Heun Kee Claypot Chicken Rice KL

Heun Kee Claypot Chicken Rice is renowned for its traditional claypot dishes cooked under a traditional charcoal fire. The restaurant is situated at Jalan Yew, Pudu, and has a rich history and a reputation for serving claypot chicken rice- one of Malaysia’s favorite comfort foods through the generations.

The restaurant was established in 1985, it began as a humble street stall in Kuala Lumpur. The founder, Madam Heun, perfected the art of making her staple Chicken claypot rice, through generations. Over the years, Heun Kee tad evolved into a brick-and-mortar establishment right here in Jalan Pudu in KL Malaysia, and is a popular dinner spot both locals and tourists alike. Let’s take a dine-in!

Menu selections

Queue area

Adjacent non-aircon seating

Today, Heun Kee operates in a clean and comfortable space with indoor and outdoor seating, occupying two store units including an adjacent coffee shop on top of their main unit. You can easily spot the restaurant by the rows of charcoal stoves lined on its exterior, where staff meticulously prepare each pot. Watching the process adds an interactive element to the experience, also while queuing to enter.

The Menu and Signature Dishes

Heun Kee’s menu highlights its famous claypot chicken rice, a must-try cooked over charcoal which gives it a distinctively smoky flavor. Also, the dish includes marinated chicken, chinese sausages, and salted fish for flavour. The rice is evenly cooked, with crispy bits at the bottom of the pot. The chicken is tender, marinated in a savory dark sauce, and complemented by strips of Chinese sausages.

Moreover, the claypot chicken rice comes in several sizes, suitable for both individual diners and families. Optional add-ons, such as mushrooms and salted egg yolks, enhance the dish further. Their Claypot Chicken Rice costs RM16 for a small portion (serving 1-2 pax) and RM28 for a large portion (good for 2-3 pax).

Their dishes are served with a side of chicken fat oil and self-help soy and chili sauces. The chicken is bone-in, which adds additional flavor into the dish, though others may prefer boneless chunks. The claypot rice here is of the wetter variety, where the claypot rice is cooked and removed before drying out, making it easier to stir and less likely to leave overly burnt bits at the bottom.

Pre added sauces

Chunky bone-in chicken

White carrot chicken soup

The preparation style using charcoal stoves ensures that the rice is thoroughly cooked and infused with the aroma of charcoal. It is tad reminiscent of New Lucky Claypot Rice at Holland Road in Singapore, though Heun Kee’s version is slightly more moist.

Wax Meat Rice

Another popular offering is their seasonal Wax Meat Rice, priced at RM30 for a small portion. It is also worth noting that smaller claypot sizes cook faster, requiring approximately 20 minutes. This dish features Chinese preserved meats, including sausages and duck, cooked in the same traditional charcoal method. The salted fish adds a robust savory taste, while the Chinese sausages provide sweetness and texture. The rice is served piping hot and is full of aroma from what is otherwise a very busy dish with lots of ingredients.

Also, it is recommended to stir the dish when served, as it thoroughly enhances the dish’s flavors with a crispy bottom layer. Also, if you are a fan of duck and wax meat, this is the dish to go for. While the Wax Meat Rice is pricier due to premium ingredients, it’s worth trying as a starter and accompanied with main servings of their main staple Claypot Chicken rice.

Side Dishes and Beverages

For variety, Heun Kee’s menu includes side dishes like stir-fried vegetables and soups. Stir-fried vegetables start at RM12 for small portions and RM18 for larger ones. A popular choice is their Beancurd with fried shallots and sauce for RM12. Cooked food items like soups are prepared in the restaurant’s back kitchen. A standout is the Chinese herbal soup of the day, such as White Carrot Chicken Soup, priced at RM20 for a large pot.

These side dishes are light and complement the claypot rice without overshadowing it. Drinks include traditional Chinese teas, soft drinks, and herbal beverages. The Pu-er tea, at RM5 per person, pairs well with the main dishes by balancing their oiliness. A side of soup or hot tea is recommended to counteract the “heatiness” of the meal.

Dining Experience

Pricing at Heun Kee is reasonable, with a meal for two costing around RM40 to RM60. Takeaway options are available but lack the freshness of dine-in claypot rice. Some diners may find the dishes slightly oily, a common trait of claypot rice. Adjustments can be requested during ordering for less oil. While the salted fish enhances the dish’s flavor, it might be too pungent for some palates.

Claypot dishes are prepared fresh upon order, which requires patience. You can expect a waiting time of 15-20 minutes for the food to be prepared, especially during peak hours, as the Claypot do take sometime to cook thoroughly. The wait queue to be seated is pretty fast moving an a wait with 4-5 groups ahead of you takes about a 20mins wait on average.

Despite modern upgrades, the restaurant retains its rustic charm. The dining area is simple, featuring wooden tables and straightforward decor. The semi-open kitchen allows customers to observe the claypot cooking process. Seating is available in two sections: an air-conditioned main unit and a connecting coffee shop. The latter offers open-air seating, popular during cooler evenings. Arriving on a weekday around 7:30pm typically involves a short wait of about 15 minutes.

Wrapping Up

The service at Heun Kee is efficient and polite. Staff members are quick to take orders and ensure steady table turnover during busy hours. While the ambiance is modest, the lively atmosphere and the aroma of charcoal-cooked food enhance the dining experience. Families, locals, and tourists create a vibrant mix of patrons.

All in all, Heun Kee offers a satisfying and authentic Malaysian dining experience. The highlight is of course their claypot chicken rice, prepared with traditional techniques and served fresh. Side dishes and beverages complement the main attraction, making for a well-rounded meal. Heun Kee Claypot Chicken Rice is located at 59, Jalan Yew, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport. Parking is available but limited, so early arrival is advisable, especially on weekends and on public holidays.

This review is not sponsored by the establishment nor did they provide any editorial input or reimbursements into the content and outcome of this review. All meals were paid for in full out of my own pocket as a regular and anonymous patron.