Ask me what to eat in Taiping two weeks ago and I would have given you a blank stare in return. I’ve never been to Taiping until recently, when rif decided to visit this small town for a mini food adventure with a few of our friends. Wan Li Restaurant was our first stop, for some Hainanese chicken chop.

My first impression of the place wasn’t a good one – everything was rundown and I didn’t see anyone eating any Hainanese chicken chop or pork chop. Most of them went straight to the mixed rice stall. I had my doubts. “You sure about this place?” I asked rif, He told me to trust him, so I did.

Each of us ordered the chicken chop (RM7.50) and were told to wait for about 30 minutes. Hungry, we ordered a plate of Hainanese spring rolls (RM2.50 each) to share. These were pretty good – the rolls were generously filled with minced meat, carrots and sengkuang. The auntie re-heated the rolls in the fryer, so they were served hot and crispy.

I decided to try my luck with the mixed rice section, and got a bowl of choy keok (RM3) to share. A pity this was already cold, for this spicy and sour dish would have been delicious when eaten hot. Especially during rainy days.

Coated with a light yet crispy batter, the chicken chop came with crinkled potato wedges and topped with brown gravy containing peas, carrots and onions. The meat was flavourful and moist, but I would have preferred the chicken leg rather than the breast. The potato wedges were good stuff – perfectly fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. If only they gave me more than five pieces…

All in, lunch was pretty decent. I wouldn’t say this chicken chop is worth going all the way to Taiping for, but if you’re around the area, there’s no harm giving this place a try.

Restoran Wan Li
No. 48, Jalan Kota,
34000 Taiping,
Perak
05-8086092

GPS Coordinates: N04 51.161 E100 44.557