Modern twist

SMACK in the middle of the Jalan Tan Hiok Nee heritage trail stands two shipping containers in the corner of an open air parking lot, conspicuous by their modern, minimalistic design.

At around 10am every day, these containers are transformed into Chaiwalla & Co., a trendy tea and coffee joint that provides a nice contrast to the old buildings around the area.

Childhood friends Abdul Razak Misan and Nazrul Hakim Putra, both 30, are the founders of this “container cafe”, a concept they’ve seen overseas. Earthquake-prone Christchurch, New Zealand, in particular, has plenty of container shops.

“We bought the used containers for RM6,000, and spent another RM15,000 decorating the interior,” said Nazrul. Altogether, it took RM150,000 to start-up the business.

“It was a gamble because the local council couldn’t visualise what we wanted to do. We had to build it first, and then they came, saw the containers, and decided to give us a premises license.”

It was even more of a gamble considering both Nazrul and Abdul Razak had quit their jobs for the venture. The former was the captain of an offshore oil rig supply vessel and the latter a delivery manager for Pos Malaysia – and married with two children.

The two are hoping to open a branch in the Klang Valley, but business in Jalan Tan Hiok Nee has been so good, they’re already planning to add another two containers to the site to provide “indoor seating”.

“It’s been really great running our cafe around these old shops,” said Nazrul. “Customers from the old bakeries and

drop by here, and our younger crowd goes to them too.

“There’s a lot of harmony in this area.”

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