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Deliciously Ho Jiak!

1. Ho Jiak Kopitiam @ Vivo Square
1. Ho Jiak Kopitiam @ Vivo Square

After a hectic workweek, it was time to reward ourselves with a great meal. Our Sunday dinner venue turned out to be Ho Jiak Kopitam at Vivo Square.

Ho Jiak (Hokkien dialect for ‘delicious’) is definitely a name that is not foreign to many local foodies, having made its stamp at Bercham more than 1.5 years ago. How delighted I was to rediscover the kopitiam, this time at its new location at Vivo Square.

2. interior
2. interior

I have not explored Vivo Square previously, though I knew about its development. Hence, I was clueless that it is now home to Ho Jiak Kopitiam. Since April, I was told! What joy it was to come across it!

3. a simply delicious dinner washed down with Sugar Cane served in tower size
3. a simply delicious dinner washed down with Sugar Cane served in tower size

So, what did we do but order Ho Jiak’s signature mini hot pots of Crab Porridge and Seafood Tomyam with beehoon? Each mini hot pot is actually good for two pax. Because we wanted to have more variety, two mini hot pots were more than sufficient.

As you can see, we also had Mix & Match platter of Chicken & Fish, Special Pork Chop Burger, Nasi Lemak Rendang Ayam, Fish Chop Rice and Chicken Chop Rice, all to wash down with iced Sugar Cane served in tower size (1.5L).

 4. Mini Hot Pot Crab Porridge
4. Mini Hot Pot Crab Porridge

There are three choices for Mini Hot Pot Crabs, and we opted for the porridge. There are actually two crabs in the pot, cooked together with the porridge. Vegetables are added in later so that they are not overcooked.

The pot of porridge is then served over a small stove to keep it warm. Love that the porridge has an overall crab taste, mixed with crab meat. To those who are not used to eating porridge as main course, it is actually quite light.

 5. Seafood Mini Hot Pot Beehoon in Tomyam
5. Seafood Mini Hot Pot Beehoon in Tomyam

Seafood Mini Hot Pot of Beehoon in Tomyam soup is a crowd favourite. With beehoon as base and filled to the brim with a variety of seafood ingredients such as clams, prawns, fish balls, etc., this mini hot pot is also good enough for two pax.

However, for a big eater, helped by the sourish tomyam soup base, this mini hot pot could very well be a single serving!

6. Mix & Match platter of Chicken & Fish
6. Mix & Match platter of Chicken & Fish

It’s a coincidence that Ho Jiak Kopitiam recently introduced a new Western-style meat combo menu. Called Mix & Match, diners have a choice of Chicken & Chicken, Chicken & Pork or Chicken & Fish. Ours was Chicken & Fish.

As you can see, it is served alongside fries and bread slices in a garden of vegetables. If you are a meat person, definitely go for this!

By now, you know that Ho Jiak Kopitam serves both Western & Chinese cuisine. Unlike many other eateries where the cook handles all menus, Ho Jiak has two different food preparation counters – one to fulfill orders for Western dishes, and another handles Chinese food. That’s professionalism for you.

7. Special Pork Chop Burger
7. Special Pork Chop Burger

Burgers are also available on the Western menu at Ho Jiak, and we opted for pork chop burger, which is something uncommon (to me). I found the pork chop to be juicy and tender, just heavenly when I sank my teeth into the bread. If you prefer chicken, that is a good option, too.

8. Nasi Lemak Rendang Ayam
8. Nasi Lemak Rendang Ayam

I wish to bring your attention to the Nasi Lemak Rendang Ayam. As I have always said, the sambal is the most important ingredient in a plate of nasi lemak. This paste positively deserves six stars!

Do take note that the rice is plain white rice and not ‘nasi lemak’ due to feedback from the majority of customers who voted for white rice, hence santan rice is unavailable here.

9. Fish Chop Rice
9. Fish Chop Rice
10. Chicken Chop Rice
10. Chicken Chop Rice

We also had Fish Chop & Chicken Chop Rice. They are rather similar, actually. The differences are in the meat, obviously, and the sauces. Order according to your meat preference. You will not go wrong with either one.

 11. Sugar Cane Tower
11. Sugar Cane Tower

Oh yes, did you see the Sugar Cane Tower? At 1.5L (with ice), it is good enough for four people. Besides this, another juice tower option is Nutmeg Fruit.

 12. al fresco dining
12. al fresco dining

By the way, Ho Jiak Kopitiam also offers al fresco dining, for guests who enjoy eating under the stars, like me. The kopitiam is actually very spacious, and can even cater to large groups for social gatherings such as birthday parties or reunion dinners.

13. lighted-up fountain
13. lighted-up fountain

Ho Jiak Kopitiam is a non-halal casual eatery, with various Penang Hokkien-influenced food and beverages. No reservation is required.

Ho Jiak Kopitiam
Add: No. 18. Jalan Lang Jaya 1, Vivo Square Pusat Komersial Lang Jaya, 30010 Ipoh, Perak.
Business hours: 12pm to 11pm – closed on Mondays
Facebook: Ho Jiak Koipitam

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With love

3 thoughts on “Deliciously Ho Jiak!

  1. I love your review and how detailed the post is with apt images! You make me want to visit this place ASAP!

  2. I like the name Ho Jiak and the sounds is very motivating enough to enjoy these foods and eat more! More Ho Jiak please!

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