Chong Kok Kopitiam @ Klang

This coffee shop made me look twice at its sign board when I caught sight of a very heartwarming scene the likes of coffee shops in Kelantan where muslims dine in non-muslim eateries. Apart from the multi-racial harmony, the queue outside the shop is quite convincing.

Chong Kok Kopitiam needs no introduction among Klang folks. The coffee shop, owned by the Hainanese Foo family, has been a center of good coffee and all-day breakfast. Located near the Klang railway station, Chong Kok Kopitiam was established in 1940 as a joint to provide meals for locals at the busy area.

The muhibbah story started when a nasi lemak seller needed a space for his stall in 1940. He was then allocated a place at Chong Kok coffee shop and the stall became a resident ever since. If you see a Malay uncle stirring gravy at the nasi lemak stall outside, it is most probably the very nasi lemak seller from 1940. Because of him, muslim patrons began sharing tables with the rest of Chong Kok's customers until today. The restaurant serves halal food.

This is a living testament of how peace and harmony can benefit all. I believe it is this aura in the coffeeshop that drives its survival through time hand in hand with their unfaltering breakfast menu.

Chong Kok kopitiam famed for their coffee

A harmonious scene

Although crowded, Chong Kok imbues a very warm and homely feeling that draws customers to it, which explains their customers' persistence to queue.

Chong Kok's signature yellow cup is used for local's favourite beverages like kopi, cham and teh. Their coffee, I believe, has pandered to the addiction of many. Their coffee is definitely kau (thick) and slants more to the bitter side.

Other than their coffee, most of their table tops are occupied with at least a plate of half-boiled eggs. I would not be surprised as they produce the most beautiful half-boiled eggs. Being an avid egg consumer, I envy their mastery. 

Other staples in Chong Kok are of course their porous toasts and buns that are served with a dollop of kaya and a cold cut of butter. Interestingly, eating chunks of butter here doesn't feel much of a crime. In fact, it is if you don't.

Nasi lemak is the next thing you want to try. If you are looking for a quick fix of carbs, Chong Kok has nasi lemak bungkus for you to self-serve. If you want a more 'developed' plate of nasi lemak, you can opt for pakcik's. It can be a little sweet for some but I could not stop at my first spoonful.

For fun munching, there a store selling all sorts of fritters. The cucur udang (prawn fritter), as crisp as potato chips, is especially tempting and makes a wonderful communal snack. Their cheesecakes in original and blueberry flavours stick out awkwardly as they are the only western food in the menu but it does not matter as long as they are yummy!

People from all walks of Klang convene here for classic breakfast of coffee, bread, kuihs and nasi lemak

The most anticipated drink during breakfast. Local coffee at RM1.80 per small cup like in the photo.
You will get a larger glass for RM2.80 and with ice for RM2.20

Half-boiled eggs (2) RM3.00

Telur atas roti RM6.00

Left: Roti with butter sejuk and kaya RM3.80
Right: Jagung set with butter sejuk and kaya RM3.80

Classic old mirrors with writings

A speciment of pre-war material that survived modernization

An antique safety box that existed since 1940

Mdm Foo, the granddaughter of the owner, doesn't take holidays.
She works everyday of her life and closes the shop only for CNY and weddings because she loves the interaction with the locals

The nasi lemak stall is as old as this shop. This is the uncle behind the muhibbah in the shop

Nasi lemak

Crispy prawn fritters or cucur udang

All sorts of fritters at only RM1 per piece

The busy situation during breakfast

Kuih lapis and Chinese ang ku

Curry puff

Hard boiled eggs is left at the counter at your disposal

Pulut bakar

Onde-onde

Chong Kok Kopitiam was famous among people in Klang before there was internet. Now that internet is at our finger tips, looking at how well-preserved this 79-year-old coffee shop is, it will continue to be one of the foodie community's favourite subjects online for years to come.

Chong Kok will be opening a branch in Shah Alam, honouring Foo's grandfather's Hainanese chicken chop. 

Inside the 79-year-old shop

The coffee shop is just opposite the Klang railway station

Chong Kok Kopitiam

中国酒店
5, Jalan Stesen, Kawasan 1, 41000 Klang
Tel: 03-3371 0996
Business hours: 6:30 am – 5:00 pm except Sunday until 1:00 pm