This is one kopitiam that is always full. I took note of it when I visited Merchant Lane two years ago and then Chocha Foodstore, Old China Cafe, Urban Artisan and several other eateries throughout the years – all located a very short distance away from each other. I usually end up passing this particular kopitiam in search for an empty parking spot and it was always FULL. Full as in there is always a long line lining up outside to get seated.

This piqued my interest, food has to be good, right? Why else would people bother waiting in line when there are many other eateries nearby to consider.

There is a standardized procedure when visiting this kopitiam. You DO NOT simply walk in and grab whichever available table, no. Here, it is solely First come, First serve basis. There is a guy at the entrance whose sole responsibility is to take down your name and number of people – so, head over to him and provide that information. Then, you either wait in line or sit around on the chairs provided while looking through the Menu and their offerings. Once your name is called, then head on over to your designated table.

** If you guys want to get seated faster, less crowded, then do head over 2 pm onwards. This eatery closes at 3.30 pm and while it is still full, the crowd starts reducing by 2. Hence, you guys wouldn’t have to wait in line for a long while. However, if you want to enjoy the full experience of waiting in line, immersing yourself in the boisterous environment, people sitting left, right and center, crowded – the yea, do head on over for brunch/lunch. I did that and I loved it, it sure is quite the experience.

Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng, 12.90 ringgit + Dried Chicken Curry Mee, 10.90 ringgit + Black Glutinous Rice Soup, 3.50 ringgit + Kopi, 3.50 ringgit

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The first item we received out of our order was the Kopi. I must say, it was really good. There is something special in the way it taste, the nostalgic feel that only comes from coffee served at ol’ school kopitiams and that feel was plenty here. The coffee itself was potent, ‘kaw’. Loved it.

*** To place an order, there is an order sheet on the table – fill in the details of the items you are interested in ordering and then pass on the sheet to a waiter. Considering how full/crowded this kopitiam gets – it is best to also put in a request for any extra ingredients that you fancy. I wished I did so when I ordered the Nasi Lemak. The ‘Sambal’ was nice which meant that it was gone within five mouths in and so was the ‘kacang’. Having to get the waiters attention, especially during peak hours was a feat by itself, they were literally running around everywhere – busy, busy, busy. So, do request for extra sambal while you place your order otherwise, good luck trying to catch the waiters attention.

*** If you guys enjoy bread, then do give their Bread and/or Toasted Bun selection a try. I noticed almost every table having at least one ‘roti’ dish on their table. In fact, a few of the customers suggested I order it too. A friendly bunch, definitely. I however gave it a miss this time as I already had bread for breakfast, will give it a go during my next visit.

The Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng was suggested to me by the kind lady who sat on the table next to us, seemed to be a regular patron and so, we took her advise. Glad we did. It was goooooood. As mentioned above, do remember to request for extra sambal though, the usual serving was hardly enough. The fried chicken either came in thigh or drumstick and since I am a sucker for more meat, lol – the thigh seemed ideal. It was tender, juicy, crispy and a perfect addition to the nasi lemak. Overall, a yummy dish.

The Dried Chicken Curry Mee was tasty too. I opted for a mix of Mee Hoon and Mee for noodles and it came in a generous portion, with just the right amount of thick flavorful curry. There were three big, chunky pieces of chicken that did not come mostly in bones – yay! Plenty of meat on them and having it with the noodles and the tasty curry was da bomb.

The Black Glutinous Rice Soup was a perfect hot dessert. Nothing too heavy and sweet. Soupy, not too milky and with a generous amount of black glutinous rice, it was a good dish to conclude our visit here.

Would I head back here?

Yes, most definitely. I very much intent to drop by soon for another visit.