KEN HUNTS FOOD: Boo Kee Chicken Rice (巫记鸡饭) @ Air Itam, Penang.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Boo Kee Chicken Rice (巫记鸡饭) @ Air Itam, Penang.

** Boo Kee has since moved to a new location: 337-D, Jalan Perak, 11600, Jelutong, Penang; opposite to ToTo betting station on the same road.*

Tucked within a terrace house along Jalan Air Itam, opposite to BHPetrol station, is a newly opened Chicken Rice specialist- Boon Kee. The fully air-conditioned restaurant provides a comfortable, spacious and clean seating for diners, which explains why it stands out amongst the ubiquitous Chicken Rice stalls. Albeit the place provides a better and new level of dining experience, but Boon Kee charges their customers at unbeatable and affordable prices. The service was friendly and attentive but finding a place to park near the area can be a headache. We did not find the foods here outstanding but this place is definitely worth a visit considering its wallet-friendly price tags and comfortable environment.

Boon Kee's signature Chicken (Rm 15 for half bird), tender and succulent Chicken doused over their premium Soy Sauce and finished with a sprinkle of chopped Spring Onions. The Chicken was tender but a little too "soft" to our liking and lacked of a bite. It could be the process of soaking the poached Chicken into the icy cold water, which gives the Chicken a crispier skin. Unfortunately, Boon Kee's did not pass the test. If you like your Poached Chicken fork tender, then you may like Boon Kee's. My favorite place for Poached Hainanese Chicken goes to Hot Bowl. Two types of dipping Chili sauces available- Green and the Red. Both possess a faint aroma of Ginger and Garlic; but I would prefer latter one personally... for it was spicier and less-acidic.

Soup Hor Fun/ Wide Rice Noodles (Rm 1- Small)

Dry Hor Fun (Rm 1- Small)

Budget-conscious customers would be glad to know that each bowl of Hor Fun costs Rm 1 in Boon Kee. However, those with bigger appetites should consider to order a large bowl of Hor Fun. We were surprised to find out how small the portion was. The soup was rather bland but looking on the bright side, this gives us an idea how much MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) was added. The Dry version, on the other hand, was a little less successful. I was not expecting such clumpy texture while the Soy Sauce was a little salty towards the end. While they may not be magnificent, we thought they scored well in terms of pricing.

Fish Balls (4 for Rm 1)

Blanched Bean Sprouts (Rm 2)

The quintessential complements for Chicken Rice- Fish Balls and Bean Sprouts. Nothing to shout over for their Fish Balls except for the price, we did enjoy the crunchy and well-cooked Bean Sprouts, drenched in their premium Soy Sauce. The Sprouts were sweet and added a bit of juicy crunch to the Hor Fun. In spite of its price, the Bean Sprouts were served in a rather huge portion.

We could not agree with Boon Kee's playful version of Chicken Feet (Rm 3- small), it has a confusingly odd flavor- Bird's Eye Chilies, Vinegar and Garlic. The Chicken Feet was cooked till fork tender but it was the flavor and taste that we could not seem to agree with; those with exquisite taste buds, however, may find this dish good.