Step into Chong Kok Kopitiam, situated on the quaint pre-war streets of Klang, and be transported back in time. Not only does it serve you the flavors of the past, but the coffee shop itself boasts an old-world charm in its architecture. Take a moment to gaze at the signboard that reads “中国酒店菜馆” – it’s a symbol of history, but do you know why?
Chong Kok Kopitiam, or “中国酒店,” has been in business since 1940, and it genuinely serves up the nostalgic tastes of the pre-war era. The founder, Mr. Foo Wah Leng, was a sailor from Hainan Island, China.
During those times, most coffee shops in the Malayan Peninsula were run by Hainanese people, and their coffee became known as “Hainan Coffee.”
Mr. Foo, one of the founding members, started his career as a cook on British ships. When one of the British ships docked in Klang, Mr. Foo and four other Hainanese friends decided to set up China Hotel. Each one brought their unique skills to the business. The coffee shop was structured with guest rooms on the third floor, a Western restaurant on the second floor, and a coffee shop (which also served as a bar) on the ground floor.
But why a Western restaurant instead of the more commonly found Chinese restaurants in the area? The reason lies in Mr. Foo’s experience cooking for the British, which allowed him to master both Hainanese and English cuisines. As a result, he took charge of the Western restaurant on the second floor, offering delightful dishes like English breakfast and Hainanese chicken chop, which are no longer available in today’s shop.
In the 1970s, both the guest rooms and the restaurant gradually ceased operations. By the year 2000, the third-generation proprietors, they decided to stop serving alcoholic beverages. Since then, the focus has solely been on running the coffee shop, specializing in the essence of a Nanyang coffee shop.
Over the decades, Chong Kok Kopitiam has remained unwavering in its dedication to tradition. The coffee beans used remain unchanged, the same family has continued to roast the beans, and the second generation now handles the operation.
The kaya used in Chong Kok Kopitiam is also made by themselves, which uses ginger, eggs, sugar and coconut milk as main ingredients.
The special characteristic of Chong Kok Kopitiam lies in its enduring commitment to traditional coffee-making methods. Coffee and tea are still brewed by hand, one cup at a time. Unlike most coffee shops that use long-spout kettles, Chong Kok Kopitiam brews coffee the traditional way, using a flannel filter and a steel mug, resulting in a smooth and flavorful brew.
Of course, the food here represents a typical Malaysian breakfast: half-boiled eggs, charcoal-grilled toast, nasi lemak, Nyonya kuih, and more. During tea time, you can also savor snacks like prawn fritters.
What makes Chong Kok Kopitiam truly unique is the “1 Malaysia” atmosphere it embodies. The staff is a blend of different ethnic backgrounds, including Malays, Chinese, and Indians, and the customers represent a diverse mix of these same groups.
Today, the fourth generation has taken over. You can even find a branch of Chong Kok Kopitiam called Chong Kok Kopitiam Heritage in Central i-City Shopping Mall in Shah Alam, Selangor. If you prefer to enjoy your traditional coffee in an air-conditioned environment, this branch is a great option to explore.
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中国酒店 | Chong Kok Kopitiam 🚦 How to Get There: You can take the KTM Komuter to Klang station and walk to the coffee shop. If you're driving, you can park in nearby public parking areas. 🕰️ Opening Hours: Daily from 6 AM to 2 PM ⏳ Best Time to Visit: Mornings are livelier for breakfast. 👚 Dress Code: Casual and comfortable 📞 Contact: 03-3371 0996 📸 Special Note: You're welcome to bring friends from all ethnic backgrounds to enjoy the atmosphere together!
Opening Hours
Daily 6am – 2pm
Address
5, Jalan Stesen, Kawasan 1, 41000 Klang, Selangor
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