Penang Food For Thought: Lou Wong

A visit to Ipoh would not be complete without having a meal of bean sprouts chicken (芽菜鸡). Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong (老黄芽菜鸡沙河粉) is probably the most famous restaurant which serves this dish. Located at the intersection of Jalan Yau Tet Shin and Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar, Lou Wong is within a stone's throw from Funny Mountain.

The bean sprouts chicken here uses bearded chicken, whose flesh is yellowish and tenderer than regular chicken's. The bearded chicken (胡须鸡, RM11.00 for single portion) is served with light soy sauce, sliced cucumber and chopped scallions. It also goes well with homemade chili sauce.

Ipoh's bean sprouts are said to be blessed with pristine water from limestone hills, making them exceptionally plump and juicy. The juicy bean sprouts (芽菜, RM3.00 for single portion) are briefly blanched to preserve their crunchiness.

The boiled chicken can be eaten with hor fun (河粉) or chicken rice (鸡饭). We opted for the former (RM2.00). The flat rice noodle is delightfully springy. In addition, the clear chicken soup in which hor fun is served in is quite strong in flavor.

Although Lou Wong's bean sprouts chicken is reasonably good, it is not impossible to find other restaurants that can cook equally well. The tables are served by elderly staff members whose patience is in short supply. So it is advisable to make up your mind before placing orders.