MY2012 - Tanjung Piandang’s Famous Chai Kueh

Chai Kueh or Vegetable Dumpling is a typical Chinese snack that is popular among the Teochews. The skill in making Chai Kueh lies in the skin as to achieve the soft, chewy and translucent-like sheen.

 

 

One of the famous places to have Chai Kueh is at Tanjung Piandang, Perak. More specifically, at Kedai Kopi Lee King.

 

 

While some may argue that the Chai Kuehs in Jawi, Penang are more famous, I prefer Tanjung Piandang’s version. At least, the skin is much thinner.

 

 

Besides the Ku Chai (Chinese chive) version, Lee King also offers Chai Kuehs with Mang Kuang (jicama) …

 

 

… and Orh (yam) as fillings. Definitely my first time seeing and tasting one with yam!!

 

 

The verdict, I still reckon that the Chai Kuehs in Taiping taste better!! If those in Jawi and Tanjung Piandang could make the skin even thinner, I am sure they will be as good too!!

 

 

But, if we were to put those “famous” claims aside, I think the actual highlight of my meal at Kedai Kopi Lee King is the Orh Ni (yam paste). Yummy!!

 

 

Kedai Kopi Lee King (next to Public Bank)
Jln Piandang 1, Taman Piandang Indah, 34250 Tanjung Piandang, Perak, Malaysia.

MY2012 - Ho Z Assam Laksa

Listed as one of the world’s 50 most delicious food by CNN Go, the asam laksa is a sour, fish-based soup normally served with thick rice noodles. In Malaysia, variants of asam laksa include the famous Penang Laksa and Perlis Laksa, to the lesser known Kedah Laksa, Ipoh Laksa and Kuala Kangsar Laksa.

 

 

But guess which variant that we liked the most? None of the above!!

 

 

Among Taiping folks, everyone tends to agree that the best laksa is from Ho Z at Pokok Assam, Taiping!!! Once a small hawker stall at the Pokok Assam Market, it has now relocated to a new premise two blocks down the road.

 

 

And of course, their ais kacang is always a nice complement to the hot and sour laksa!!

 

 

Ho Z Laksa
Corner Jalan Ong Hup and Lorong 8, Pokok Assam, 34000 Taiping, Perak, Malaysia.

MY2012 - Ming Court Hong Kong Tim Sum

One of the famous things about Ipoh, Perak is the rivalry between opposite neighbours, Ming Court and Foh San. While both also claim to serve authentic Hong Kong dim sum, it is Ming Court that we always frequent.

 

 

Among our favourites include their range of dumplings, such as the Siu Mai and Har Gow.

 

 

Their Saito fish balls are something not to be missed too.

 

 

Of course, there’s always the “sort of compulsory” Char Siew and Chicken buns to make our meal more filling.

 

 

And if that’s not enough, there’s always the Chee Cheong Fun.

 

 

Last but not least, some desserts, such as the Sesame Balls, Fried Carrot Cake, Muar Chee, and Tau Fu Fa, for the sweet tooth.

 

 

I guess, the main attraction of Ming Court is their bite size servings. The dim sums over in Foh San tend to be a lot larger, like those available in Australia, which sometimes, just spoil the taste.

 

 

Ming Court Hong Kong Tim Sum
32-36, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
+60 5 255 7134

MY2012 - Johan Chuan Pomelos

Also known as the granddaddy of grapefruits, Pomelos are native to Southeast Asia, and are commonly used as an ingredient for soups, marmalade, and even as an altar decoration. Of course, like any other fruits, it is also eaten fresh.

 

 

During my recent trip home, I managed to visit an award winning pomelo farm in Malaysia, Johan Limau Bali Chuan’s orchard.

 

 

Although Tambun, Perak is more famous for their pomelos, it is Johan Chuan’s pomelos in Sungai Gedong, Perak that won awards after awards every year!!

 

 

While there, we get to observe the simple process of harvesting, …

 

 

… packing …

 

 

… and distributing of the fruit.

 

 

Although simplistic, it was definitely a memorable and educational trip for me!!

MY2011 - Matang Museum

Unlike the Perak Museum in Taiping that showcases ethnological, anthropological, geological and botanical collections, the Matang Museum (formerly known as The Kota Ngah Ibrahim Historical Complex) tends to focus more on the history of Taiping and artefacts related to the chronology of events leading to the establishment of the museum itself.

 

 

Built by Ngah Ibrahim, who carried the title Orang Kaya Menteri Paduka Tuan, he was the son of Cek Long Jaafar, the first Malay who opened tin mines in the Larut, Matang and Selama areas in 1840.

 

 

Covering an area of 0.8 hectares, this museum had served as a fort and administrative centre, …

 

 

… in addition to being a home for Ngah Ibrahim. 

 

 

Chronologically, the first exhibit at the entrance tells a tale on how a pet elephant of Long Jaffar, Si Larut, discovered tin when trapped in mud.

 

 

Che Long Jaafar then brought in 20 Chinese man to mine in the Klian Pauh (now Taiping) area. As the production was profitable, more Chinese started to flood Larut to work as tin miners, …

 

 

… which later triggered the three Larut Wars from 1861 to 1874, due to a clash between the two clans, Ghee Hin and Hai San.

 

 

After Ngah Ibrahim’s death in Singapore on February 4, 1895, the building was put under the English administration until it was converted into the Matang Malay Teaching College (1913-1922) and Malay School (1923-1941).

 

 

During the administration, the fort also acted as a court …

 

 

… and prison to put Malay nationalists, such as Dato Maharajalela and his followers who fought against the British, behind bars.

 

 

Then came the Japanese occupation of the Malay States (1941-1945), where Japan took over Malaya within 13 days. And guess what was their mode of transport, bicycles!!

 

 

As a result, the fort was turned into a Japanese Army’s headquarters.

 

 

Luckily, after Japan surrendered and the World War II ended in 1946, it was transformed back into a Malay School known as Sekolah Kebangsaan Matang (1946-1984), …

 

 

… before the Museums and Antiques Department took over and operated it.

 

 

Throughout our visit, besides re-learning the history of Taiping, the most interesting part lies in the technology showcased, most notably the kerosene-powered fan, also known as the English Fan.

 

 

And in case if you are planning to get a souvenir, you can try their self-proclaimed Best Chocolate …

 

 

.. but do let me know if it is really the best once you have tried it, OK?