Tucked in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, Ho Kow Hainan Kopitiam has been serving generations of Malaysians since 1956. With its nostalgic atmosphere, traditional Hainanese breakfast, and loyal fan base, it’s one of KL’s most iconic kopitiams—and still draws long queues every morning.
⭐ Overall Rating : 4.3 / 5
A Taste of Malaysian Heritage
Originally opened by Mr. Ho Kow’s father as Soon Kee Kopitiam in a humble alley, the coffee shop relocated in 2018 to a larger, renovated corner-lot building on Jalan Balai Polis, near Petaling Street. Today, it maintains its authentic charm with retro fittings, old-school signage, and the comforting aroma of kopi wafting from a traditional stainless-steel boiler.
Location & How to Get There
Address:
1, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Directions:
- By MRT: 5-minute walk from Pasar Seni MRT (Exit Jalan Sultan)
- By car: Limited street parking; nearest lots near Jalan Sultan
- Near Chinatown, Central Market, and Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tue–Sun | 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM (last order ~2:30 PM) |
Best to arrive before 7:30 AM to beat the crowds—especially on weekends.
Must-Try Menu Items
Here’s what to order at Ho Kow Hainan Kopitiam:
Kaya Butter Toast
Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and slathered with fragrant pandan kaya and cold butter—this is a quintessential kopitiam treat.
Soft-Boiled Eggs
Served in traditional glass cups, these silky eggs are seasoned with light soy sauce and white pepper—a perfect pairing with toast and kopi.
Hainanese Cham
A strong, smooth blend of coffee and tea—Ho Kow’s Cham is still made the old-fashioned way with a traditional stainless steel boiler.
Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng
A full plate of coconut rice, sambal, anchovies, and fried chicken thigh—great for those who want a heavier start to the day.
Curry Chee Cheong Fun
Steamed rice rolls in spicy, thick curry sauce with fish balls and tofu—a nostalgic Hainanese favourite.
Bonus: Also try fried bee hoon, herbal tea, or a Milo Dinosaur.
Price Range
| Item | Price (MYR) |
|---|---|
| Kaya Toast & Eggs Set | 8–12 |
| Nasi Lemak / Mains | 12–20 |
| Drinks (Coffee/Tea/etc.) | 3–8 |
Payment Options: Cash, credit/debit card, e-wallets (TNG, GrabPay, Boost)
Ambience & Facilities
- Air-conditioned dining hall + covered outdoor seating
- Retro décor with tiled floors, wooden furniture, and kopitiam murals
- Self-service counter for order slips & payment
- Waitlist system during peak hours (register name at entrance)
Instagrammable Highlights
- Classic tiled flooring and kopitiam aesthetics
- Toast, eggs, and kopi served in enamel plates and cups
- Outdoor mural and iconic green signage
- Old-school coffee kettle in action
Suggested Alt Tag for Images:
“Vintage Hainanese breakfast at Ho Kow Kopitiam KL with kaya toast and cham”
Pro Tips for Visitors
- Arrive by 7:15 AM to avoid long queues
- Add your name to the clipboard at the entrance
- Decide your order while queuing—menu is displayed outside
- Bring a hat or umbrella if visiting late morning (queue may be outside)
- Visit nearby Petaling Street or Central Market after breakfast
What People Say
“This is as raw and real as a Malaysian kopitiam gets.”
“The queue was worth it. Kaya toast and cham were superb.”
“Felt like I traveled back in time—amazing vibe and breakfast.”
Google Rating: 4.3+ ⭐ (4,000+ reviews)
Listed among the top 10 kopitiams in KL by food bloggers
Final Thoughts
Ho Kow Hainan Kopitiam KL delivers more than just a meal—it’s a trip back to old Kuala Lumpur. With its vintage charm, nostalgic food, and warm Malaysian hospitality, it’s a must-visit whether you’re a tourist, foodie, or nostalgic local. Just come early, be patient, and enjoy every sip of cham and bite of toast the way it’s been served for decades.
