Special thanks to Clement’s for extending this food review invitation.
Viva Local Food Haven (东城饮食中心) is one of the largest hawker centers at Tanjung Tokong. Due to a sizeable expatriate population and its proximity to many hotels, this place is a popular destination for hungry diners especially during weekends.
Clement’s is the latest addition to some 30 plus stalls here. The proprietor, Clement, has worked in many restaurants in Kuala Lumpur for many years. After returning to his hometown Penang, Clement also worked in several local eateries such as Bake & Brew and Jeeves.
As Clement’s is open for less than two months, the menu is still in the exploratory stage. However, the Roasted Chicken Thigh (RM15.00) has proved to be quite popular among regular customers. Roasted earlier in the day, the quarter chicken retains much of its intrinsic juiciness when served. Delectable seasoning also helps to accentuate the tender meat inside.
The chicken is served over a bed of garlic mashed potato, which is painstakingly made by hand every day. Brown sauce is the recommended choice for this dish, but customers can also opt for chicken gravy. The serving portion is remarkably large relative to the price tag.
Clement’s Chicken Pot Pie (RM16.00) is also a delicacy indeed. Meat pies were originally prepared as a means to salvage leftover meat in the kitchen. Over time, it has become a proper delicacy in its own right. Served in an Indian tiffin, the pot pie is instantly recognizable by the soft pastry puff of disproportionate size.
Sealed within the delightful puff is a stew made from chicken thigh, carrots, green peas and savory gravy. The pastry puff serves to seal moisture within the pie. The fillings are piping hot when served, so use caution when eating. The serving portion is unexpectedly humongous, making this dish an ideal choice whether to take as proper dinner or as something to go with beer.
Each main dish at Clement’s includes garlic bread and coleslaw salad. Garlic bread is prepared using sweet soft bun and garlic butter spread. I appreciate this novel approach to garlic bread as opposed to the usual baguette, which has become somewhat cliché.
Meanwhile, the coleslaw is quite appetizing as a result of the juicy cabbage and lovely salad dressing. Coleslaw is served over lettuce leaf for better presentation.
Like the hawker center, Clement’s is open for dinner only. However, Clement arrives around noon every day to start food preparation, as all ingredients are made from scratch. Cans and bottles are notably absent in his kitchen. Clement’s also accepts orders for take-away and catering. There is a RM1.00 surcharge for take-away pot pie due to the cost of aluminium foil pie pan.
Name: Clement’s
Address: Viva Local Food Haven, 303, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-232-6911
Business hours: 5:00pm-11:00pm, closed on alternate Wednesdays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Clements-203897663290728
Coordinates: 5.46310 N, 100.30507 E
Directions: Driving along Jalan Tanjung Tokong towards Tanjung Bungah, make a U-turn at the traffic lights in front of Four Points By Sheraton. Viva Local Food Haven is located approximately 300 meters on the left, just in front of Hotel Sentral and Chinese Swimming Club. Clement’s is one of the furthest stalls from the entrance. There are parking spaces around the hawker center and along the road towards Hotel Sentral.