete proof. Any ideas?
THAT would be a waste.
Much like how they are planning to revamp Kong Heng …
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[…] Cuisine was started up by the ex-staff of Scotch Pub, a short distance away in Ipoh Garden South. Not sure if they were the owners or […]