Juniper’s Jaunt To A LI YAA Ipoh

Occasionally, I like spice in my food and so Indian or Sri Lankan cuisine satisfies those cravings. We do have spices in Chinese food but Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine has the “WOW” factor when it comes to a myriad or blend of spices. Having reviewed and enjoyed the cuisine offered by A LI YAA in KL last year, I was deliberating on whether to attend the opening of A LI YAA in Ipoh yesterday. I mean, it’s 2+ hours on the road and it could be a sweltering ride (it was on the way back to KL) but I was seriously tempted by more fine Sri Lankan cuisine so I caved in and accepted their kind invitation.

A LI YAA Ipoh is situated at De Garden but I would hesitate to call this a shopping mall, certainly not the kind of mall we are used to seeing in KL but this is a nice, cosy shopping area with some unique cafes and shops. If I was living in Ipoh, I could see myself meeting and catching up with friends here. My first impression of A LI YAA here is that it’s spacious and the restaurant was crowded and bustling with energy. Pretty good for the 1st day of business!

It didn’t take long before the food was served after we were seated with Ipoh’s finest media. For starters, we had a mixed platter of lamb roll, potato cutlets, chicken roll and prawn cocktail ala arugambay (on the spoon), all delicious. Made me wish this kind of finger food was served at some of the events I attend in KL. Wouldn’t it be awesome if they catered from A LI YAA! I especially liked the prawn cocktail, whatever their homemade sauce is for this, I would like more of it.

Vegetarians and even non-vegetarians will love A LI YAA’s tempered potatoes – I am guessing there’s turmeric and maybe paprika in this? The yellow rice is so fluffy and goes with every dish.

The Mutton Paal Poriyal looked familiar but of course, it was served during my maiden visit to A LI YAA for the MIGF menu review. A delicious spicy mutton dish that will leave you wanting more.

There’s the devilled chicken which really isn’t that spicy hot, in fact it is a bit sweet thanks to sweet tomatoes and sautéed onions.

This Yellow Fish Curry has such a nice sauce to go with rice or breads. Again I am guessing there’s turmeric in this?

The Prawn in Pineapple Curry won’t overwhelm the senses since the spiciness of the curry is tempered by the pineapple flavor.

Perhaps because I have always been a huge fan of string hoppers (every time I see someone selling “putu mayam”, I will stop and buy at least 3 all for myself), I love the stir fried string hoppers with vegetables, it’s so fine, like eating vermicelli, only better.

The A LI YAA must-have is without a doubt, their delectable Sri Lankan crabs. They’re huge and can be cooked in a variety of ways. This one has a thick gravy and only spices are used, no chilli. The gravy is so finger-lickin’ good, to borrow a phrase.

Where to get the best appam in town? A LI YAA of course! You can have your appam plain, with egg or sweet. The sweet one has “gula Melaka”……sooooo yummy and crispy. I have to tell you about the coconut sambal with sliced onions and lemon juice. If I could have brought back a whole container, I would but I was reliably informed that each portion lasts just 2-3 hours! This one, I could eat all day and all night. The flavours exploded in my mouth, at once sweet, spicy and tangy sour. If any food could bring tears of joy to mine eyes, it’d be this! Perfection!

A LI YAA Restaurant & Island Bar

D-G-R 2 & 3, De Garden

No 3, Persiaran Medan Ipoh

Medan Ipoh

31400 Ipoh

Perak