K’opi Club

In KL, there is this trend which I call the modern old-kopitiam concept. You can find serveral establishments around the klang valley, located in shopping complexes and main city centres. If the western has specialty coffee outlets like Starbucks, Coffee Bean, and so on, in Malaysia we have our own rendition. The rebirth of the old coffee shop (kopitiam) in the big city – brings backs memories to the seniors, while gaining an appeal to the young as well. Kopi Club is one of them. I will attempt to report on other similar modern kopitiams that I come across. Hopefully.

Located at the lower ground floor of Low Yat Plaza – the IT and Mobilephone hub of KL (or Malaysia), this is the place to unwind after hours of scouring around the top floors shopping around for computer and phone related accessories. As with most modern old-style kopitiams around, it is identified by their theme – mini marbled tables and wooden stools, old coffeeshop cutlery (coffee cups), dishes and pastry which reminds you of the coffee shops you get in small towns.

Of course you get the variety of drinks, from the basic black coffee (Kopi-O), teas, milo, concoctions (usually referred to “cham”, i.e coffee mix with tea), to the usual beverage like juices and soft-drinks (but thats out of context). Another criteria is usually the food which signifies kopitiam menu (toasted kaya-planta bread, half-boiled eggs served with ketchup and pepper, etc). They also serve heavier food like nasi lemak, nasi goreng belacan, fried mee, kuey teow soup. Our recommendation: The toasted-bread and the fish-ball kuey teow soup. Yumm..

As for me, its the feeling and ambience, reminscence of the days gone by – when you have nothing to do but just sit, order a cuppa while reading a paper, while the world passes around you.  I’d drop by any time.

p.s - In case you’re wondering why the heck I’m reporting on places outside Kuching, its because I’m currently outstation in KL. Just to share with you some interesting spots you’d like to try if/when you come here.