Hai Kee Restaurant, a charming old restaurant in Pekan Cina, captivates diners with its unique method of cooking over charcoal.
This traditional technique imparts a distinct and unforgettable flavor to each dish.
It offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that will leave you intrigued and eager to savor the unique flavors.
As one of the few remaining places that serve authentic Hainanese cuisine, Hai Kee is a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking genuine flavors.
While it boasts an extensive seafood menu, expect slightly higher prices when indulging in fresh fish and prawns.
Parking at Hai Kee
Established in 1862 by early Chinese settlers, Pekan Cina is the town’s oldest road, enhancing the restaurant’s unique appeal and offering a glimpse into the rich history of the area.
Parking in the bustling heart of old Pekan Cina in Alor Star can be quite an adventure.
Like the locals, Bee parked at the back of Hai Kee, squeezing her car near a drain after I got out.
The back lane was adorned with vibrant murals depicting scenes from Hainanese culture and history, making our walk to the restaurant a delightful prelude to our meal.
A mural depicting Malaysian Mamak Food
A mural depicting Durian Seller
Entering through the back lane only added to the adventure, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.
Hai Kee offers two dining options: an air-conditioned room upstairs accessed through a creaky staircase via the back door.
Or the ground floor, where you can watch traditional charcoal stove cooking at the rear.
Both settings enhance the authentic Hainanese dining experience, making each visit to Hai Kee truly special and immersive.
Hainanese Cuisine
Nostalgia washed over me as Bee recounted the rich history of Hai Kee Restaurant, an old Hainanese establishment that still cooks with charcoal.
I knew I was about to savor authentic old flavors, like the “Kor Cha Bi,” a traditional Hainanese dish that modern mall restaurants simply can’t replicate.
Despite its slightly worn appearance, the upstairs dining area exudes a nostalgic charm, wrapped in the aromatic haze of charcoal from the kitchen below.
The food is meticulously prepared and may take some time, but the experience is worth every moment.
Alternatively, you can dine on the ground floor, where you can witness the traditional charcoal stove in action, adding to the authenticity of the Hainanese dining experience.
Sign showing air-conditioned dining available upstairs at Hai Kee Restaurant.
Though slightly stifling due to the charcoal stove, the ground floor atmosphere immerses you in a genuine slice of history.
Even the tiny, aged restroom aligns perfectly with the establishment’s historical character, contributing to the overall nostalgic charm of Hai Kee.
Hai Kee Legacy
Established in 1970, Hai Kee has thrived as a family-operated Hainanese restaurant, celebrated for its delightful Hainanese-Nyonya cuisine.
For over five decades, three generations of the Cheah family have lovingly nurtured this culinary tradition.
Now, the younger Cheahs, in their twenties, have proudly taken up the mantle, ensuring that their esteemed heritage continues to flourish.
When you dine at Hai Kee, this rich family-operated legacy will make you feel connected and part of a rich culinary tradition.
Hai Kee is not just a restaurant; it’s a cultural institution dedicated to preserving the authentic Hainanese flavors from Qiongzhou.
This venerable establishment invites food enthusiasts to explore its rich culinary legacy and savor a genuine taste of history.
Variety and Taste
Hai Kee is a traditional restaurant serving home-cooked meals for over 50 years.
It offers a wide range of delicious dishes, creating a nostalgic experience that perfectly captures the essence of Old Alor Setar.
The food at Hai Kee is not only delicious but also pocket-friendly.
The dishes are not overly oily or salty, making them an excellent choice for the health-conscious.
You can enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank, ensuring a satisfying and economical dining experience that reassures you about the value for money at Hai Kee.
Authentic Hainanese Fare
There are signature dishes that we regularly go for, and we got the four for us.
Kurau Fish – Crisply fried with salt and served with a zesty lime wedge. Despite its tough, leathery skin, this dish is favored for its health benefits and features fresh, meaty flesh.
Crisply fried Kurau Fish with salt and served with a zesty lime wedge.
Asam Prawns are tangy and vibrant, showcasing the chef’s mastery with a tamarind-infused sauce.
Chien Orh Bak, or Pan-fried Dark Soy Sauce Pork, is a dish that evokes a flood of nostalgic childhood memories.
Assam Prawn and Or Bak Chien are two favourite dishes.
Soul-soothing and comforting, this Chinese napa cabbage soup is delicious with minced pork coated with potato starch!
Specialty Dishes
Fish Laksa: A delightful blend of rich flavors in every spoonful.
Kangkung Sambal Belacan : Crisp kangkung infused with aromatic balacan sauce.
Signature Dishes
Hainanese Chicken Chops: Tender chops in a light brown gravy with onions and peas are served with steamed white rice.
Hainanese Fish Curry: Spicy, sweet, tangy stew with black pomfret, ladyfingers, and okra.
Stir-fried Bitter Greens with Shrimp and Eggs: A harmonious mix of salted bitter greens, succulent shrimp, garlic, and beaten eggs.
Hai Kee Popular Dishes
Bak-Kian: Traditional Hainanese dish rich in heritage and flavor.
Sambal Kangkung: Lively stir-fry bursting with aromatic sambal flavors.
Noteworthy Dishes
Spring Rolls (Choon Pia): Crispy and satisfying, a favorite despite differing preferences for texture.
Restroom
Use the restroom beforehand, as the facilities here are old and may not meet modern standards.
Hai Kee Restaurant Review
Step into a journey through time at this traditional Hainanese restaurant, where the aroma of charcoal-cooked dishes mingles with a compelling fusion of Hainanese and Nyonya flavors.
Each dish is a nostalgic homage to home-cooked meals from a bygone era, offering affordability without compromising taste.
Prepare for a culinary adventure that promises to awaken your senses and transport you to a world of unique flavors and cultural richness.
Hai Kee Restaurant Alor Star
80, Jalan Sultan Muhammad Jiwa,
Bandar Alor Setar,
05000 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
Business Hours: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Closed on Thursdays
Phone: 011-3723 5216
Google: https://g.co/kgs/Z8VXecJ
