Onn Kee Ipoh Chicken Rice Penang, the famed franchise from Ipoh, has set up shop at Island 88.
When it comes to chicken rice, there’s a clear divide between good and excellent.
Is Onn Kee Ipoh Chicken Rice worth the hype?
Onn Kee is one of the Top 5 Bean Sprout Chicken in Ipoh (Nga Choi Kai). While it carries the weight of its reputation, does it live up to expectations?
Let’s break it down.
A Food Court Setup, Not a Restaurant
Walking into the Island 88 branch of Onn Kee, you’ll notice it feels more like a food court stall than a proper restaurant.
There are no walls, just a cordoned-off area, and it lacks the inviting ambiance of a traditional chicken rice eatery.
Once seated, the awkwardness of walking out after committing to a meal sets in.
So I stayed.
Onn Kee Pricing
The higher price was one of the main letdowns.
The menu lists three types of chicken:
- Meat Chicken (RM18) – Standard broiler chicken, affordable but lacks depth in flavor.
- Kampung Chicken (RM25) – Free-range with a firmer texture and distinct taste.
- Beard Chicken (RM25) – Unique dark meat is known for tenderness but at a premium price.
Even the lowest-priced chicken option, at RM18, doesn’t include rice (an additional RM2.60 per bowl).
Typical Penang chicken rice usually includes rice, free soup, and condiments.
Onn Kee should at least provide serviettes as a restaurant, but none were offered.
For those on a budget, other chicken rice franchise offers a Single Combo Meal with a drink at RM10.90—a far more wallet-friendly option.
Unfortunately, such sets weren’t available at Onn Kee during my visit.
The Chicken and Rice
The chicken had the right tenderness and flavor reminiscent of Nga Choi Kai (Ipoh-style chicken).
The soy sauce was aromatic but overly salty and oily.
The rice had a subtle fragrance but lacked the richness and buttery texture I associate with excellent chicken rice.
The chili sauce was a complete let down.
It was watery and lacked the expected fiery kick.
While I considered ordering the bean sprouts (taugeh), I hesitated, unsure if they’d match the crunchiness and plumpness of those from Ipoh.
Service
I discovered that the service staff is not only young; they don’t need to understand English.
They are unable to provide recommendations.
Worst still they are unable to respond to concerns like the tattered, unhygienic menu.
While having branded plastic plates and cutlery may look nice, basic things to include include a serviette (which was not given and had to be requested).
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an authentic Ipoh chicken rice experience, Onn Kee Ipoh Chicken Rice Penang at Island 88 is a quick fix for those looking for Ipoh chicken rice in Penang.
However, the steep prices and lackluster execution make it hard for a positive recommendation.
For RM20+, you can find better chicken rice in Penang restaurants, offering rice, soup, and better service.
If you’re nostalgic for Ipoh’s Nga Choi Kai but want to avoid traveling, Onn Kee’s Island 88 chicken rice might be your best bet.
For me, though, it’s a one-and-done experience.
I’ll stick to Penang’s local chicken rice gems that deliver more value and flavor.
Have you tried Onn Kee’s chicken rice? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Ipoh Onn Kee Tauge Ayam – Island 88
Location: Island Plaza
Address: 118, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Seri Tanjung Pinang, 10470 Penang
Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. The post reflects the editor’s opinion, and no payment or sponsorship was received for this article.
