Forget your typical steamed or roasted chicken rice. This decades-old shop in Seapark serves their Chicken Rice (from RM7) with deep-fried chicken alongside the usual suspects – amazing chilli sauce and chicken soup that warrants an extra bowl. Look forward to tender chicken encased in a thin layer of skin that packs a crunch. Pro tip: Drizzle the extra garlicky chicken oil over the rice for more flavour boost.
Another time-honoured local establishment found in Seapark is Hoe Fong, where you will set sights on a seasoned uncle brandishing shiny whole chickens still dripping oil from the wok. Deep-fried without batter, their signature chicken offers a distinctive taste that's unlike anything your usual chicken rice has to offer. A plate of Chicken Rice here will cost you RM6.50, and take this advice (it's free) — drizzle dark soy sauce over your oiled rice and ask for extra chicken oil to add into your soup for a torrent of flavours! Though it makes for an unusual partner to chicken rice, the Lor Bak (from RM1.70) packed with Penang's authenticity is also a must-order.
Avg Price: RM15
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh
If you’re a fan of fried chicken and rice, you’ll like Restoran Hoe Fong in Seapark. The chicken here is deep fried in hot boiling oil and served with a bowl of soup and rice. The oil dripping from the fried chicken will be retained after cooking to serve on the side too. We were told by our trusty tourguide and tastemaker Brian (@leowbrian) to add the oil into the soup and top a couple of spoonfuls to our rice for added moist and flavour. Sure enough, the pairing was delicious and we were not disappointed!
