Top In Asia | Hakka Rang, SS2

I read that Hakka Rang in SS2 serves homestyle Hakka dishes, which I was keen to try as it’s been a while since I had some. There’s a branch in Kota Damansara but we decided to try the Hakka Rang in SS2 as it’s closer to where we live.

We got there at 1.30pm on a Saturday and managed to avoid the crowd. Hakka Rang is usually packed during peak hours so it’s best to get there earlier or later in the afternoon. The menu is fairly extensive, ranging from sharing dishes to individual portions to cater to your dining pax.

Stir-fried Aubergine with Sweet Basil and Pork Belly

Stir-fried Aubergine with Sweet Basil and Pork Belly (RM30.90) was alright but I felt the dish was too “wet” overall. I appreciate the abundance of gravy but in Hakka Rang’s case, it was a bit much. The Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Cabbage (RM32.90) is popular among customers so we ordered it to try. Pork belly was fatty and tender, but a tad salty so you’ll have to enjoy this with rice.

Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Cabbage

Hakka Stuffed Beancurd Ball

We enjoyed the Hakka Stuffed Beancurd Ball (RM20.90 for 5 pieces)which was juicy yet firm in texture. The stuffing had a good amount of minced pork and prawn too which, was nice. I found the Hakka Rang Salted Chicken (RM44.90 – half) a let-down, as the meat was tough and dry.

Hakka Rang Salted Chicken

Granted they use free range chicken, it didn’t taste like one as the meat is supposed to be firm yet juicy to bite. The ginger paste lacked that kick one expects in ginger pastes; this was relatively mild.

Rice Wine with Lean Pork and Egg

I was excited about the Rice Wine with Lean Pork and Egg (RM26.90)and it comes with a option of rice or mee suah. I opted for the latter. This was the most disappointing of all the dishes we had at Hakka Rang. For starters, the dish came in a bowl instead of a claypot, as advertised. Also, I don’t get why they would put the mee suah on the side where it gets cold and clumpy.

The soup was diluted and sweet, not in a good way. It tasted as though a lot of sugar was added into the broth as the rice wine would have a bittersweet note. This was just sweet and one-dimensional.

Pricing is higher than usual considering the smallish portions. I’m not sure if it’s our luck that day but we ordered all the recommended items on the menu, which were mediocre at best. Pity the food wasn’t up to expectations as Hakka Rang is one of the few places that offers a variety of Hakka dishes under one roof.