I felt like a kid in a candy store.

It was my first time trying poon choi, and I was mesmerised.

It is said that a long time ago, poon choi was cooked in large wooden wash basins to serve the multitudes.  Things have evolved since, and in Restoran LYJ, the poon choi is served in a metal tray and kept warm on a portable stove.  The interesting aspect of this dish is that the ingredients are layered, starting with the bottom layer consisting of the braised foods like pork knuckles, fish stomach, abalone, mushroom and chicken feet.  The second layer consisted of the rest of Old McDonald’s farm – roast duck, chicken, fish and vegetables.   After a while, the essence from the various meats seeped into the sauce to create a wonderful synergy of flavours. 

This dish can feed between 10 to 12 people and is a popular dish during the Chinese New Year festivities.  It was RM218 for this platter last year; prices may have gone up since.  To order this dish, call one day in advance.  The good news is that you can also order this dish and have it at home.  I believe there is a deposit to pay for the container if you wish to tar-pau.

Finding this restaurant can be a nightmare if you’re not familiar with the Sungai Buloh area.  If you’re driving along Jalan Batu Tiga Sungai Buloh (off Jalan Sungai Buloh), shortly after the army camp (on the right) is a right turning to Jalan Welfare.  If you see Loong Kee Bak Kut Teh and a petrol station soon after that, you will know that you have gone beyond the turning.  Once you are on Jalan Welfare, keep going even if you think you’ve arrived at another country.  Jalan Perkhidmatan is on the left.  Military fatigues are optional.

The restaurant also serves a mean fish head dish served with black bean paste and chillies, and Thai-style tiger prawns cooked with fragrant caramelised onions.  Fasting before going is recommended.

For more reviews, go HERE, and HERE, and HERE.

Restoran LYJ
PT 11, Jalan Perkhidmatan, Kg Baru, 47000 Sungai Buloh.

Tel: 03-6140 2698

Operating hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm, 6.00pm to 10pm.  Closed on Monday nights and during CNY.