Prem Kumar
Google
Chong Kok Kopitiam – Where Calories Don’t Count (Because Nostalgia Burns Them Off!)
So, I finally did it. I braved the legendary parking nightmare of Tengku Kelana and made my way to Chong Kok Kopitiam, the OG Chinese halal kopitiam smack in the middle of Klang’s Little India. I’d heard the stories, seen the hype, but let’s be real—I was just too lazy to hunt for a parking spot. But fate (or my wife's grumbling stomach) decided that on one fine Saturday morning, before heading to the museum in Shah Alam, I’d give it a shot. And guess what? I struck gold—I got parking right in front of the shop. At that moment, I knew… today was going to be a good day.
Stepped in, found a table like a boss (it was empty, but let’s pretend I fought for it), and got our orders taken in a flash. My caffeine-hungry soul went for Kopi O, while the wife and kids went for Milo O. But the real feast? A little bit of everything—steamed and toasted kaya butter buns, two soft-boiled eggs, Nasi Lemak Pulau Ketam, Nasi Lemak Sotong, and Kuih Sagu.
The Kopi O? Thick. Strong. Bold. The kind that makes you question why you ever tolerated 3-in-1 coffee. The toast? Crispy, buttery perfection. That homemade kaya? A masterpiece—sweet, fragrant, and paired with butter, it was like a symphony of flavors.
Now, let’s talk about the Nasi Lemak Pulau Ketam. This wasn’t your typical nasi lemak drowning in sambal. No sir, this one came with a dry, almost powdery sambal that had me skeptical at first… until I took a bite. Boom. Mind blown. Spicy, flavorful, and strangely addictive. The Nasi Lemak Sotong was also solid—tender, well-seasoned squid, no complaints there.
Dessert? Kuih Sagu. Soft, chewy, and sweet enough to make me question if I really needed that extra packet of nasi lemak to go (spoiler: I took it anyway).
On the way out, I grabbed a jar of their homemade kaya because, let’s be honest, I need that goodness in my life.
The shop itself? Old-school charm, hectic but lively, with the beautiful soundtrack of clinking cups, buzzing conversations, and the occasional “Oi, order belum sampai ah?” moment. Even saw the staff clean up a spilled drink in record time—efficiency at its finest.
Now, is it cheap? Not exactly. But for the taste, the quality, and the “back to the ‘90s” vibes? Worth it. Will I be back? If the parking gods allow it, absolutely.