[PHOTOS] This 109-Year-Old Pos Malaysia Office Has Been Given New Life As A Retro Kopitiam
The retro cafe opened just last year.
In recent years, Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur has become a hub of trendy eateries and artsy murals
Even so, I was surprised to see that a long-time abandoned building finally found new life as an old-style cafe.
Called Kafei Dian, the cafe opened last year.
Image via Alyssa Pong/SAYS
But did you know the cafe was previously a Pos Malaysia office?
Built in 1911 by the Federated Malay States Postal Authority, this double storey office served as a sub-post office with its main headquarters located at Dataran Merdeka.
According to British Malaya, a red flag would be hoisted over the building to alert residents whenever their mail arrived from overseas.
Image via British Malaya
Inside, you can even see an old Post Malaya (Pos Malaysia's former name) sign still hanging at the back of the cafe
Image via Alyssa Pong/SAYS
Today, the building retains much of the original Malay- and Tudor-style architecture
Its distinctive red-tiled slanted roof, turquoise balcony, and black and white striped front are all still there - only this time with a fresh coat of paint.
Being particularly proud of the building's heritage, Kafei Dian owner Danny directed us to the upper floor which is entirely made out of wood. We were a little worried walking along the creaky floorboards, but rest assured they've been refurbished and will not crack under pressure.
Image via Alyssa Pong/SAYS
Standing on the balcony, you'll have a great view of the giant mural of an uncle hammering a nail.
Image via Alyssa Pong/SAYS
However, it isn't just the building's exterior that is steeped in history.
Kafei Dian is decorated with tons of retro items inside, making it truly a blast from the past.
Step into the cafe and you'll immediately see a stand lined with metal oil lamps, dim sum baskets, and watercolour paintings of the post office.
Image via Alyssa Pong/SAYS
Image via Alyssa Pong/SAYS
Walking around you'll notice repainted door frames, tables flanked by large wheels from carts, and wooden cupboards reminiscent of those found in my Ah Mah's childhood home.
Image via Alyssa Pong/SAYS
Image via Alyssa Pong/SAYS
We even stumbled across an old safe with its combination lock still attached. It clearly would not budge.
Image via Alyssa Pong/SAYS
So, what about the food?
Aside from your typical kopitiam favourites, Kafei Dian also serves delicious Malay food and pork-free Hainanese dishes.
Image via Alyssa Pong/SAYS
We tried their chicken lobak, jiu hu char (fried turnip), and Hainam fried noodles - all of which tasted just like home.
They also offer dishes you can share with a larger group including, stewed ginger chicken and duck, stir fried vegetables, and assam fish soup.
Image via TheFoodBunny
If we had room to spare, we would have definitely tried out their dim sum, steamed roti kaya, or kuih. Pair it with a hot cup of kopi O and you've got yourself the perfect afternoon snack.
Image via Malaysia Flavours
Go back in time at Kafei Dian, which you can find here:
Image via Alyssa Pong/SAYS
Address:
80, Jalan Panggong,
City Centre,
50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours:
Daily (7am to 5pm)
Got a lot of places to recommend? Let us know in our new SAYS Makan Buddies Facebook Group!
Image via SAYS Makan
Kafei Dian is only a two-minute walk from popular photo op spot, Kwai Chai Hong:
These historical spaces have also turn into trendy new places to hangout:
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