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For someone who makes regular trips to Petaling Jaya for coffee and food, it’s surprising that Restoran Chang Ke Fang had never crossed my radar.
Established in 1961, this old-school kopitiam has been serving the neighbourhood for 65 years, yet I only recently found out about it.
There isn’t much fuss about the place, which is part of its appeal. The vintage-looking shopfront opens into a simple kopitiam interior, with food posters and flyers on the walls, along with mismatched tables, chairs and stools. It’s what you’d expect from a neighbourhood coffee shop that has been around for decades.
Its menu is similarly straightforward, covering familiar kopitiam staples such as roti bakar, chee cheong fun and noodles without trying to reinvent the wheel.
What to order at Restoran Chang Ke Fang
We started with Char Kuey Teow (RM9), which came in a fair portion with plenty of fishcake, taugeh and chives.
There was some wok hei, although the noodles leaned towards the milder side, with a few strands left quite pale. A little more soy sauce would have helped give it a deeper flavour. Chopped red bird’s eye chillies came on the side, adding a decent kick, though I would have preferred them mixed with soy sauce and vinegar for a sharper, tangier bite.
Their Curry Laksa (RM10) had considerably more punch, with spice hitting almost immediately.
The broth also leaned heavily on turmeric, so it may be a little intense for those with a low tolerance for spice.
I enjoyed the stronger flavours, particularly with the thinner yellow mee, while the bouncy fish balls and tau fu pok were my favourite parts of the bowl. The latter soaked up plenty of curry, with fucuk and fishcake filling out the bowl.
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For something simpler, a plate of Toast Kahwin (RM2.40) scratched the itch just right — pairing butter and kaya between slices of charred bread. It had crispy edges and a soft, chewy centre, while the kaya was noticeably less sweet than some versions.
My dining partner thought it tasted homemade, and it turns out Chang Ke Fang does sell jars of its kaya at the counter, so you can take some home if you like it.
We washed everything down with an Iced Neslo (RM5.20) and Limau Ais (RM3.20). The Limau Ais was refreshing without being overly sweet, while the Neslo could have been thicker for the price.
Who is Restoran Chang Ke Fang best for?
It makes the most sense for locals and office workers in the area looking for a straightforward breakfast or lunch. There’s nothing particularly elaborate about the experience, and that’s more or less the point.
How to get there
Driving is the easiest option as there isn’t direct public transport access. Parking is available nearby, although finding a spot may take some patience during busier hours.
Do we recommend Restoran Chang Ke Fang?
If you’re already in the area, it’s worth a look. Chang Ke Fang isn’t somewhere I’d make a special trip across town for based on these dishes alone, but it’s an uncomplicated neighbourhood kopitiam with a long history and a menu that sticks to familiar favourites.
Sometimes, that’s all you need for a decent breakfast.
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