For a different and unique kind of cafe experience, try visiting the Teochew opera show inspired Lai H'ng Cafe 梨园 at Lebuh Carnavon. Unlike hipster or minimalist cafe that offers picturesque spots for Instagram shots, Lai H'ng Cafe walls are draped over by Teochew opera backdrops and stage embelishments. All diners are required to enter the cafe in high profile by hitting the gong at the entrance, as a signal for the crew to unlock the door and grant the entry. The menu here is small - only offering oyster porridge as a main dish along with a range of snacks. Although the items are pricey and the waiting time is long but a visit to this cafe is worthwhile for the experience and appreciation, especially to the younger generations who are unfamiliar with Teochew opera culture.
The only main dish here, Oyster Porridge (RM 15) is inspiring and gratifying. It is nicely seasoned and brimming with intense flavour, and the chef is ever generous with plenty of plumpy dried oysters, pork slices and You Tiao. Albeit with the premium price tag at RM 15 while you may get this food at certain hawkers with around RM 5, the Oyster Porridge at Lai H'ng value is worth the value.
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| Spiced Braised Pork Platter (RM 15) |
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| Mang Kuang Chai Kueh (RM 4) |
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| Yam Bean Roll / Kwangjiang (RM 4) |
Lai H'ng Cafe offers a range of snacks, or specifically Teochew kuih that often available during Teochew opera show in those days. Of the 3 snacks, Mang Kuang Chai Kueh (RM 4) stand out to be the most impressive ones. It packs some crunchy jicama slices in the thin skins.
The Spiced Braised Pork Platter (RM 15) seems like an irresistible platter with so more selections. It is more like a trial plate, just like the coffee tasting set. I recall those days when I were young and run to the lobak stalls, and hoping to order everything into a plate for savour but were constrained financially. Nevertheless, not of the items really shine in our opinion.
Yam Bean Roll / Kwangjiang (RM 4) is stiff and a stronger bean taste would make this snack better in taste.
We were informed that 潮州饭桃粿 Red Peach Kuih is an off-menu item during our visit. It is a rarity to see this snack on any restaurant, let alone in cafe. In fact, this cultural snack almost got wiped out from our memory until today. The taste was great and we enjoy it.
Another must have dessert during Teochew Opera will be Si Koh Teng, or known as Four Fruit Soup. It used to be an affordable dessert but it is priced at RM 8 here but it comes with a handful of ingredients within. The version here was made to have just nice in the sweetness level, hence we find it enjoyable.
On the other hand, the Ice Cappuccino (RM 12) is a disappointing and tasted like a bad instant drink. True also, who will have ordered Cappuccino during Teochew Opera?
Look out for the hidden door for the entrance. It is on your left after you making a U-turn on Carnavon street, or at your left when you are turning from Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
Operation hours: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
Tel: 012-485 3377
Check out
Shirleen &
Ee Pin's Instagram for more beautiful photos we have taken.
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