Jien stumbled across Xan Ling in Segambut while he was looking for places to eat after the kid’s swim class on a weekend. Reviews mentioned that this place serves the best pork ribs porridge, and we were intrigued.
We got there early so there were plenty of tables available
We got to Xan Ling by 10.30am so tables were aplenty. I was told come lunch time, the place would be packed with regulars. Reviews mentioned I’d need to call ahead to pre-order the pork ribs, oyster and scallop porridge, which I did, as it takes 45 minutes to prepare.
I also went ahead and ordered the claypot stewed noodles with sea prawns, gravy pork, lye kui (alkaline rice cake), special pork meatball, stir-fried sweet potato leaf and fried fish head with special sauce. A bit of a stretch, but I figured we might as well try as many dishes as possible since we have our little ones and helper with us.
Gravy pork (front) and alkaline rice cake
Our dishes arrived within 15 minutes, starting with the gravy pork which is meant to be eaten with the alkaline rice cake. The gravy pork (RM21 – small) is tender and well-flavoured – almost like Hong Bak, but this one is deeper in terms of flavour. I generally don’t eat / enjoy alkaline rice cake (RM9), but it goes hand in hand with the gravy pork.
Star of the show: Pork ribs porridge
The pork ribs porridge (RM60) comes with a good amount of dried oysters and scallops so flavours are rich and layered. There’s also a good amount of pork ribs in the mix so this makes a substantial meal. Even for a non-porridge eater, I have to say this is the highlight at Xan Ling.
Claypot stewed noodles with sea prawns
Pity the strong “kan sui” smell. Noodles were toothsome!
Claypot stewed noodles with sea prawns (RM28 – 1 pax) is also flavourful and sweet, but the noodles had a strong alkaline (kan sui) taste, which took away some focus from the broth. If you’re not too particular about the noodles, you’d find this enjoyable too. I was alright but it put Jien off quite a bit.
Special pork meatball
Stir-fried sweet potato leaf
The special pork meatball (RM10.80 for 6) has a homestyle feel, which made it popular with our little ones. Texture is juicy and meaty, and the savoury sweet taste calls for a bowl of rice to enjoy with. Stir-fried sweet potato leaf (RM16) is justly cooked and the seasoning is light.
Fried fish head with special sauce
My least favourite dish at Xan Ling was the fried fish head with special sauce (RM45) as the gravy was quite overpowering. Also, I didn’t care for the type of fish used (I believe it’s snakehead fish) which had too many bones for me to work through. If you’re planning to order the porridge and noodles, I suggest you skip this.
Hearty homestyle dishes
Overall, it was a pleasant meal and one that’s homely and comforting. Prices are actually on the mid-range spectrum despite the outlook of the restaurant. Our bill came up to close to RM200 for the above, inclusive of two herbal teas (RM2.50 each).
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Ambiance: 5.5/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 6.5/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: The pork ribs porridge and gravy pork with alkaline rice cakes were my favourites.
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Xan Ling Segambut
Lrg Arfah 3, Segambut,
51200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 012-379 1549
Business hours: 8.30am till 5pm
(closed Tuesday)