Kedai Kopi Bee Hong

Kedai Kopi Bee Hong (12 December 2014)


Kedai Kopi Bee Hong (GPS: 5.41286, 100.33079) is a coffee shop along Magazine Road in George Town, Penang. It is essentially an eatering offering "economy rice" - a meal of rice with the patron's own selection of dishes. The patrons may also opt for porridge.

What makes it uniquely famous is that this is the coffee shop patronised by trishawmen and coolies who are fond of sitting on stools placed over benches. Two mini stools of differing sizes are placed one on top of the other over the bench. Needless to say, it takes some skill to balance oneself on such a seat but these blue-collar workers seem to take to the seating like duck to water.

There was a time when such eateries were a common sight in George Town, particularly around the Sia Boey area, but over the past few decades, as the coolies of the past generation pass on, the practise of sitting on stools above benches have died out.

The stools-on-bench seating arrangement at Kedai Kopi Bee Hong (12 December 2014)


Dishes being prepared at Kedai Kopi Bee Hong (12 December 2014)


In fact, Kedai Kopi Bee Hong is an extension of the original eatery which is still functioning next to it. This is house in a shed. Customers who prefer to sit in the more regular way at round tables may now take their food at the coffee shop proper, while those who are accustomed to sitting on stools may continue to do so.

Kedai Kopi Bee Hong was immortalized in "At the Porridge Stall", a miniature diorama by Penang sculptor Khoo Chooi Hooi. The diorama was originally on display at the Made In Penang Interactive Museum but was moved to the Wonderfood Museum Penang when the latter opened.

At the Porridge Stall, a miniature diorama by Khoo Chooi Hooi for Made In Penang Interactive Museum (6 May 2014)

Getting there

From the Komtar Bus Terminal, walk along Jalan Ria until you reach Magazine Road. Cross the road and then turn left and go along Magazine Road until you arrive at Kedai Kopi Bee Hong on your right.

Kedai Kopi Bee Hong is on the Map of Magazine Road, Penang

List of Coffee Shops in Penang and Coffee Shops in Malaysia