Ipoh Lou Yau Bean Sprouts Chicken @ IMM Jurong East

Nga Choi Gai (芽菜鸡), or better known as Bean Sprouts Chicken is a dish synonymous to Ipoh. In the past, if you want a taste of it, you might have to make a trip all the way to Ipoh but now, not anymore!

Select Group Limited has brought in Ipoh Lou Yau Bean Sprouts Chicken (怡保老友芽菜鸡) to Singapore with several branches located islandwide.

So, what is so special with this Ipoh Lou Yau Bean Sprouts Chicken?

Firstly, Lou Yau uses free-range chickens, or what we normally call the "Kampong Chickens". These chickens are specially sourced and imported to Singapore where they are prepared in a central kitchen to ensure consistency in quality.

Next, thechicken can be served with either chicken rice or Sa Hor Fun (沙河粉).

Thirdly, Ipoh's nga choi (bean sprouts) is totally different from our local ones. Their bean sprouts are well-known for being plump and short in appearance though it remains a mystery whether their physical trait has got anything to do with the spring water that they were grown in.

Due to her geographical location, Ipoh is surrounded by limestone hills and the spring water that flows down these hills are alkaline and rich in minerals. As mentioned earlier, Ipoh's bean sprouts are grown with this spring water while the Sa Hor Fun were also made with water from the same source.

You would be pleased to know that the bean sprouts and Sar Hor Fun were also imported direct from Ipoh hence customers can be assured that they are having the most authentic stuff.

Well, enough with all the PR talk. Here comes my honest opinion about the food and service.

I arrived at the IMM branch at 10.40am (operating hours was stated as 10.30am) but was snubbed by the grumpy old lady behind the counter that they were not ready yet. I asked what would be a good time for me to return and was told 11am.

I am taken aback by her tone but I do not want to think too much about it and decided to go for a walk before coming back.

When I returned slightly after 11am, I was greeted by another lady who was all chirpy and nice. She was pleasant to talk to and she soothed all the bitterness I had with the old lady.

I ordered a personal set ($6.50) with her.



Since I was specifically here for the Sar Hor Fun, I ordered a separate bowl ala carte. The texture was indeed silky smooth and springy but the broth was lacklustre.


I have heard so much raves about Ipoh's bean sprouts that I held such high hopes for it but sadly, it did not turn out the way I had expected. The bean sprouts were blanched then tossed in a savoury dressing that's quite forgetable, unfortunately. Furthermore, they were limpy (overcooked) and not sweet and crunchy as described by other reviewers.


I am someone who loved my chicken rice chili and I would usually require refills but for some reason, I cannot finish this bit.

Despite my less than perfect review, do not let that stop you from visiting Ipoh Lou Yau Bean Sprouts Chicken to try out yourself. Taste is afterall, subjective.


I do, however, have some suggestions for Lou Yau. Step up on your staff training in terms of customer service. Be reminded that a smile is a universal welcome. Also, be more generous with the portions considering the fact that Singaporeans love value for money. Seriously, $6.50 for a personal set with miserable portions and no complimentary soup seem hardly enticing.

The folks at Select Group Limited should visit the food establishments under their name incognito to check on their food standards and service level often.
2 Jurong East Street 21
#01-K09
IMM Building