We were hunting for durians in Segamat but we couldn't leave town without dropping by the legendary old Nan Yang Coffee Shop 南洋茶室.
Nan Yang coffee shop is typical of old school Hainanese kopitiams found throughout Malaysia and Singapore. Nan Yang is an institution in town and is a popular hangout of all communities of Segamat townsfolk.
I wandered into the kitchen and there was Mr. Lim, busy making kaya the old way by boiling coconut milk, eggs and pandan leaves.
Mr Lim, now 94, came to British Malaya with his father from Wen Chang district of Hainan Island when he was 10 years old (in 1933). In 1935, Mr Lim's father took over Nan Yang coffee shop from an acquaintance who founded the street corner coffee shop in 1931.
Now 82 years later, Mr Lim's son runs Nan Yang coffee shop, assisted by his grandson. Old Mr. Lim is still at the shop on most days.
A weathered vintage safe still sits in the kopitiam. The day's earnings used to be kept here before they are deposited at the bank.
👉 Simple average old school fare at Nan Yang Coffee Shop. This is one of the oldest, longest running Hainanese kopitiams in Malaysia and Singapore worth a visit for historic reasons.
Restaurant name: Nan Yang Coffee Shop 南洋茶室
Address: 8, Jalan Awang, Johor, Segamat, Malaysia
GPS: 2°30'30.1"N 102°48'54.5"E | 2.508348, 102.815134
Tel: +60 7-931 1013
Hours: 7:00am - 6:30pm (Monday off)
No pork, no lard, no Halal cert
Date visited: 29 Jun 2017
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I had coffee made by the old owner which was much fragrant compared with that made by the young man. This was many yrs ago, perhaps it is better now.
ReplyDeleteI have been going to this kopitiam for the last 62 years . They use to roast their own coffee beans too beside making the kaya.
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