For history buffs, Muar holds some significance as the site of the last major engagement of the Malayan Campaign during the Japanese invasion.
However, for most folks passing through, it is not so much history that draws them there but the food. After all, Muar is synonymous with otak-otak, and folk en route to and from Singapore often purchase whole bags of the fishy treats.
Other than otak-otak, Muar also draws people looking to have a good cup of coffee, as one of Malaysia’s most famous kopitiams resides here.
Sai Kee Coffee is the name of this famed coffeeshop, though locals tend to refer to it affectionately as Kopi 434.
This coffeeshop has been serving hot cups of coffee and affordable meals since 1953, garnering quite the reputation for itself.
So, how did it all start? With one Kiar Am Sai, a Hainanese immigrant who arrived in Malaya when he was just 17.
Despite his youth, he was an enterprising lad and quite skillful in the art of coffee-making. He even formulated his personal recipe for traditional coffee roasting.
Sensing an opportunity to make a living in Muar, he opened Sai Kee Coffee on Jalan Maharani, overlooking Sungai Muar. Unlike the brick structure of today, Sai Kee back then was housed in a simple wooden and double-storied shophouse.
Muar residents fell in love with Kiar’s brand of coffee, which soon required a good name for it to be marketable and memorable.
Kiar was a shrewd entrepreneur and in the 1960s, he figured out a brand name which would stick for decades afterwards, namely “434”.
Why those numbers specifically? Apparently, they formed part of his telephone number back then, and it simply was easy to recall.
The name stuck and even now, Kopi 434 gets a bigger reaction than the kopitiam’s actual name of Sai Kee. Those three numbers have also become something of a lucky charm for the Kiar clan, since it has brought nothing but good luck to them.
Fast forward to the present day and Kopi 434 runs its own roastery, producing over 10 tonnes of roasted coffee daily.
So, what’s the secret behind his famous coffee? For Kiar, it’s simple – use the best ingredients without ever compromising on quality.
Today, Sai Kee still stands tall, even after decades in business, with locals and tourists dropping in to dine at the famous kopitiam.
It is no longer the hot and stuffy place of its early years, having something of a tavern-like atmosphere, albeit with air-conditioning today.
Many newspaper cuttings about the kopitiam and the Kiar family are displayed on the walls, and the place is appropriately decorated with coffee-themed décor.
While it is easy to be lost for choice with the menu’s drink options, there is a recommended items page which nudges customers to try all-time favourites.
This includes the Elephant Bean Coffee 1960s, a blend of coffee which is sweet and soothing, a great start to any morning.
For folks wishing for some kick in their coffee, the classic 434 Kopi is bitter to the taste, but rich with caffeine.
For something different, try the Fairephant, a cappuccino which features a mix of cream, coffee and grass jelly.
For non-coffee drinkers, there’s always the SK Gold Teh “O” Ice, a drink of balanced tastes with a mild sweetness.
As for food options, their famous Nasi Lemak Semua Nak is great for breakfast or any time of the day really. There’s also the Mee Bandung 434 with its shrimp and spicy gravy that really packs a punch.
Now for the Mee Siput. This snack is certainly worth trying and don’t worry, there are no snails present. Not too different from the classic murukku, this is a swirl-shaped flour cracker eaten with sambal or chilli paste.
Hence, the next time you should pass by Muar, perhaps take an hour or two to enjoy a hearty meal at this historical kopitiam which harkens back to a time long past.
Kopi 434 Muar
121, Jalan Maharani
Taman Sri Emas
84000 Muar
Johor Darul Ta’zim
Business hours: 8.00am-5.00pm daily
Contact: 06-951 3828