Sibu Tales : Khiaw Hin Cafe

The name of the coffee shop means Prosperity and Success for Overseas Chinese. The group of Chinese men who established the coffee shop after the war must have been very hopeful that they would succeed. Indeed they succeeded in so many different ways. They established a good business, with good ethical practices and became found members of the Coffee Shop Owners' Association.

Later their children became very successful in various different professions.

Over the years their coffee shop became an "extension" of the Methodist Kindergarten and Primary Schools. The parents waiting for their children took to the coffee shop and sat down for long hours. The operators were happy to have this group of mothers sitting there and having their meals. Besides they also started offering economy fast food so that the parents could deliver warm food to their children in the school very economically.

It is very interesting that a quick lunch for 10 people could be arranged here in this coffee shop, if the Hock Chu Leu down the road is too crowded or not opened (i.e. on Tuesdays). So five dishes could be immediately served, and that could even include a nice braised pork dish and sweet and sour fish.

I had a few good meals with friends here.

It is really a no frill coffee shop and every one can have a good meal here at noon. Most of the good food would be gone by 1 p.m.

There has been talks that soon the re-development of the Methodist Church,including the land next to it. Hence the Khiaw Hin Cafe had to end its operation in that shop lot.

The operators have to make a decision where to move to.