Kedai Kopi White house
IT’S another sunny morning in Kota Baru. With again some time to kill before my assignment at 11, I decide to take a leisurely drive to another eatery for my morning fix. Parking is not a problem this time as just next to the kedai kopi (coffee shop) is a huge parking spot at the square, famous for the Sultan Ismail Petra Arch, one of the most prominent structures in the capital. This arch was erected to commemorate the declaration of Kota Baru as a cultural city with the vision to preserve the Malay culture. The effort was spearheaded by Sultan Ismail Petra, hence the name of the arch.
By the sight of the classic signage
If there’s one thing that can ease that sense of homesickness and provide some semblance of comfort, it is food.
above the entrance door, I deduce that this kopitiam-style shop on Jalan Sultanah Zainab has been around for quite some time. I learn from one of the customers that this small and simple Hainanese coffee shop furnished with the ubiquitous kopitiam fare of round and white marble-top tables and wooden chairs, and white tiled walls, opened its doors back in 1935. Today, it’s owned by a sprightly 70-yearold called Siow Boon Suan, the son-in-law of the founder.
When the shop first opened, the menu was modest, comprising just a simple roti bakar (toast) and half boiled eggs served with black coffee. Over time, the menu expanded to include other Kelantanese staples such as nasi kerabu, nasi dagang, and mixed rice.
If there’s one thing you need to have if you’re planning on dining here, it is patience. The place is perpetually crowded. But locals will tell you that it’s worth the wait. Especially for the toast. The combination of thick, warm crusty toast, butter and authentic kaya, which is light brown in colour, is simply delicious. The packed food of nasi kerabu, nasi dagang and nasi lemak do well too, and are snapped up by the crowd before you can blink.
To be honest, it baffles me why this place gets the crowd that it does as its simple menu of toast with the topping of your choice (kaya or butter), packed rice and drinks don’t seem to be anything out of the ordinary. Furthermore, I find the price to be surprisingly on the steep side. The not-so-friendly service and the shop’s no photography policy don’t help matters but... the locals love it anyway! I later learn that this coffee shop happens to receive frequent visits by the Kelantan Royal family. Ah, maybe that’s why!