Click Mun Choong Seafood Restaurant (中和园民众酒楼) – Ipoh, Perak
Overview
Mun Choong Seafood Restaurant, located in Pasir Puteh, Ipoh, is a long-established and popular dining spot known for its fresh seafood, authentic stir-fried dishes, and affordable prices. The restaurant offers a lively, spacious setting and caters to families, friends, and groups celebrating special occasions. With its emphasis on freshness and strong wok-hei flavors, Mun Choong has earned a reputation as one of the go-to places for local Chinese cuisine in Ipoh.
Address & Opening Hours
-
Address: 511, Jalan Pasir Puteh, Taman Camay, 31650 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
-
Opening Hours:
-
Lunch: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
-
Dinner: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
-
Open daily (Monday to Sunday)
-
Tip: The restaurant is often very busy during evenings and weekends. Reservations are recommended, especially for special dishes that may require advance order.
Signature Dishes
As a seafood specialist, the menu highlights a wide range of fresh catches, while its stir-fried dishes are equally well-regarded:
-
Water Spinach in Superior Broth (上汤芫菜): A local favorite often ordered by regulars. Cooked with a savory broth that may include century egg, salted egg, and garlic, this dish is both flavorful and refreshing.
-
Sweet and Sour Grouper: Fresh grouper fillet is deep-fried until crispy, then stir-fried with a tangy sweet-and-sour sauce. A Cantonese classic that tests the chef’s skills.
-
Creamy Pork Ribs: Deep-fried ribs coated in a rich, creamy sauce. A popular non-seafood option that is fragrant, savory, and satisfying with rice.
-
Live Seafood Selection: Guests can choose from tanks of live seafood such as crabs, prawns, lobsters, and fish. Cooking styles vary from simple steaming to garlic, butter, or ginger preparations.
-
Stir-Fried Specialties: Dishes like Hokkien noodles, “Moonlight” hor fun (egg-topped rice noodles), ginger and scallion beef, and sweet-and-sour pork are all praised for their wok-hei and consistency.
What Makes It Stand Out
-
Seafood Expertise: Wide variety of fresh seafood prepared in multiple styles to suit different preferences.
-
Authentic Stir-Fry (“Chu Char”) Flavor: Highlights the essence of Malaysian Chinese home-style cooking – generous portions, bold flavors, and wok-hei.
-
Bustling Atmosphere: A lively dining hall that reflects the everyday dining culture of Ipoh’s Chinese community.
-
Value for Money: Portion sizes are generous, and pricing is considered reasonable for the quality and freshness provided.
Conclusion
For visitors seeking a relaxed yet flavorful dining experience in Ipoh, Mun Choong Seafood Restaurant is a strong choice. Its focus on fresh seafood, local stir-fried specialties, and hearty portions makes it ideal for both casual meals and festive gatherings. Compared to its sister establishment, Mun Choong Restaurant in central Ipoh, which is better known for traditional banquet dishes and dim sum, the Pasir Puteh branch emphasizes seafood and “chu char” favorites. Both, however, are recognized as landmarks of Ipoh’s dining scene and are well worth