This shop in Kuala Kubu Bharu has been cooking their famous Hainanese Chicken Chop and other breakfast delights for 100 years.
Kuala Kubu Bharu feels like a setting you’d find in a historical novel. From a distance, you may think it is just another sleepy town. Across Kuala Kubu Bharu town, pre-war buildings age gracefully as they continue to shelter old shops and businesses. Murals add a quirky stroke, telling the tale of its culture and people.
When it comes to food, there are the usual suspects selling traditional food such as crispy Kaya Puff and Teo Chew cuisine, having fed generations of locals. Among these giants, Kedai Hailam Sun Sun Nam Cheong has been serving their Hainanese Chicken Chop, with a recipe hasn’t changed a bit for a century.
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Hainanese Heritage Served for Breakfast
Despite its name, Hainanese Chicken Chop does not originate from China. Instead it was created by the Hainan Chinese who migrated to Malaysia many years ago. With a handful of these migrants employed as chefs for British families at the time, they adapted their cooking styles and invented new recipes. Where Peranakans have flourished with their Malay and Chinese fusion fanfare, the Hainanese did the same with Western and Chinese dishes.
At the heart of this is the humble Hainanese Chicken Chop: a large fried chicken chop served with potato wedges and thick brown gravy, made from a concoction of sauces and vegetables like tomatoes, peas, carrots and onions.
Hainanese breakfasts are also popular in Malaysia today. Apart from chicken chop, there are soft-boiled eggs served with steamed or charcoal-toasted bread, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Hailam Mee, Pot Pies and of course, cups of good ol’ strong kopi (that’s how we call coffee).
Discover Kuala Kubu Bharu with a local or enjoy a 2D1N eco-glamping experience at The Sticks on LokaLocal
Century-Old Chicken Chop
The moment you step into Sun Sun Nam Cheong, you’ll notice the old-school setting and the classical music gently playing from an old radio.
According to the owner, there are not many traditional shops left in the area as they have gradually decided to retire, with no one to take over the business. In 2020, his widely popular shop celebrated their 100th year since it opened in 1920.
Their bestseller is without doubt the Hainanese Chicken Chop. The chicken steak is drizzled with iconic brown gravy, and topped with a fried egg, vegetables and thick-cut chips. Something about it simply oozes nostalgia!
Hailam Noodles is another breakfast favourite. The thick noodles is cooked in a savoury, flavourful sauce complete with meat, prawns, and vegetables. For those who want something more filling, Hailam Noodles is a good choice.
You also can’t go wrong with Hainanese Toast with butter and homemade kaya, which tastes even better dipped in half-boiled eggs. Pair it with hot coffee and you’ve got yourself a classic Hainanese breakfast.
They also serve other dishes like Sambal Nasi Goreng, if you’re into something spicier.
Last but certainly not least, you cannot get away without having Hainanese coffee, which is typically richer, darker and more aromatic than other coffees in Malaysia.
Next time you decide to drop by Kuala Kubu Bharu, you wouldn’t want to miss Sun Sun Nam Cheong. Heritage is at the heart of their century-old shop, and you’ll taste it for sure.
Kedai Makanan Hailam Sun Sun Nam Cheong
Address: 8, Jalan Mat Kilau, Pekan Kuala Kubu Bharu, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor
Opening Times: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
Muslim friendly
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