Hong Jia Lao Guo Taman Megah Serves Good Nostalgia

Hong Jia Lao Guo hotpot in Tmn Megah is just a stone’s throw away from Megah Rise. Chiefeater Maya found this place for us, and we are grateful. Their fish head hotpot with taro is a home run for me. I’ve had similar soup bases in Sg before but this takes the cake.

Originally from Kedah, incepted in 1989- they’re using the same secret recipe in their 2 outlets at PJ and Kepong.

Theirs is a Teochew taro hotpot with grouper- a smash hit. The famous HK gourmet Hugo Leung approves apparently.

It’s nostalgic I give them that- walking in you see the paraphernalia of the 50s, 60s and 70s - the National AC with wooden grills, the classic radio and of course the china (plates and saucers Boomers and Gen Xers would instantly recognise)

Their sauces were good - all homemade. Their Thai chili and sambal piqued my interest most.

Then their ingredients. The usual hotpot staples except for a few more interesting additions such as duck and pig blood/cakes. Definitely a must try.

Their homemade shrimp and cuttlefish paste comes in nostalgic tin cans - a delightful twist.

Oh, and we had Anglia Shandy. Go to their refrigerator in the back and you will find nostalgia in bottles - from Coca Cola to Kickapoo. Some brands our younger ones wouldn’t even have heard of! They also serve traditional flavoured ice popsicles as dessert - those we oldies had@ school in the 60s and 70s

Overall a 7/10 experience.