Wednesday, March 29, 2017

[New Management] Loke Thye Kee (乐台居) @ Burmah Road, Georgetown, Penang.

With near to 10 years of experience in the food & beverage industry, BRFNC Food Services (same management as Blue Reef Fish N Chips) takes over the management of Loke Thye Kee, an iconic heritage building that sits right smack in central Georgetown. The 88 year old building stays as it is, the only change made was the newly rolled out menu. It is a space dedicated to marry history with good food. Loke Thye Kee was once famed as one of the first established Hainanese restaurants in Georgetown in the olden days; with that in mind, the new management decided to preserve the Hainanese element as well as introducing some Nyonya dishes to the menu. The old school atmosphere is a reminiscent of the past- the interior decoration suggests evocative memories on the Hainanese Kopitiam. The restaurant opens as early as 8:30 am and expect to see an intimate variety of Hainanese Coffee with Toast for breakfast; full-fledged Hainanese-Nyonya menu will be served starting from noon. If you are on the lookout for Pork-Free caterer, Loke Thye Kee provides catering services as well.

Many Thanks to Loke Thye Kee for hosting us that afternoon.



Hainanese Choon Piah (Rm 12 for 2)


Kerabu Kacang Botol (Rm 12)

No longer an ubiquitous dish, the Hainanese Choon Piah can only be found in certain Hainanese restaurants and we are glad that Loke Thye Kee serves that. We found Loke Thye Kee's version extremely palatable, the skin was thin while the filling was tasty; a pity that untrained taste buds could not discern the presence of the crab meat. We enjoyed our share of the Choon Piah with the Hainanese-dip, a concoction made of Worcestershire sauce and Chilies. 

Another appetizer, the Kerabu Kacang Botol was again a palate-pleaser. It possessed the quintessential crunch with addictive meaty bite (from the Dried Shrimp). It was cleverly seasoned with a nice balanced of acidity as well as sweetness; would be even better with a hint of chilies to jazz up the heat. 


Assam Prawns (Rm 18 for 6)


Braised Duck and Yam/ Ak Orh (Rm 28)


Gulai Tumis- Red Snapper (Rm 45/ half fish)

Speaking of unusual offering, the braised Yam and Duck is definitely a rare gem. Loke Thye Kee has executed well, the Yam balls made of shredded Yam and molded into spherical shape was delicious. The texture was somewhat beyond our imagination, it was soft with a gritty texture; the Yam flavor was bold and worked well with the Duck. Our only wish was the Duck could be served in small pieces.

The Gulai Tumis- Red Snapper was served to us piping hot; the dangerously addictive Gulai Tumis was perfectly spoon over rice. It ticked all the boxes- fresh fish and robust with flavors, the curry registered the much-sought-after acidity (from Tamarind); if only it was a little spicier. The Assam Prawns were alright, it did not leave us with a very deep impression. The sauce was good but the Prawns were not as juicy and plump as we would have hoped. 


Hainanese Chicken Chop (Rm 19)

Loke Thye Kee's Hainanese Chicken Chop could easily outsize any cafes/ restaurants selling Chicken Chop out there, it was battered with Egg and served over sauce in Tomato-red hue. It was not authentic but it was perfectly fine as a dish alone. The meat was juicy and plump while the sauce was carefully seasoned. The wedges soaked under the Chicken Chop lost the crisp and thus, we were left underwhelmed. Good value nevertheless.


Additional Information:
Pork-Free
Service Charge: Yes 10%
Government Tax: No
Address: 2, Jalan Burmah, 10050, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 8:30 am to 12 pm (breakfast); 12 pm to 9:30 pm (lunch and dinner). Closed on Tuesdays.
Contact Number: 604- 264 1919

2 comments:

  1. I love how everything looks so clean, refreshing to look at, nice to eat too, I'm sure. Good luck to the new management.

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