If you are looking for the best chicken rice ball in Melaka, look no further. It has to be Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball.
Hoe Kee was founded by the patriach in the 60's where he started to sell his rice balls on a bicycle at the streets of Melaka. He did his rounds in the afternoons and evenings while ringing his bell, which was one of the fondest memories of my parents, who grew up eating Hoe Kee's rice balls.
Now, 2 generations later, they have 2 shoplots along Jonker Street, renovated beautifully to the Old fashioned chinese mansion. And it doesn't stop here, not only the ambience is great, their food is very delicious as well.
There are many skeptics on which is the famous rice ball in Melaka, let alone on Jonker Street. It is safe to say, Hoe Kee is the first and the best of them all.
First, the leading role which is the rice ball itself. Amongst the many shops we have been to, none of them seem to have found the right balance between the density of the rice ball and the toughness of it.
Whereas the chicken, oh boy, I must say, it is just as tasteful as it looks. You have a choice of roasted or steamed chicken but we tend to go for the original, the steamed chicken which definitely not for the faint hearted! Tender, tasty and very fresh. Most might not know of another hidden specialty of Hoe Kee, which is their Assam Fish head. Now, this is a notorious dish amongst the locals here. It is known for being a tad spicy but nonetheless very very delicious and reasonable priced.
The tantalizing lunch ended up with 30 pieces of rice balls, a whole steamed chicken with gizzards and liver and one assam fish head.
Damage done was only RM57!
