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Monday 5 October 2015

Chop Chung Wah Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball @ Melaka

Looking back at the meal we had at Chop Chung Wah 6 years ago, it’s kinda crazy to see all the changes that have taken place in the vicinity.
Now, there’s a Hard Rock cafe next to the coffee shop while many shops nearby have been renovated and turned into hippy cafes. One thing that for sure did not change is the popularity of Chung Wah’s chicken rice balls, as many people are still patiently queuing for it under the hot sun.

Chung-Wah-Chicken-Rice-Melaka
I actually did not plan to eat here again for the obvious reasons. But since one of our companions from Ipoh purposely came down to Melaka just for the chicken rice balls here, I thought it might be worthwhile to revisit the experience – and of course not let her down too.
By the way, the sour plum juice sold by the uncle outside the coffee shop is totally legit and refreshing, and it’s only RM2 per cup. Great drink to sip away while waiting for your turn to eat.
Chop-Chung-Wah-Chicken-Rice
The queue looks really long but surprisingly, it didn’t take us long to be seated. The line was moving relatively quick and we got a table in under 30 minutes, albeit having to share it with other customers. That’s the thing with eating at touristy places, you will probably end up sharing a table with strangers.
Chicken-Rice-Uncle
Despite their brisk business, it’s good to know that most of the staff are locals and even the uncle is still here chopping away. They were friendly too and did not act arrogant (unlike some famous ones we see in KL and Penang) – in fact I’d say that they were accommodating considering the amount of customers they have to attend to. This is certainly one of the charms of eating in Melaka, most of the food operators are just that friendly regardless of their popularity.
Chicken-Rice-Balls
Perhaps it is to make their lives easier, half a chicken is now the minimum order and the rice balls are served in a plate of 5 @ RM0.40 each, making it RM2 per serving. Want a quarter chicken? Can’t do. Want breast meat or the thigh only? Nope. You want to take away 12 rice balls? Too bad, the order must be in an increment of 5 pieces. Keep that in mind so you won’t get a bill shock when you’re charged RM25+ for a supposedly simple lunch.
Chicken-Rice-Price

Half-Hainan-Chicken
To be frank I never really cared about the rice balls because I think it’s just a gimmick to attract tourists. As for the chicken, it’s still as good as I remembered it. It’s not the soft, melt-in-your-mouth kind that you’d get in Ipoh.
The way they prepared their chicken, it’s tender but with a bite – one that requires you to chew to really savour the flavours. And not to mention the unique chili sauce that’s just wonderful, especially when paired with the chicken.
Chicken-Gizzard-Liver
They might not look very appetizing but the gizzards are nice and chewy with a crunch. I usually skip the livers, though.
Chop-Chung-Wah-Chicken-Rice-Restaurant
Although Chop Chung Wah’s chicken rice ball may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I still recommend that you give them a shot just for the sake of experience if you have the time to queue and your budget also allows for it. But if you think the chicken rice here is pricey, rest assured you’re not alone.
Chop Chung Wah Hainanese Chicken Rice
Chung Wah Coffee Shop
18 Lorong Hang Jebat
75200 Malacca
Business hours: 8am – 3pm daily

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