Onn Kee Restaurant

Bean Sprouts Chicken @ Onn Kee Restaurant

Back (Left to Right): Carmen Crystal Ng and Lim Chi Yin
Middle (Left to Right): Chan Sze Cheng, Lim Yik Loong and Chin Sue Yee
Front: Chong Khang Jie

When it comes to the signature classic dish of Ipoh, the first image comes to mind is Ipoh’s bean sprouts chicken. Tourists and visitors usually flock to Lou Wong, but the more established and often overlooked Onn Kee Restaurant should not be ignored. There are two Onn Kee restaurants, one across from Lou Wong and the other next to it.

“Bean Sprouts Chicken” is the signature classic disc of Ipoh. It is hard to make a choice between “Lou Wong” and “Onn Kee” when people think about eating “bean sprouts chicken” in Ipoh. These two restaurants are well-known among not only the local residents as well as tourists. This time round, our group member who lives in Ipoh recommended us to try on “Onn Kee”.

Two Onn Kee restaurants open for business on the same street

Ipoh’s bean sprouts chicken is well-known to everyone and it has become a representative food in Ipoh. However, many people are not clearly aware of its origin or history.

In the year 1968, Malaya was occupied by British’s armies who liked to enjoy the night entertainment. Hence, discotheques and pubs were opened everywhere in Malaya. Most of the armies would seek for supper at the nearby street hawker stall after their night entertainment. Many street hawker stalls were opened for business during that time due to the high demand and become one of the cultural scenes in Ipoh. Besides, the hawkers were requested to serve the chicken, bean sprouts and rice noodles (Hor Fun) separately by those British’s armies to maintain the original taste of the food, hence, it forms the “Bean Sprouts Chicken”.

“Onn Kee” was founded by Leet Hoo for 44 years ago. It was first stated business by Leet Hoo and her sister from just a small hawker stall in Ipoh. The business was continued by her three children now. Onn Kee restaurant has their own suppliers to supply them the fresh bean sprouts, chicken, and other raw ingredients. Now, there are two Onn Kee restaurants open for business, one is still keeping in the view as traditional street hawker stall and another one is served with air-conditioning to provide the customer with a comfortable environment ("Onn Kee Restaurant," 2015).

Air-conditioning environment

Hor Fun and Oil Rice

The first dish served was the famous flat rice noodle (Hor Fun/ Kuey Teow). Normally Ipoh people called it as “Hor Fun”. The customer can choose either the “Hor Fun” serve in dry or in soup. The silky smooth “Hor Fun” is paired with some salty and sweet broth flavored with dried squids, resulting in a nice smoky flavor. Besides, this flat rice noodle is mixed with the essence of chicken, dash of pepper, light soy sauce, sesame oil and shallot oil. It tastes smooth and springy, which is totally different as compare with the rice noodle in another place. The bowl of steaming hot hor fun is uncomplicated, yet flavourful. Besides, “Onn Kee” also provides white rice and oil rice which is also the perfect companion to serve together with the bean sprouts chicken. The price for Hor Fun and oil rice is between RM 2 to RM3 per serving.

Bean Sprouts Chicken

Bean Sprouts

The second dish is the bean sprouts (Tauge). It is a must order dish when you dine in at “Onn Kee”. Bean sprouts from Ipoh are different from other places, which is grown from the limestone hill water. It’s looked fatter and shorter and taste crunchier. The bean sprouts are served with a dash of pepper, soy source, and scallion over them.

Poached Chicken

The main dish serves at “Onn Kee” is the poached chicken. The chicken is smooth, tender and drizzled generously with the shop’s blend of light soya sauce and oil. The chicken skin is looked shiny but is not oily; the meat is smooth, tender and juicy. Poached chicken has always remained freshness. Price for one whole poached chicken is RM 40.

Beside the foods mentioned above, “Onn Kee” also serves other food such as meatball, pork rib, other Chinese dishes, and dessert such as pudding. This restaurant also serves a wide range of beverage such as juice, Chinese tea, and herbal tea. The customer would like to order one pot of Chinese tea and enjoy with their friends and family. Normally, people would like to have their lunch or dinner there. There is such a good place to entertain friends who come from other place or having a family gathering here. The price is well stated or requests from the waiters before taking an order. The price is reasonable.

Enjoying the food

We have collected some feedback from Onn Kee's customers:

“Onn Kee” Hor Fun is easily slithered down and most of them tend to add some soy sauces with ‘cilipadi’ when eating the Hor Fun as it tastes nicer.” - Mr. Lim

“Besides, some of them like to eat the bean sprouts as they said it was crunchy and juicy. The chicken was up to expectation as it is tender and smooth.” - Mdm Chong

“I like the taste of the chicken being served in “Onn Kee” as it is taste nicer as compared to other shops in Ipoh. However, their service should be improved as they are advised to serve their customer more politely.” - Mr. Chong

“I like the handmade meatball here because it is chewy and fresh.” - Alice

“Besides order bean sprouts and chicken, I like to order one bowl of curry soup to eat together with the oil rice. Curry soup is thick and I like the taste.” - Leo

“I love the poached chicken here. It is always done right with firm, juicy and flavourful meat. Even the chicken skin has a nice, pleasant crunch without being too fatty.” - Carmen

Here's the video clip for our group

Onn Kee Restaurant (Tauge Ayam Kue Tiau)
Business Hours: 10 am – 2 am (Shop will be closed for one day in every two weeks, excluding public holiday)

Phone: 016-544 4226

Pre-order number: 019-564 6161

Website: http://www.onnkee.com/
E-mail: info@onnkee.com
Address: No. 48, 51, 53, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, 30300 Ipoh, Perak.

GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 4.593835 | Longitude: 101.083947  

Here’s a  Google Map to “Onn Kee”