
Choon Hui Cafe
An iconic Kuching kopitiam famous for its authentic Sarawak Laksa, praised by Anthony Bourdain and locals alike for its rich flavors and traditional a...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Choon Hui Cafe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic Kuching kopitiam famous for its authentic Sarawak Laksa, praised by Anthony Bourdain and locals alike for its rich flavors and traditional ambiance.
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited, especially during peak hours. Visit early to secure a spot.
Beat the Crowds
The cafe is popular, so expect a wait during peak hours. Go before 9 am for a more relaxed experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Malaysian
Price
$
Phone
+60 82-243 857
Address
34, Jalan Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Anthony Bourdain's Sarawak Laksa
Experience the 'breakfast of the gods' that captivated Anthony Bourdain. Rich, spicy, and flavorful broth with fresh prawns and chicken.

Authentic Popiah
Freshly made popiah, praised for its flavor and tasty dipping sauce. A must-try local favorite, often mentioned alongside laksa.

Nostalgic Kopitiam Ambiance
Step back in time in this traditional kopitiam with its bustling, no-frills atmosphere and the aroma of local coffee.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited, especially during peak hours. Visit early to secure a spot.
Beat the Crowds
The cafe is popular, so expect a wait during peak hours. Go before 9 am for a more relaxed experience.
Cash Payment Recommended
It's advisable to bring cash as some stalls may not accept cards.
Add Butter to Coffee
Enhance your coffee with a bit of butter for a smoother, richer taste.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited, especially during peak hours. Visit early to secure a spot.
Beat the Crowds
The cafe is popular, so expect a wait during peak hours. Go before 9 am for a more relaxed experience.
Cash Payment Recommended
It's advisable to bring cash as some stalls may not accept cards.
Add Butter to Coffee
Enhance your coffee with a bit of butter for a smoother, richer taste.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Choon Hui Cafe is a beloved spot for authentic Sarawakian flavors, with its Laksa and Popiah drawing consistent praise. Diners appreciate the traditional kopitiam ambiance and reasonable prices, though some note the heat and potential for crowds. While many rave about the food, a few find certain dishes or drinks less remarkable compared to other local establishments.
"Been here recently, what a pleasing experience for the ambience and food culture. For me laksa here are there on my top three list. The popiah man, delicious. Not forget the kopi panas here. Try the original taste for laksa, kolo mee and popiah guys"
LUIS RAZORMAX
"If you’re into Sarawak Laksa, most people will point you to Choon Hui. In my humble opinion, they make a tasty bowl of laksa but not necessarily the best bowl.
Apologies to my Kuching friends but I truly believe the best bowl of Sarawak Laksa is to be had in Petaling Jaya at Lao Mao Cafe in Megan Rise Mall.
To be fair, it’s not an apples to apples compare as the bowl of Sarawak Laksa at Lao Mao cost slightly more than twice that charged by Choon Hui. So the quality of ingredients and spices used in the broth are at a different level.
For the price that they charge, I have no complaints about what Choon Hui delivers. A simple delicious bowl of noodles.
Had the Kolo Mee here too. Think the noodles are too soft and the dry mix is a little bland and needs the vinegared chillies to provide some complexity."
Whisky Dev
"Choon Hui Cafe in Kuching is a popular stop for tourists. The Sarawak laksa here is delicious, with a rich broth and well-balanced toppings that make it very satisfying. However, what stood out for me the most was the popiah — fresh, packed with flavour and served with a tasty dipping sauce that really elevates it. A great place to enjoy some authentic local favourites."
Joseph K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Choon Hui Cafe is most famous for its authentic Sarawak Laksa, which was hailed as 'breakfast of the gods' by the late Anthony Bourdain.
Besides Laksa, the Popiah and Kolo Mee are highly recommended and popular among diners.
Yes, it's a popular stop for tourists seeking authentic local cuisine and a traditional dining experience.
The cafe typically opens early, around 6:30 am, and closes around 11 am. It's best to arrive before 9 am to avoid peak crowds.
Parking can be limited and tricky, especially during busy hours. Visiting early is advised.
It's a traditional, old-school kopitiam with a no-frills atmosphere, often bustling with customers and the sounds of a busy eatery.
Reservations are generally not taken; it's a walk-in establishment. Be prepared for a potential wait during peak times.
Mentioned in
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Under a large verandah and cooled by a fleet of helicopter fans, this cafe serves some of Kuching’s best Sarawak laksa. There are also stalls selling…
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Last but not least, it’s impossible to list the best eateries in Sarawak without giving an honourable mention to Choon Hui Cafe. This kopitiam was propelled to icon status when American Chef and Television Celebrity Anthony Bourdain nicknamed their Kuching Laksa as the “breakfast of the gods” during his visit there on the popular CNN TV series ‘Parts Unknown’. With a darker soup richer in spices than its Penang counterpart but lighter than the coconut-milk infused Johor version, Sarawakian laksa is a seasoned blend of shredded chicken, fresh prawns, and bean sprouts bursting with flavours.
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As recommended by Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur’s Editor-in-Chief Martin Teo, one would truly be remiss if they were to miss out on making a brief stop at Kak Bedah Cafe along Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce for a plate of mee kolok. A deceptively humble dish that is commonly found throughout the state, it is reminiscent of wonton noodles but is slightly springier in comparison. While this variation served at Kak Bedah Cafe is Halal (the original recipe calls for the use of minced pork), much of the noodle’s delectable flavour remains unchanged.
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You know they serve one of the best Sarawak Laksa in town when the late Anthony Bourdain is a huge, huge fan of this small little café. In fact, Bourdain, who first visited Choon Hui Café in 2005, has returned many times for their Sarawak Laksa, once even buying a round of meals for all the patrons in the café at the time. They serve the laksa filled to brim with spices you can only get in Sarawak, as well as king prawns, poached chicken and omelette strips.
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Sarawak Kolomee (second famous food in the shop) RM5.00 – dried thin noodles serves with red pork slices and prawn. The noodle itself is springy while covered with fragrant oily shallot and onion flavor, has a very smooth texture which makes you keep slurping for more similar like having a bowl of Indomee (but premium ones in this case), while the generous amount of pork slices and prawn toppings just made the overall kolomee even more enjoyable.
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To be called “Breakfast of the Gods” by arguably one of the most famous celebrity chefs who has ever lived is certainly a great compliment. Those of us who used to follow the adventures of the late Anthony Bourdain will fondly remember the episode in which he visited a little kopitiam in Kuching and fell in love with the bowl of Sarawak laksa that he ordered. That same bowl of laksa is still being served today in Choon Hui Cafe!
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Similar to the aforementioned cafe, Choon Hui Cafe is always brimming with customers, and serves local favorites like Sarawak laksa, kolo mee, and popiah (or spring roll). This place, however, tends to have more tourists thanks to a certain celebrity chef who gave the Sarawak laksa here his endorsement a few years ago. Honestly, we couldn’t tell the difference – it was just as tasty and fragrant as Chong Choon’s!
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Although this cafe is prominently known for its Sarawak Laksa, the Kolo Mee served here is also at the top of its game. The curly noodles which is one of the state's must-try is favoured by locals and tourists alike. Receiving lots of good reviews, the Kolo Mee here also comes in its Special variation - served alongside internal organs such as pork liver, pork balls, and lean pork.
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It is one of the most popular stalls in Kuching, and certainly one of its spiciest. The soup is rich, thick and full of flavour from the homemade paste, which is one of the defining elements in this luscious bowl. The food runs out quickly, so stragglers coming in after 10am for a bit of noodle comfort often leave disappointed.
Kuching's Laksa Delights: Where to Find the Best Laksa in Kuching | GoTriip
Choon Hui Cafe in Sarawak has established itself as a staple in Kuching's Laksa scene. Their Laksa is celebrated for its balanced flavors and authentic preparation. The rich and creamy broth, combined with perfectly cooked noodles, fresh herbs, and a variety of toppings, creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
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The Choon Hui Café is on everyone’s list of what to eat in Kuching as it’s Anthony Bourdain certified!. For the uninitiated, he is a well-known American celebrity chef who has visited this cafe and absolutely loved it. The must-try dishes here are Sarawak laksa, kolo mee, and popiah, which are all perfect for breakfast.
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Choon Hui was Bourdain’s top pick, though it is a bit of a walk and you can expect a wait. But Mei Xin Laksa stall at Lau Ya Keng opposite the Teo Chew Temple on Carpenter Street and Poh Lam Laksa at Chong Choon Café on Jalan Chan Chin Ann both give them a run for their money. In the end, it is a matter of taste.
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In honour of Bourdain, kicking-off this list is Choon Hui Café, where the laksa stall the chef fell in love with in 2005, still stands to this day. Since then, Bourdain has returned to the coffee shop off Jalan Ban Hock many times, even buying a round of meals for everyone in the restaurant during one visit.
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Choon Hui Cafe is renowned in Kuching for its exceptional popiah and Sarawak laksa offerings. Indulge in the unique laksa soup and delightful popiah which paired with their signature sauces for an unforgettable dining experience. Make sure to taste the classic kolo mee since it is a budget-friendly delight.
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Nestled in Jalan Ban Hock, Choon Hui Cafe once made headlines for being a favourite spot of Anthony Bourdain. In fact, it was Choon Hui’s laksa that captured his love for the cafe. Choon Hui Cafe is not only famous but also packed with crowds as a further testament to their quality and great success.
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Supporters of deceased culinary legend Anthony Bourdain will have to walk this rite of passage to understand what he meant describing Choon Hui's laksa as the "Breakfast of the Gods". He confirmed his love for this dish by visiting Choon Hui not once but twice during his rare voyages into Kuching.
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Hii so today i nak share a cafe i went to during my short trip. This cafe have a minimal and korean like cafe. When visiting this cafe,i decided to wear outfits with korean style to take some good photos🙊 📍Cafe name: Zero O’ Clock, Kuching This cafe located at Saradise, Kuching which is the pa
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Choon Hui Kopitiam serves the world famous Laksa Sarawak TV food host Anthony Bourdain loves. Anthony came twice to Kuching and went here on both occasions, with the second time ordering two bowls of laksa. The kopitiam is usually packed in the morning, and the laksa broth is just nice.
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We have four suggestions for you: Choon Hui Cafe (Anthony Bourdain-approved where the chef/TV personality has visited it twice and even called the dish the "breakfast of gods"), Poh Lam Laksa at Chong Choon Café, Mom's Laksa on Jalan Haji Taha, and Golden Arch Garden Café & Restaurant.
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This cafe is located at 34, Jalan Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. If you want GPS navigation to this Choon Hui Cafe, you can download Teaspoon app (link to download http://bit.ly/kuchingmusteat) or refer to the Google Maps we prepared http://goo.gl/zPHMGM.
Top breakfast places in Kuching you should try
The Sarawak laksa at this kopitiam was featured as “breakfast of the Gods” by the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. Besides that, kolo mee, popiah and the charcoal toast are also a must try.
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But Choon Hui Cafe, on Ban Hock Road in the central Padungan neighborhood, enjoys widespread and deserved hype. I recommend checking it out, if not today, then at some point during your stay.
best food court in kuching
Choon Hui Cafe Kuching This cafe is located at 34, Jalan Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Kuching should really be the next on your list. If you wan Where to eat in Kuching?.
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In honour of Bourdain, kicking-off this list is Choon Hui Café, where the laksa stall the chef fell in love with in 2005, still stands to this day.
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Popular spots for a bowl include Chong Choon Cafe and Choon Hui Cafe. The latter is also popular for Sarawak Laksa.
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