Kiow Jie Hakka Yong Taufu is Too Refined

The famous Uncle Lim Hakka Yong Tau Foo, once a beloved roadside staple on Peel Road, had vanished for several years, leaving many loyal patrons in a state of longing. To my delight, it has resurfaced in Bandar Mahkota Cheras under the new name Kiow Jie Hakka Yong Tau Fu. Eager to relive the flavours of old, I finally made my way to this new location.

The new venue is certainly a step up from the original roadside stall, offering a much more comfortable dining environment. The service here is courteous and attentive, adding to the overall pleasant experience. However, as any true food lover knows, the real test lies in the quality of the Yong Tau Foo (YTF) itself.

The YTF filling at Kiow Jie Hakka Yong Tau Fu is now more refined and springy, with a subtle hint of salted fish. While the taste is not bad, I couldn't help but miss the chunky and less refined texture of the old style YTF, which had a better bite and a more robust flavour. It's a bit of a trade-off—better presentation and refinement versus the rustic charm and taste of the original.

One highlight of my visit was the curry chee cheong fun. It had the perfect balance of viscosity for my taste—not too thick and not too watery, creating a deliciously smooth and flavourful dish. It complemented the YTF well and added a comforting warmth to the meal.

All in all, my meal at Kiow Jie Hakka Yong Tau Fu came to RM15.30, including a drink, which I found to be quite reasonable. I might not find it to my liking but it doesn't matter. They now have a second outlet at Taman Connaught. That says it all.