KEN HUNTS FOOD: Lao Wong Cha Chan Teng (老黄怡保茶餐厅) @ Elit Avenue, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Friday, October 30, 2015

Lao Wong Cha Chan Teng (老黄怡保茶餐厅) @ Elit Avenue, Bayan Baru, Penang.

**Lou Wong has since ceased its business operations until further notice.**

Specializing in serving Steamed Chicken, Lao Wong sounds exactly like the famous brand Lou Wong Chicken Rice from Ipoh. It touts itself as a Chicken Rice specialist and they do offer an extensive list of Steamed Chicken-company staples such as Ipoh Hor Fun, Ipoh White Curry Mee, Oiled Chicken Rice and some other noodle-dishes. We have no idea whether the brand tries to imitate the market leader but the interior decor sure sticks to the theme of 黄 (means Yellow in Mandarin/ Wong in Cantonese). Chairs and the uniform of all servers are in Yellow; we thought certain areas could be further improved- the plates were greasy, servers were not well-trained, the floor was not quite clean and many items on the menu were not available on our visit. Prices are quite standard for a fully air-conditioned restaurant but this is not a place that I would make a special trip out there. If you are in the vicinity, this might be a decent place for poultry lovers or over a bowl of steamy Ipoh Hor Fun.

Steamed Chicken (Rm 18.80/ Half-Bird)

Ipoh Hor Fun (Rm 9.90)

Oiled Rice (Rm 2.20)

Dry Wan Ton Mee (Rm 6.90)

Signature Steamed Chicken is a must-order and pounded Ginger as well as home-made Chili Sauce were served to go with the Chicken. The meat was not particularly tender but it was not hard to the bite. The cuts were uneven and certain parts were too awkward to chomp. The Ipoh Hor Fun stood out, though the Rice Noodles were not exactly silky smooth, the broth was flavorsome with a sleek of sweetness. Portion was generous and well-justified with the price tag. Wan Ton Mee, on the other hand, did not manage to resonate with us. The texture was bad, not slouchy but neither bouncy; salinity was soft and was rather bland on its own. Their Set Order might be more value-for-money.