Today I visited the Food Place food court, located at Pavilion Mall. The food court is located beside the Oriental Kopi Restaurant.
This time, I ordered the Steamed Chicken rice with sausage and mushrooms from the House of Hakka stall, which cost RM19.80 per plate.
Hidden among the bustling stalls of the Food Place food court at Pavilion Mall, House of Hakka serves something unassuming yet deeply comforting — a humble bowl of Steamed Chicken Rice with Chinese Sausage and Mushrooms. At first glance, it may look simple, but within this bowl lies a quiet story of tradition, homestyle cooking, and the flavours of Southern China.
Each component is carefully layered to create a harmony of taste and texture:
Tender steamed chicken – Soft, juicy, and lightly seasoned to let the natural flavour speak.
Chinese lap cheong (sausage) – Sweet and savoury, its oils melt into the rice for a rich aroma.
Shiitake mushrooms – Earthy and umami-packed, soaking up the chicken juices.
Fresh greens – A touch of freshness to balance the richness.
Steamed white rice – Fluffy grains that absorb all the essence from above.
Clear broth on the side – Mild, soothing, and perfect to cleanse the palate.
This dish takes inspiration from classic Cantonese claypot rice and Hakka ancestral recipes, where rice is cooked together with meats and mushrooms for a wholesome, one-pot meal. It’s the kind of food once served in wooden homes, not fancy restaurants — hearty, humble, and nourishing. For the Hakka people, food is about practicality and comfort. No heavy sauces, no unnecessary garnish — just honest ingredients working together. This bowl carries that very spirit.
Hakka people, known historically as hardworking migrants in Southern China, created this dish as a hearty, long-lasting food that could sustain them during labour. It became a festive favourite served during celebrations, ancestral worship, and reunion meals.
While Pavilion Mall is filled with modern dining and trendy cafés, House of Hakka offers something different — nostalgia. Every bite feels familiar, like something a grandmother would prepare on a quiet afternoon. It's the kind of meal that doesn’t shout for attention, yet leaves a lasting impression.
If you’re searching for comforting rice bowls beyond the usual chicken rice, this is worth sitting down for. It’s not just a meal — it’s a gentle reminder of home, heritage, and the timeless joy of simple cooking.
