Just like how many of us Malaysians adore our mamak culture, the same feeling is reciprocated towards our local kopitiams. Having grown up in Penang, I spent many weekends waking up to visit the local kopitiam for my quintessential breakfast fare which often consisted of dim sum and charcoal-toasted roti bakar dipped in soft-boiled eggs.
So when I was all alone in Klang Valley for the first time, I wanted nothing more than that same nostalgic breakfast. And so I set off in my ‘King of the Road’ and scoured Klang Valley for the 10 local kopitiam spots to help satisfy your (and my) roti bakar cravings.
1. Ho Kow Hainam Kopitiam
You can’t possibly miss Ho Kow Hainam Kopitiam. Quick tip— there’s always a crowd waiting for a seat outside. After an hour queuing up, I was shown to my seat. Within minutes, I dug into my Butter & Kaya Toast (RM6.80), Half-boiled Eggs (RM3.40), Tobiko Flower Dim Sum (RM4.60) and Iced Neslo (RM4.90). The portion of the toast was generous, the kaya sweet, and when paired with the creamy eggs, it was simply bliss. The dim sum however paled in taste. But the Neslo came to the rescue, not too sweet and super refreshing. If you have the patience in you to queue, then yes, Ho Kow Hainam is definitely worth trying.
1, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Tue to Sun: 7.30am – 2.30pm
Closed on Mon
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2. Yut Kee
Serving traditional Hainanese food since 1928, Yut Kee’s meals have withstood the test of time. Helmed by the third-generation owner, there is often a never-ending stream of patrons queuing up for a bite. The Toast (RM3.70) came with their homemade kaya and a pat of butter. The rich kaya dipped in eggs definitely hit the spot. A quick sip of the Kopi Cham (RM2.60) and I felt once again transported back home. I couldn’t possibly leave without trying their famous Hainanese Chicken Chop (RM15.30)— peas, carrots, potatoes and a slab of tender chicken, it definitely brought back memories.
1, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+603 2698 8108
Tue to Sun: 7.30am – 3pm
Closed on Mon
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3. Kafei Dian
It can be rather easy to miss Kafei Dian as it’s hidden by greenery. There’s even more plants on the inside. Honestly, I’ve always passed by this kopitiam and never knew what it was. The Hainanese Chicken Chop (RM15.90) is highly recommended, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The Steamed Bread (2.90) served with butter and kaya is also a big hit here.
16, Jalan Panggong, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+6011 1019 3159
Daily: 7.30am – 5pm
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4. Ah Weng Koh Hainan Tea
Many folks living in KL regard Ah Weng Koh Hainan Tea as one of the best Hainanese coffee shops. The menu is limited to drinks, toast and half-boiled eggs. A glass of Hainan tea (RM2.50) is the must-order here. Fragrant, it pairs well with their Signature Toast (RM2.50) along with their perfectly done soft-boiled eggs (RM2.40). The price points admittedly fares better so it’s time to take a trip to ICC Pudu.
G85, ICC Pudu, Jalan 1/77C, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tue to Sun: 5.30am – 1.30pm
Closed on Mon
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5. Ali, Muthu and Ah Hock
Ali, Muthu and Ah Hock— almost every Malaysian would be familiar with this joint. It’s not old but it serves all the kopitiam delights. Plus, who can forget the three happy Malaysian faces— Ali, Muthu and Ah Hock? I tried their Roti Jala with Chicken Curry (RM15). The chicken curry was creamy, with a hint of spiciness and soaked up with the roti jala well. Their Nasi lemak with ayam goreng is also raved by many Malaysians as to be one of the best.
13, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+603 2022 3588
Daily: 8am – 5pm
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6. Capital Cafe
Established in 1956 by a Hockchew / Foochow family, Capital Cafe is currently run by the second-generation of the Lin clan. The cafe has three stalls; a Hainanese noodle stall manned by a Hainanese-Chinese chef who churns out delicious halal-Chinese fried noodles, Satay and lastly, the third stall sells Nasi Padang, where you can select from a huge variety of curries, plus other cooked dishes to accompany a plate of steamed white rice. It’s truly a muhibbah restaurant, perhaps even one of the very last few of its kind.
213, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+6012 854 5046
Mon to Sat: 10am – 5pm
Closed on Sun
7. Woo Pin 45 Kamunting
Woon Pin 45 Kamunting is famous for their Fish Noodle Soup (RM12.50) which is great if you’re in the mood for some noodles for breakfast. The broth is milky and you can choose between mee hoon or yellow mee. Don’t forget to save some space for their delicious Portugese egg tarts as well. The Roti Bakar is a popular option here as well.
45, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Mon to Sat: 7.30am – 4pm
Closed on Sun
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8. Cathay Hailam Kopitiam
Cathay Hailam Kopitiam is one of the few kopitiams that are pork-free and has been around since the 1950s. I’ll be honest, this is one of my favourite kopitiams in Klang Valley as it has the best Hainanese Chicken Chop I’ve ever tasted. It hits all the right spots when it comes to taste, the gravy, the crispness of the chicken, the chunky potato halves and tomato wedges. The Mee Hailam is a personal favourite as well, the noodles coated in thick gravy richly-flavoured with chunks of prawn, chicken and vegetables. This kopitiam may be an hour’s drive from my home, but it’s a drive that I’m willing to take anytime.
180, Kawasan 13, 42000 Port Klang, Selangor
+603 3168 6478
Mon to Sat: 6.30am – 5pm
Closed on Sun
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9. Chong Kok Kopitiam
Klang’s historic Chong Kok Kopitiam is no stranger to Malaysians. The three-storey building is known for its roti bakar, rich coffee and soft boiled eggs. It’s also another kopitiam that I’ve kept close to my heart as you can find people from all walks of life chattering amongst cups of coffee. Missing the taste of charcoal grilled Roti Bakar? This kopitiam maintains this tradition and even uses charcoal to make their kaya for the roti bakar.
5, Jalan Stesen, Kawasan 1, 41000 Klang, Selangor
+603 3371 0996
Daily: 6.30am – 2.30pm
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10. Thong Kee Hainan Coffee Shop
Originally from Bentong in Pahang, Thong Kee Coffee Shop now has multiple branches all over Klang Valley. They specialise in steamed bread, homemade croissant sandwiches, and traditional roti bakar with soft-boiled eggs. Unlike most Hainanese breakfast eateries, Thong Kee’s specialty is their Homemade Croissants which is what makes them unique. The homemade croissants are stuffed with either kaya and butter or cheese and ham.
For a full list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
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