KEN HUNTS FOOD: Grand Yong Tofu (醸六宝) @ I-Avenue, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Grand Yong Tofu (醸六宝) @ I-Avenue, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Yong Tofu offers variety and a well-balanced diet due to the vast selection of stuffed crunchy greens; it comes to us as no surprise why the young female executives would prefer having Yong Tofu for lunch over a hefty plate of Chicken Rice. Within a short driving distance away from the Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone, I-Avenue at Bukit Jambul just saw the opening of Grand Yong Tofu. Aptly named, Yong Tofu is the only possible food that you could order at Grand Yong Tofu. The fully air-conditioned place is good as a casual dining spot but may not be an ideal spot for family gathering (might be a little cramped, even for small groups of diners). Grand Yong Tofu is located on the same row as Maybank and Subway, facing Bukit Jambul Complex (or Perodua Showroom).

Hakka Noodles (Rm 3)

Water Spinach (Rm 1.20)

Fish Ball (Rm 1)

Deep Fried Bean Curd Puff (Rm 2)

There are many items of hand-made Yong Tofu available at Grand; some of the uncommon ones are stuffed Watercress, Water Spinach, Bok Choy/ Chinese Cabbage, Broccoli etc. Those who prefer their Yong Tofu with a crunch would be glad to know that Grand offers two types of Yong Tofu- the deep fried ones and boiled version. The broth that comes along is light and clean in taste, certainly greasy and carries a burden of flavors. Alternatively, if you would prefer something with bold flavors, go for their Curry version or Tom Yum soup.

The Fish Balls were good, bouncy and most chewy to our liking but other items did not stand out. The stuffed Tofu was thinly done, too thin that it lacked of the bite. As for the playful ones (stuffed Greens), they lost the shape and it turned out to be a bowl of soupy greens in lieu of crunchy greens. Deep Fried items were most disappointing, not only that they were overly greasy, we thought some of the items were overly cooked either. Texture was rough and hard, we had a hard time to split the Bean Curd Sheet and it was too awkward to the bite. If I may, I'd prefer some hint of Salted Fish to the Fish Paste, for the distinctive but addictive aroma.

You may also load your carbohydrates by ordering their Hakka Noodles (Rm 3), douse them with the sweet Chili sauce and it can be dangerously addictive but we were a little disturbed by the absence of the quintessential Braised Minced Meat.