Most establishments that sell Malacca's infamous Chicken Rice Ball are Chinese and therefore only appeal to certain groups
of people. Ee Ji Ban did something different and serves a neutral Chicken Rice
Ball that can be enjoyed by more people, by introducing the only halal chicken rice
ball in Malacca. The owner of Ee Ji Ban is Chinese, so the authenticity of the
dish is preserved. Not only that, the restaurant is so famous that it has
housed television programs, filming, interviews and the attendance of popular local
celebrities.
Being a halal Chinese restaurant does not deter the owner in showcasing
a traditional Chinese restaurant. One look from the outside, one would not
think this restaurant is safe to eat for certain religions but the front of the
restaurant is littered with testimonies of the restaurant’s credibility in
serving halal food.
The chicken rice here is served of a choice of boiled or roasted
chicken, as a whole or half a chicken, also with the option to mix the two
types of chicken. Along with rice balls, customers usually would order other
dishes as sides. The most famous dish here is of course Chicken Rice Ball but
Ee Ji Ban also serves a variety of Nyonya heritage dishes. Among them are Fried
Chilli Prawn and Squid, Assam Pedas Snapper, and fried vegetables.
Ee Ji
Ban has been gaining a steady stream of customers all this time and does not
look like they will be stopping anytime soon. While the price may be slightly
higher than their non-halal competitors, the guarantee of food quality would
interest a bigger market. No matter the price tag, people would find themselves
coming again with the promise of good food and friendly service.
