Every year, right after the last ang-pow is given and the final lion dance drumbeat fades into memory, we quietly slip back into a familiar rhythm—one that leads straight to the nearest coffee-shop. This year was no different. My usual weekend friends and I squeezed into one car, determined to hunt for some good old coffee-shop food after the long Chinese New Year (CNY) break. We thought it would be a simple mission, but Kuching had other plans.
We drove to three different coffee-shops — each one packed to the brim. Cars double‑parked, families stood around waiting for tables, and the unmistakable sound of kopi cups clinking filled the air. It felt as if the whole city had the same idea: after days of festive feasting, it was time for a reset. The Spring Festival may have ended, but the craving for everyday flavours had just begun.
As the vibrant celebrations wind down, something stirs in the hearts of our friends. It’s a longing for the ordinary, the comforting, the familiar. And among us, nothing embodies that better than the humble coffee-shop—our unofficial community hall, our breakfast sanctuary, our social heartbeat.
Why the Rush Happens
Return to Routine
CNY in our community, has always been a joyful whirlwind of open houses, pineapple tarts, mandarin oranges, and yee sang. But once the celebrations fade, many crave simple coffee-shop comfort. The clatter of cups, the smell of kaya toast and familiar faces feel like home. As one uncle joked, after days of eating good delicious food — we must detox with “kopi O” and “Kolo Mee.”
Craving for Familiar Flavours
Festive food is indulgent and symbolic, but it’s not what we eat every day. After days of rich dishes — trotters, roast duck/chicken, steamed fish, butter prawns, oysters, abalone and kuih lapis —our taste buds start longing for the flavours that define daily life.
- Soft‑boiled eggs with soy sauce.
- Nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaf.
- Kopi peng with just the right balance of sweetness.
These are not just meals—they are rituals that anchor us.
Social Reconnection
Coffee-shops in our midst are more than eateries; they are social hubs. After the holidays, friends, colleagues, and even neighbours gather to catch up. The communal tables, the casual atmosphere, and the familiar chatter make coffee-shops the perfect place to ease back into everyday life.
At one coffee-shop in Padungan, I saw a group of aunties comparing their CNY ang-pows from their children. At another, uncles were already discussing football and politics as if the holidays never happened. These small scenes are the heartbeat of our community life.
Limited Access During the Holidays
Many coffee-shops close during CNY so owners and staff can celebrate with their families. This temporary pause creates a sense of longing. When the doors finally reopen, regulars flock back like birds returning to their favourite feeding ground.
Food That’s Dearly Missed
Kaya Toast and Soft‑Boiled Eggs
This classic breakfast is a national treasure. The crispy toast slathered with fragrant kaya and butter, paired with perfectly runny eggs seasoned with soy sauce and white pepper, is a comfort many of us miss during the festive break.
Nasi Lemak
Simple, fragrant, and satisfying. The coffee-shop version—with sambal, anchovies, peanuts and a hard‑boiled egg—hits differently after days of festive richness.
Kolo Mee
No dish represents Kuching more than Kolo Mee. But Koko Mee—its darker, slightly sweeter cousin — is equally beloved. After CNY, these noodles become the unofficial “reset button” for many locals.
The springy noodles, the fragrant lard oil, the char siu slices, the minced meat—this is comfort in a bowl. One friend told me, “After CNY, first thing I must eat is Kolo Mee. If not, the year cannot start properly.”
Char Kway Teow and Mee Siam
These wok‑fried favourites, with their smoky wok hei and bold flavours, offer a refreshing contrast to festive dishes.
Kopi and Teh Tarik
No coffee-shop experience is complete without a cup of strong kopi or frothy teh tarik. These drinks are part of our daily rhythm. Their absence during the holidays leaves a noticeable void.
Curry Laksa and Wantan Mee
Hearty, flavourful, and deeply satisfying — these dishes signal a return to everyday indulgence.
Cultural Significance
The post‑holiday coffee-shop rush reflects our deep‑rooted food culture. Coffee-shops are extensions of home, community, and identity. They are where stories are shared, friendships are maintained, and routines are rebuilt. Among many of us, food is never just food — it is memory, belonging, and connection.
Conclusion
As the red lanterns come down and the last firecrackers fade, we naturally gravitate back to our coffee-shops. The rush is spirited, heartfelt and almost ceremonial. It marks the true end of the festive season and the beginning of a new year grounded in familiar flavours. As the saying goes, “After the celebration’s storm, we return to calm waters.”, and for us, those calm waters are found in a warm cup of coffee and a familiar bowl of noodles.
Whether it’s kaya toast, ice coffee, or a comforting bowl of Kolo Mee, the return to coffee-shop food is a celebration of the ordinary — and in our community, the ordinary is always extraordinary.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at drjohnlau@gmail.com.
