In researching this trip to Melaka, I came across this wonderful story on the EatingAsia blog about the city’s Chicken Rice in the Round, so I naturally had to check it out. There are several Chicken Rice Ball shops around the Chinatown area, and Hoe Kee is probably the most anonymous of the lot. It is just a very short way down Jonker Walk from the river-end gateway, and across the street from a much larger stop that seems to attract a lot of foreign tourists.

Hoe Kee Shop Interior

While the exterior may be low key, the shop is still full of diners when I make my way behind the bamboo blinds and into the shop. And, I’m the only westerner. That’s generally a good sign. I take one of the few tables available, near the kitchen, but that doesn’t bother me. The shop is simple, with small-ish formica tables and mostly stools for chairs, but it’s actually rather fancy for what is essentially an old-fashioned Asia style "fast food" shophouse.

There’s no menu at Hoe Kee. The chicken rice balls aren’t the only thing on offer, but it is what most people order. I order just a plate of the chicken and rice balls.

Chicken and Rice Balls

The chicken is quite good, tender and full of flavor. The rice balls, despite what you may think, are not "sticky". They cut easily with a spoon and retain their shape. The taste is a little on the salty side, but the chili sauce evens that all out.

Hoe Kee is only open for lunch, and closes around 4:00 or 5:00 in the afternoon. It may be open later on weekends, as many places in Melaka are.