078: Where to go for Lei Cha?!

The Chinese has a saying that goes, "the spectator knows the best of what is happening".

It means that the third party in a situation usually understands and sees best of what is currently happening. People who are involved in a situation usually have their thoughts influenced by biasness or emotions. Hence, a spectator who is not involved in anyway, will usually have the most neutral opinion to that situation.

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Lei Cha is a type of famous dish among the Chinese Hakka population. It can be very much considered as a traditional Hakka dish which has been eaten since a very long time ago. Apparently, during those times, it was eaten as three meals a day!

Lei Cha consist of a bowl of rice with 7 different sides - Chinese Leeks, Long Beans, Kai Lan, Taufu, Fried Peanuts, Sweet Potato Leaves, Celery, and accompanied with a bowl of of  "pounded tea" beverage / soup - prepared by pounding tea leaves together with herbs such as Mugworth, Sawtooth Coriander, Thai Basil, Spearmint, Perilla, Elephant Foot Grass, KuLiXin, Daun Capa, and Pennyworth. 

The first time I tried this was in eatery at Jalan Lanchang, Cheras but I doubt it was there anymore. We were brought there by my mom's friend who is a Hakka.

Subsequently after that, she would invite us to her house to have "Lei Cha gathering" once in a while.

The preparation of Lei Cha takes up a lot of work and definitely not for the faint hearted!

This dish is actually not known to many people but have been gaining popularity recently. Wanna try how Lei Cha taste like? You just have to google;  How to make Lei Cha. I'm just kidding. Haha..

Let's check out where you can get Lei cha, shall we? Before you indulge in your Lei Cha, let me warn you that it takes crazy lots of chewing! Feels like your jaw is on a workout. Haha..

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Yummy Cafe 

This is where I usually have my Lei Cha. I counted 6 sides instead of 7 ;D They probably cut down some of the tedious work but it taste good nonetheless. Compare to many Lei Cha dishes I have tried around, this shop serves the most consistent taste and closest to the one made by my mom's friend who is from Hakka origin. I like the pounded tea soup as well. Not too thick nor watery. Minty enough the way I like it.

But then again, I think they cut down on the portion compare to the last time I had it.  I gum don't even get tired from chewing. Hahaha.. But I guess for people who wants to try, this portion would be good?

My favourite place for Lei Cha so far (;

3A, Jalan KP 1/5,

Taman Kajang Prima,

43000 Kajang, Selangor.

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Medifoods Organic Health Restaurant

Was brought here by a Hakka friend. Funny thing is, this was his first time tasting it and he kinda feel tired chewing so much for a meal. Lol!

We were served with Papaya and a bowl of soup before the meal came. As seen, there are actually 11 sides in the bowl of rice. The pounded tea soup came with chopped coriander which I didn't really fancy. This is like a organic + lei cha fusion version where the idea came from the Lei Cha but they actually add in a lot more vegetables. It taste quite delicious and the portion is actually quite huge. I felt crazy full after that! Would need to unbutton my pants if I was wearing my tight jeans! Haha.

For the amount of work they put in, the price is actually very reasonable. Around RM 11.90 per set. (If I'm not mistaken)

No 59, Jalan SS18/6,
Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor.
Tel: +603-5632 5714

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Restoran Ho Boh

Suddenly craving for Lei Cha so googled and found this place to try! The place was  empty when I was there on a Saturday around 3 in the evening. Wonder if that is why food were served really fast. Haha..

I was actually quite surprised when I saw the price around RM7.50 / RM7.90. It is actually quite cheap considering the amount of work they put in to make this dish. When I saw the serving, I realise why. The portion is actually smaller than a normal ala-carte meal size. At first, I wish they would serve a proportionate meal size but after I was done with my meal, I was glad they are serving this size.

I usually quite enjoy having Lei Cha but the one served here seems to be just so-so. They way they prepare the vegetables were not aromatic and just taste like dull green vegetables. This is actually a very important part of the dish because the dish comprise mostly of different green vegetables. Hence, the taste of vegetables are very important to enhance the whole experience of having this Lei Cha.

The pounded tea soup taste average. People who prefer a mild taste would like it. 

9 Jalan Puteri 2/3,

Bandar Puteri,

47100 Puchong, Selangor.

+603-80765080

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Other places for Lei Cha which I yet to try!

Lui Cha King Restaurant

No.15, Jalan Ambong,

Kepong Baru,

52100 Kuala Lumpur,

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New Yee Sang Kopitiam Jalan SS 6/8 Kelana Jaya