Last weekend a few of us decided to have some spicy food and went to this Hong La Qiao (红辣椒 – literally Red Chili) at the heart of KL for their unique Szechuan steamboat. Knowing that the place is usually packed during weekends, we called ahead to book for a table. Do note that it is advisable to get someone who can speak in Mandarin to make the booking, since the receptionist doesn’t really speak in English.
*slurps*
The restaurant, situated just right behind Berjaya Times Square, serves rice dishes as well as steamboat. We ordered the “ying yang” steamboat with the spicy Szechuan soup as well as the clear soup, and a bunch of steamboat dishes to chuck in there. There were fishball with meat stuffing, dumplings, beef, fish maw, dried pork skin, tofu, crab stick, fish fillet, a few types of vegetables, mushroom, sea cucumber, and more.. all in all more than 10 dishes.
the spicy szechuan and the clear soup
The other must-order item at this restaurant is their unique cold cucumber dish. Basically cucumber sliced to bite size sticks, covered with oil, salt, seasonings, and very finely chopped garlic. The ingredients might look simple and even odd, but it proved to be a very refreshing and interesting “snack”. We eventually ordered 2 plates for the 4 of us. The other non-steamboat item we ordered was the gyoza, though pretty decent, it wasn’t as good as the one served up at Crystal Jade.
the interesting pickled tofu sauce with crab stick
The steamboat though, was rather nice… if you are one of those guys who enjoy spicy food. The spicy Szechuan soup tasted very hot and even numbing. The top layer of red oil was especially powerful in attacking the heat receptor. However, cooking fish and meat in the hot soup, and then dipping them in their unique picked tofu (腐乳) or fermented bean paste sauce proved very addictive.
Hong La Qiao is just behind Berjaya Time Square
The taste was pretty unique and rather good, though a little on the spicy side, a great place for that exotic yet very Chinese food. Since we ordered up a boat load of food, it came to about RM 40 for each of us, but a normal serving of steamboat should be around RM 30.
Address:
No. 53,55, Jalan Cangkat Thambi Dollah,
Off Jalan Pudu, 55100, KL
GPS: 3.140666, 101.710321
Tel: 03-2141-8078
This is yet another hidden place in the middle of KL introduced by Kelvin. Contrary to the Kampung Atap curry fish head (another place introduced by the same bloke), Yee Sang Fat (易生发) is famous for their steamed fish head.
the gang enjoying good food
This kopitiam is not trivial to locate. Situated opposite the Pudu Methodist Church just next to Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Yew, the easiest way to get there is via Jalan Pasar. Since there are tables set up both in and outside this tai chau (大炒) place, you won’t miss it if you are on the correct road (Jalan Gajah).
fish head, brinjal, pork ribs, vegetable
We asked for the must-try steamed fish head, brinjal (egg plant) with garlic, pork ribs, soupy lala, fried kangkung, and a tofu dish recommended by the waiter. We pretty much ordered all the dishes that printed on their lighted sign board that also spot the shop’s name. Six dishes for ten person to go with rice.
It didn’t take too long for the dishes to be served. The lala came first, and we devoured it like there’s no tomorrow. Then it was the fish head, steamed with plenty of garlic, ginger, and spring onion. The portion was pretty big too, and more like 1/3 of a fish instead of just the head.
tofu and lala
The vegetable and pork ribs were pretty good, but my favorite of the day must be the brinjal with garlic. The soft and tender brinjal fried with some salt and lots of crispy garlic topped with spring onion. The contrast of the differing textures and the taste were just perfect. On the contrary, the tofu dish was pretty much forgettable.
not the easiest place to get to (NOTE: check comment #9)
This meal came to slightly over RM 120.00 for 10 of us, definitely a great value. Granted we did not order any fancy drinks, but there were fish head, lala, and meat as well. A burger meal with fries and coca-cola will cost you around RM 12 at Burger King. I’m sure we will go there again one of these days.
Address:
Jalan Gajah,
off JalanYew Pudu
Kuala Lumpur 55100
GPS: 3.132342, 101.717026
It was a string of unplanned events that led us all the way from PJ to Balakong for dinner. Afterall, it’s not normal to have dinner at some 20-30 km away from home on a weekday. We were initially to eat at ss2, it started to drizzle. We then decided to go to Atria, but changed our destination to PJ old town. However, the exploration urge somehow made us turn towards the Old Klang road exit from Federal Highway and put us on NPE. RM3.20 later, we decided to have Yong Tau Foo in Kuchai Lama instead. That place was not open for business. Since Balakong isn’t that far from Kuchai Lama, we ended up there instead, after another RM 1.30 toll charge…
not much of a looker, but the taste.. *slurps*
We were pretty hungry by the time we sat down at the table, an hour after departing from PJ. We ordered the signature dish that is the paper wrapped chicken (纸包鸡), ying yang pork ribs, pan tofu, and fried baby kailan.
Other dishes we ordered to go with the rice
The chicken arrived first, and we went into a feast. The paper was not the easiest thing to unwrap, but once you get past that little hurdle, a rush of strong and appetizing aroma materialised. The gravey was excellent, with a hint of herbs in the dark sauce. The chicken itself was nicely cooked and soaked with flavor. A single bite was enough to explain the fame this dish gathered.
Happy diners
The other dishes that we ordered was pretty good too. The tofu and pork ribs were rich in flavor, and the fried baby kailan was a no frill dish like how it should be. The bill came to about RM 15-16 per person. Give the place a try if you are around the Mines area next time. I wager that you will not be dissapointed.
Great map, Balakong made easy, no?
For those who can’t read the excellent map:
Restoran Leong Ya Indah No 26-28,
Jalan Dagang SB 4/1,
Taman Sg Besi Indah SK 4,
Balakong Sri Kembangan Selangor
GPS: 3.025177, 101.717224
Tel: 0389415942
