Restoran Chok Kar Chong Abacus Seeds

After undergoing a dental treatment, I was craving something soft and comforting. I decided to try the minced pork porridge from Restoran Chok Kar Chong, a place I hadn’t ordered from before. At RM13.50 for the porridge and only RM6.70 for delivery all the way from Taman Gembira, it felt like a low-risk move.

The porridge arrived well-packed and warm. It was savoury and adequately seasoned, though it didn’t quite have the ultra-smooth, velvety consistency that I associate with a good bowl from Meng Kee. Still, it did the job, especially after a morning in the dentist’s chair.

David's yee mee was decent too according to him. The noodles and the ingredients were good but the soup, he said was quite run of the mill.

Curiosity got the better of me when I noticed they had a selection of Hakka dishes, and I added a serving of Hakka Abacus (RM16.50) to the order. That turned out to be the real gem of the meal.

The abacus seeds—made from yam—had a slightly soft texture, not as firm or chewy as I typically prefer, but they were undeniably tasty. Stir-fried with minced pork, dried shrimp, black fungus, mushroom, spring onions and coriander, the dish was rich with the kind of layered umami that keeps you going back for another bite. It was balanced, deeply savoury, and felt nourishing in a very grounded, home-cooked way.

Given the state of my teeth and appetite, it turned out to be just the kind of meal I needed. The abacus seeds from Restoran Chok Kar Chong especially hit the right spot—comforting, flavourful, and full of familiar notes. A pleasant surprise from a place I’ll now remember for more than just porridge.