Spoilt for choice: Rafidah (right) with her friend Azyyati Zainal Abedin looking at Hua Mui’s menu before entering the restaurant along Jalan Trus in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: The story began almost eight decades ago with the earlier arrival of Hainanese immigrants to Johor.
Today, a kopitiam outlet which operates from an unpretentious double storey pre-World War II shop remains a magnet for Malaysians who love good food.
Architect Johan Ropi, 44, said Restoran Hua Mui was an important establishment in the Johor Baru city area as it exemplifies multiracial Malaysia, with people of all races coming together to eat at the same place.
The shop, which has been serving customers for the past 78 years, is known for its Hainanese chicken chop and its breakfast set.
“Its menu basically caters to all Malaysians. Whether we want toast with coffee or fried noodles, this is the place for us to get together with friends and family,” said Johan.
According to Hua Mui’s website, Hainanese immigrants who came here in the early 20th century found jobs with affluent Peranakan and western families where they picked up skills in brewing coffee and cooking western and Malay dishes.
These days, locals here would suggest Restoran Hua Mui whenever they are asked for recommendations for breakfast or lunch places.
One of its loyal customers is public relations officer Rafidah Mohd Ali, 44, who has been going to Hua Mui since her school days at Infant Convent Jesus Johor Baru.
“I was born and raised in Johor Baru. Hua Mui has always been my favourite place to eat because the food is delicious.
“My parents used to bring me to Hua Mui and now I am bringing my children and friends to the restaurant,” she said, adding that her family’s favourite dish is its Hainanese chicken chop.
Businessman Gary Chong, 44, said Hua Mui was his preferred choice for breakfast or lunch whenever he is in the city area.
“The restaurant still uses a pulley to serve drinks and food to customers on the second floor. This is their trademark. As a child, I would watch the waitresses using the pulley,” he added.
Retiree K. Ravi, 63, said he would usually go to the eatery to meet his former colleagues where they would sit and chat for hours.
“Normally, we will meet up at around 9am at least twice a week and have a good cup of coffee with toast. We would then leave just before lunchtime.
“The restaurant reminds me and my friends of the good old times. We can see that the younger generation is also coming to Hua Mui for the food,” he added.
Hua Mui co-owner Jeremy Chiang, 42, said the restaurant has seven outlets around Johor Baru including a newly opened one in Kulai.
“I am still learning the ropes from my father, David, who is the boss in our restaurant.”
He said the kopitiam offers a variety of dishes and drinks.
“However, our Hainanese chicken chop remains the favourite among customers,” he added.
Chiang said they have opted to maintain the original design in its first outlet.
“We hardly make any changes to it because our customers prefer it that way,” he said.
Indeed, Hua Mui’s diners over the years have included VIPs and VVIPs such as ministers, celebrities and even His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
