Together with George Town and Melaka, Ipoh is part of the food haven trifecta that draws hungry diners from across the country.
It is hard to say which of Ipoh’s culinary offerings are the most delicious, but one candidate for its most famous is likely its chicken rice.
Ipoh’s famed chicken rice has a fair share of fans nationwide, with many stalls outside Perak claiming to sell the real thing.
Within Ipoh itself, many contend for the title of ‘best chicken rice’ and Ong Kee, located in the heart of Ipoh has been living up to this title for decades now.
Funnily enough, it is located right opposite another famous chicken rice restaurant, Lou Wong, and Ipoh residents are often split on which is better.
In any case, if you come on a holiday weekend, be prepared to wait for a table at Ong Kee, as lines of diners are likely to build up in no time at all. The less said about parking, the better.
On the walls of Onn Kee hang framed photographs of the many celebrities and personalities who have visited the restaurant, a testament to its fame.
Ordinary folks too come here in droves to enjoy tender chicken served with hot bowls of rice and crunchy bean sprouts. Chicken innards are also available as are pork balls; both lovely appetisers.
Service here is relatively fast and food will arrive at your table in no time at all.
It must be said that Ong Kee does live up to its reputation as ‘best chicken rice’, as the poached chicken really is hard to beat in both taste and texture.
The tender chicken meat is immersed in a balanced soya sauce cocktail which bears the unmistakable fragrance of sesame oil. Portions are generous too.
Don’t forget to munch down your vegetables! The beansprouts are quite a crunchy treat, flavoured with a dousing of sauce.
If you tire of rice, you can opt for hor fun instead and it is indeed a viable alternative for all you noodle lovers out there.
While you might not get the best ambience here, you can rest assured that you will be walking home satisfied with the chicken meal you thoroughly enjoyed.
Restoran Ong Kee
48, 51 & 53
Jalan Yau Tet Shin
Taman Jubilee
30300 Ipoh
Perak Darul Ridzuan
Business hours: 10.00am-9.30pm daily
Contact: 05-253-1562 / 012-530-0888