Those with Teo Chew roots would resonate better with the dishes served at Lai H’ng Cafe 梨园, a new cafe that offers a menu with Teo Chew delicacies. One  of the main aims of this cafe is to promote the Teo Chew Puppetry and Opera’ not only that the place has relevant decor but the proprietor could also arrange a private Teo Chew Puppetry and Opera screening session on weekends. The menu is fairly small at the moment- with only one type of main (the Teo Chew Oyster Porridge) and various small dishes like Dumplings, Fried Fritters etc. Suitable for those who seek a different cafe experience. Lai H’ng Cafe shares the same place as the Teo Chew Puppetry and Opera House on Armenian Street but the entrance to the cafe can be found at Lebuh Carnavon. 

Oyster Porridge (Rm 15)

Cuttlefish with Rojak Sauce (Rm 14)

Chai Kueh (Rm 4 for 2 pieces)

Mugwort Kueh (Rm 4 for 2 pieces)

Si Koh Th’ng (Rm 8)

Start with the Dumplings- Chai Kueh and Mugwort Kueh; the former one was plump and huge in sizes, the skin was soft and the filling was nicely cooked. The seasoning was spot on… though we did not like the touch of Garlic Oil, we thought it made the dish greasier. The latter one was a “Today’s Special”, made from a type of traditional Chinese Herb, the chewy skin carried a hint of herbaceous flavor. The filling was pretty much standard Mung Bean filling but the sweetness was nicely balanced. Another side- the Cuttlefish with Rojak Sauce; both the Cuttlefish and Water Spinach were beautifully cooked with a crunch, the Rojak sauce was a little too sweet to our liking and would be better if some Chili paste was added. The main- Oyster Porridge was served to us piping hot and has a generous toppings of Shark’s Meat, Dried Oyster, Pork Belly and some Chinese Fried Crullers. The Porridge was expertly seasoned and the portion was generous. There were real Dried Oyster pieces and not those chopped finely ones. While the toppings were generous, we still thought it was slightly overpriced. 

Ratings:

Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 6.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal
Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Business Hours: 12 pm to 8 pm. Closed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Contact Number: 6012- 485 3377