There is a huge Malaysian population in Sydney but it’s not the easiest thing to find good Malaysian food. Among a handful of good restaurants in town, Ho Jiak has been my all-time favourite. The owner from Penang spent his childhood watching and learning cooking from her Grandmother (Amah). “Good things are meant to be shared” is his idea to share Nyonya “legacy” to diners.
Loh Bak 卤肉 15
Having had this dish multiple times because it’s just one of my favourite. It’s not the most common dish you would see at any Malaysian restaurant in Sydney yet it’s so good. The name “Loh Bak” has nothing to do with “Raddish” (Same pronunciation in Cantonese). Instead, they are five spice pork rolls wrapped with bean curd skin, and deep fried until perfectly crunchy on the outside.
The best way to enjoy this dish is with their glutinous rice and spicy sauce.
Streamed Pork Belly with Okra
Okra is such an important element in Malaysian cuisine and this steamed dish is just simple and clean. The black bean and chili gave the dish a kick and character.
Choay tau eu Razor Clams
Razor clams may not be the most common seafood in Sydney but they nailed it just by using sesame oil and garlic. They are medium in size but the meat was fresh and almost crunchy-like. I can literally finish the whole plate all by myself.
Deep fried Barramundi with black bean sauce
As a fish lover, this barramundi was cooked nicely even after deep fried. The meat was almost falling apart without being overcooked. It is served with soy sauce, ginger, chilli and garlic. Just how I like it.
Sam Wong Dan 三王蛋 15
Silky steamed century, duck and chicken egg. This is such a homecooking dish and my mum used to make it for us to go with a big bowl of steamed jasmine rice. It’s steamed until perfectly silky smooth and the salted duck egg was to die for.
Char Koay Teow Pattaya 炒貴刁
Hands down my favourite dish at Ho Jiak. It is their signature spicy stir fried rice noodles with seafood, chinese sausage, lard and a lot more. The best part of this dish is the “Wok Hay” that’s the wok flavor from the high temperature cooking. I can never get enough of it and it’s definitely a must order.
Lobster and salted fish fried rice
Fried rice done right at Ho Jiak. Each kernel of rice is separated from each other. The ocean flavor and salted fish blended well with the rice. The aroma from the price is almost heavenly. It’s such a nice carb to go down with all other delicious dishes and we just can’t enjoy a meal without some good old rice.
When it comes to dessert, Ho Jiak serves a mix of traditional and contemporary sweet dishes. You will find something you like because they are going to bring you your childhood memory.
Air Mata Kucing 罗汉果龙眼冰糖炖冬瓜水 8
Isn’t it the healthiest sweet soup ever? This clear soup with Luo han guo, dried longan and wintermelon is best for female, if you know what I mean.
Pulut Hitam (Hot) 椰奶黑糯米(热) 8
Personally, this is my favourite dessert so far. This perfect winter dessert black glutinous rice porridge with coconut milk was so heartwarming and hearty. I can feel that this dish is calling my name to come back again!
Teh Tarik Affogato 奶茶阿芙佳朵 10
When you come here, you must try their housemade Teh Tarik (Malaysian milk tea) . They even made ice cream out of it and served with kopi (coffee), which cleverly became a true Malaysian affogato!
Ais Cendol 煎蕊 8
Am I going back in time? I am having smile on my face when I see this Pandan jelly noodles served with coconut milk. It’s sweet and milky but not overly sweetened.
HK.BLOGGER 