A charming establishment in the form of a renovated old-style wooden house, Chop Guan Kee exudes a certain “kampung” feel that transports you back to the good ol’ days.
Inside, the place is airy and cosy, with soothing music playing in the background.
Helmed by sisters Teo Yu Yin, 38, Teo Shao Hui, 33, and Jerrine Teo Lin Ting, 29, the roots of the company date back to Malaysia’s pre-independence days.
It all began in 1943 when their grandfather, Teo Hoh Hwa, who had come over from China, started a humble coffee-processing business in Sungai Pelek.
He would obtain Liberica coffee cherries from plantations in the area, process them, and sell the unroasted coffee beans. In 1952, he moved the business to its present location.
Hoh Hwa passed away in 1997 at age 87. Thankfully, his son Choon Fung had joined the family business in 1971 to ensure its continuity.
As Jerrine told FMT: “Our father expanded the business by roasting the coffee beans himself. He would then sell the coffee powder to coffee and grocery shops in Sungai Pelek.”
In 2017, Shao Hui, who had just returned from New Zealand, decided to join her father in the business. “I wanted to help him as he was getting old,” she said.
She and her sisters have since introduced new packaging for their father’s roasted coffee and made the products available for purchase online.
In January, they opened the café as they wanted a cosy place where customers could walk in to buy their coffee and enjoy a meal and hot brew.
“After all, the name ‘Chop Guan Kee’ – originally given by my grandfather – means ‘to remember the roots’,” Jerrine explained. “He always wanted us to remember our family and be grateful.”
Tasting notes
The highlight of Chop Guan Kee Coffeehouse is the product in its name, so make sure you try a bottle of cold Nanyang milk coffee. It is their bestseller, according to Jerrine – one sip and it’s no surprise why!
A combination of condensed and evaporated milk, the Nanyang milk coffee is a smooth, thick and aromatic beverage that is perfect for a hot day.
Another decadent drink is the coconut milk coffee, which is a tasty concoction of coconut, condensed, and evaporated milk.
The coffee beans, which are roasted with margarine and sugar, lend a smoky taste to the beverage, which is augmented by the delicious santan.
The creamy drink is served with grated coconut on the rim of the glass, giving it a tropical feel.
If you’re looking for a comforting Malaysian meal to complement your coffee, give the nasi lemak popcorn chicken a go. The rice is fragrant and pairs well with the piquant homemade sambal and tender fried popcorn chicken.
Go ahead and enjoy a heaping spoonful with some crispy papadum that comes with the dish!
Meanwhile, the nasi lemak pasta is an interesting combination, with the sambal adding a nice kick to the spaghetti.
To best enjoy it, Jerrine recommends crushing the half-boiled eggs and mixing them into the dish. It makes each bite more delicious, especially when combined with the crunchy peanuts and anchovies.
If these don’t tickle your fancy, there are numerous other western items on the menu such as the Italian chicken chop pomodoro pasta, prawn aglio olio, and a variety of pizzas.
When it comes to dessert, the Liberica panna cotta is a luscious and milky treat with just the right balance of sweetness.
Each spoonful is rich and creamy, tinged with the pleasant taste of Liberica coffee.
Alternatively, give the Earl Grey panna cotta a try, or select from their range of cakes and cheesecakes. Go ahead and indulge!
Learn more about Chop Guan Kee Coffeehouse via Facebook and Instagram.
Chop Guan Kee Coffeehouse
355, Kampung Baru,
Sungai Pelek, 43950 Selangor
Business hours: 10am-6pm (closed on Thursdays)