Chinese New Year Poon Choy @Hakka Tree, Penang

BY CK Lam

Hakka Tree (客福家) in Penang is no stranger to diners looking for Hakka cuisine. Located on the first floor of Tesco Tanjung Pinang and also in Gurney Plaza, the outlets are known for its selection of homemade Hakka Yong Tau Foo.

Hakka Tree Tesco Tanjung Pinang

As this month is Chinese New Year, the owner hosted the festive Poon Choy for us at Tesco Tanjung Pinang. We gathered around to savor the massive dish emphasized on pork besides vegetables and dried seafood.

The Poon Choy is layered with 14 specially chosen delicacies such as Chile abalones, prawns, Chinese black mushrooms, broccoli, preserved oysters, fried golden bags, pork knuckle, Australian sea cucumber, yam, radish, deep-fried foo chuk and New Zealand scallops.

The broth boiled with pork knuckle, dried scallops and dried oysters for long hours has rich meaty and umami flavors. Cut chilies in soy sauce are served with the dish.

Pot of Poon Choy kept warm on top of gas stove

The Poon Choy is priced at RM328nett (for 6-8 pax) with a gift of 5 x MYR30 vouchers (three months validity from the date of purchase).

A Chinese New Year meal wouldn’t be complete without the Yee Sang. In the menu, the owner had included the traditional dish in combination with salmon to usher in the Year of The Rooster.

Priced at RM38nett (2-3 pax) and RM66nett (6-8 pax), the Yee Sang platter comes with fresh vegetables, pickled ingredients along with roasted nuts, sesame seeds, jelly fish, fruity sweet sauce and condiments.

Hakka Tree Yee Sang

Then, for those who would want some desserts and treats, Hakka Tree do serve deep-fried Taro Dumplings with net-like crispy coating and ‘Foo Chok’ Barley tong-sui, among others.

Taro Dumplings

The Hakka Tree Poon Choy and Yee Sang are available in both their Tesco Tanjung Pinang and Gurney Plaza outlets from 15th January to 6th February 2017. Minimum two days advance booking is required.

Hakka Tree Gurney Plaza