Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Ong Lai (Goh Kee) Restaurant, Off Jalan Raja Laut

*hands in air* Don't shoot or at least don't frown. Yes it is another super late-ious post. Meant for before CNY break but well, better late than never.

It is quite hidden but once discovered, fuyoh (read: wow), you will find it warm, bright, homey and loud. After all it is a backlane Chinese eatery. Most KL-ites are familiar with this place. I only got acquainted with it in recent years since this area was rarely my destination after the sun goes down. Crowds of family, colleague, friend and business associate are attracted by the restaurant’s specialties such as Stir-fried Bitter Gourd with Chicken, Oyster Omelette and Steamed Fish Head. Almost every table orders these by default.

Except mine. Not a fan of gourds and cooked oysters.

Don’t fret, here’s how the hugely popular Steamed Fish Head looked like.See, huge block of head right? Chunks of meat.Different from most places, Chinese cabbage was laid atop the big head lending a distinct sweet taste to the fish.Not spicy, no thick gravy. Just ‘ch’ng-ch’ng-tei’ (clear and simple).One size serves all.When we had this, unwittingly we ordered Pineapple Sweet Sour Ribs too.Good but a bit of a struggle to finish. Did I mention the size of that fish dish?

Bill (forgot to ask for individual prices of the 2 dishes):RM1.00 shown is for one serving of rice. I skipped my share of carbo.

Fresh juice drinks are ordered at the same time but paid separately which was immediately when served. The ‘ket-chai-suin-mui’ (lime juice with sour plum) is good but quite pricey – RM2.50.
Nowadays yours truly is usually there for this:- Fish Head Vermicelli.
Don’t look like much but the taste will more than make up for it. Thick sweet fragrant with no fishy smell. It will take some waiting time as it is cooked pot by pot but well worth it.

Caution: Not suitable for children or lazy eaters as small bones are aplenty.

This minimum order of RM25.00 serves 2 but would do very nicely for 3 persons and (IMO) may even stretch to 4 if another meat dish is desired.

Location:-
It is bustling right behind this new hotel.

Note: Think it will be closed from 4th to 10th of February 2008 for Chinese New Year celebration. Okay okay, just keep this information for next year, k? *ducks almost silently away*

Update: Just went again. This time Phitoy insisted on the Bitter Gourd which I agreed on the condition it's with Pork Ribs instead of Chicken. Overdosed on chooks during CNY.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, I would love to try that fish. I love bitter gourd as well....I love all the dishes. Even the fish mee hoon! Slurrp.

I think all the prices are cheap.

Precious Pea said...

So was the bitter gourd any good? Quite cheap considering the size of the fish head. Sadly, that is a place that i rarely step foot on.

UnkaLeong said...

Pea : Was thinking of organizing a makan session herelah. The Fish Head Noodles are absolutely delicious. How on ah?

Tummy : Sorry Hor, pinjam your blog ;) Did you try the Pek Keh (tapioca dish)

Jason said...

Unkaleong: Eh... don't forget to include me yah!

Tummy: Sorry, didn't mean to invade your comment box :P

Anonymous said...

Ei the longkang looks familiar la. I think I've been here before with an ex-ex-boyfriend!!! Unkaleong, count me in on the makan session ar.

HairyBerry said...

sounds very familiar...especially when you mentioned Oyster Omelette...well, we usually go to the "other side"...nolar, it's not what you think...it's for the bkt lar..haha!

sc said...

my usual orders are fish head noodles (yummy!), or jien and the ribs in pineapple thingy..gosh, has been such a long time since my last meal there!

Anonymous said...

Usually go for curry fish head, just the first time get to know got steamed fish head...

"Joe" who is constantly craving said...

nvr got around to visiting this place while working around the corner..frens say that they rip u off quite badly haha depending on their mood..

Anonymous said...

Hehe. Notes comment invasion. Can make makan date here ah? :D

UnkaLeong said...

Kenny : Can Can...Eh, I will sent out an event invite on Facebooklah.

Tummy : Sorry again hor :P

wmw said...

Eh...makan session here? Wah bo chiak hu leh...but can eat other stuff, otherwise starve while watch you all eat ah? Sorry ah tummythoz. Where are you anyway??? Haven't seen you for ages! Come PJ, look for me!

Big Boys Oven said...

Wah I also want to make a date someone here! lol!

Anonymous said...

Suddenly Tummythoz's blog become lonelyhearts column ar?

Tummythoz said...

Talk away! Organise away! Match hearts (& tummies) away!
I sense free food my way.

Anonymous said...

I missed steam fish alot..!

fatboybakes said...

hey, this is the place that serves fish head meehoon in the day time right? if it is, i've eaten here, and was shocked at how cheap it was!!! or rather, syioked.

Julian Si said...

Nice write up ... I have to say it was good that you put a caution about the BONES / non compatibility with kiddies ... dangerous stuff!

http://juliansi.blogspot.com/2008/02/restoran-ong-lai-goh-kee-jalan-ipoh-kl.html

Cheers!

teckiee said...

I wanna makan all the fish dishes there.... i love the fish head!

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