Whenever people talk about Ipoh’s famous nga choi gai (bean sprout chicken), a few well-known names always come up, such as Lou Wong and Onn Kee. But for many Ipohites—especially those who grew up here decades ago—one name quietly stands above the rest:
Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau Restaurant.
Recently, we made a return visit to this legendary stall that has been serving its signature bean sprout chicken for more than 50 years. The owner himself is now around 70 to 80 years old, yet the taste that built its reputation is still very much alive.
This visit brought back many memories.
When we were still pre-teens, Dad used to bring us here to eat. Back then, there wasn’t even a proper shop yet—the stall operated as a humble open-air hawker setup. We sat under the evening sky, enjoying bowls of steaming hot hor fun and tender poached chicken.
Fast forward more than 40 years later, and here we were again—returning to the same place, tasting the same flavours that shaped our childhood.
These days, we hardly come to this part of Ipoh anymore. The area has become quite touristy, parking can be very difficult, and the crowd is often overwhelming. But this time, we made the trip because a visitor from KL specifically wanted to try one of Ipoh’s most popular nga choi gai spots—and Cowan Street was the obvious choice.
What Makes Cowan Street Different?
Across Ipoh, many shops serve bean sprout chicken that looks quite similar at first glance.
You get:
smooth poached chicken
crunchy, juicy Ipoh bean sprouts
silky hor fun
But what truly sets Cowan Street apart is something else entirely—their secret sauce (in my opinion as an Ipoh girl who has tasted their competitors' offerings).
The sauce here is incredibly addictive. It adds a deep layer of umami that transforms the chicken and bean sprouts from something simple into something memorable. It’s the kind of flavour that makes you keep reaching back for “just one more bite”… until suddenly the plate is empty.
And then there’s the soup.
Personally, what I love most about Cowan Street’s bean sprout chicken is the chicken soup served with hor fun. It’s rich, hearty, and comforting—the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out. Combined with their signature smooth hor fun, it’s easily one of the highlights of the meal.
Don’t Miss the Braised Chicken Feet
If you enjoy chicken feet, their braised chicken feet is another must-try.They are slowly braised in a fragrant broth of soy sauce, herbs, and spices until tender and flavourful. Every bite is infused with savoury richness that makes it hard to stop at just one piece.
Definitely worth ordering alongside the classic bean sprout chicken.
Worth the Queue:
Yes, the parking is still challenging.
Yes, the crowds can still be intense.
And yes, you may need to wait.
But once that bowl of hot chicken soup arrives, together with silky hor fun, smooth poached chicken, crunchy bean sprouts, and that unforgettable sauce—you’ll understand why generations of Ipoh families keep coming back.
If you’ve never tried Cowan Street’s nga choi gai before, it’s absolutely worth making the trip.
Some flavours don’t just fill your stomach—they bring you home again. ❤️
Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau
44 Jalan Raja Ekram
31350 Ipoh
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