This eatery, which has outlets in Klang and Port Klang, is offering free meals to the needy that have been fully paid for by others.

During FMT Lifestyle’s visit to their Klang outlet, receipts for chicken chop, fried rice, nasi lemak, and toast and coffee, among others, were displayed near the counter. The words “sudah bayar” or “paid for” were written on these receipts.

“The needy can just come in, take a receipt, pass it to the cashier and enjoy their meal. A person sitting next to them would not even know,” explained 32-year-old David Kan, the third-generation owner of the eatery.

When the initiative was introduced in the middle of this year, the restaurant itself covered the cost of the meals. But some of their employees were moved and began contributing, which led to their customers following suit.

Kan shared that he had been inspired by his mother’s own kindness. “When I was younger, I remember people coming by to the restaurant looking for my mother as they were hungry and wanted some food.”

Since taking over the business, which was started by his late grandfather in 1956, he has been modernising and expanding it. A second outlet opened in February.

Even with the expansion, his vision remains the same: “We want to make sure our offerings are affordable and made with quality ingredients, while keeping the business sustainable.”

For example, they have increased the size of the chicken for their nasi lemak but maintained its price. And the dish is lip-smackingly good: the basmati rice is fragrant and perfectly cooked, while the rendang is juicy and aromatic. The peanuts and anchovies are baked instead of fried.

What else can you, and the less fortunate, enjoy here? The fried rice is another Malaysian favourite done right: hearty and homey, it has a pleasant, smoky “wok hei” without being too oily, while the chicken sausages add a lovely depth of flavour.

The Hainan chicken chop – made using a recipe inherited from Kan’s grandfather, who worked as a cook for a British district officer – is also a highlight. The chicken is juicy and finger-licking good, while the fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Both are wonderfully complemented by a thick, brown gravy, making this a mouthwatering dish.

Then there’s the curry laksa with Fuzhou fish balls, which will also leave you smacking your lips. The fish balls taste fresh and are filled with a generous amount of minced chicken.

While the establishment only serves mee hoon, this works well to complement the rich, flavourful broth.

For something light, don’t miss the toasted bread with kaya and butter. The crusty bread, which is baked in-house, pairs wonderfully with the creamy butter and decadent kaya, both of which are also homemade.

Additionally, the establishment serves treats and desserts such as custard pudding, mochi, Portuguese egg tarts, curry puffs, and a selection of Nyonya kuih – all perfect with a cup of strong coffee or creamy milk tea.

Overall, dining here will certainly be enjoyable, but patrons are invited to make it a truly enriching experience by also buying a meal for someone in need.

As Kan concluded simply: “Being able to help others is really satisfying.”

Choon Guan Hainan Coffee 1956
12G, Jalan Astaka 4C/KU2,
Bandar Bukit Raja,
41050 Klang, Selangor

Click here for location, as well as here to visit the Port Klang outlet.

Opening hours (both outlets):
6am-4pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Learn more about Choon Guan Hainan Coffee 1956 on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.