By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 26: Chai Koh Pit, a renowned noodle artisan once celebrated for his legendary Ah Pit’s Kolo Mee, may have passed away, but his culinary legacy thrives as his children and grandchildren continue his craft.
For decades, Chai’s stall at the Chinese Opera House Wayang Park (near Wayang Street) was a magnet for kolo mee enthusiasts.
Even after his passing, his recipes remain cherished and closely guarded by his family, who have successfully carried on the tradition of serving this beloved Sarawakian delicacy.
Chai’s grandson, Chai Jenn Chen, shared that his grandfather’s iconic kolo mee stall is now managed by his brother, while Jenn Chen himself assists his uncle, Chai Min Kiong, at Ta Wan Kung Cafe in Kuching.
“My father, Chai Min Poh, and uncle, Chai Min Kiong, inherited my grandfather’s skills and recipes when he passed. My father continued running the Ah Pit Kolo Mee Stall, while my uncle opened Ta Wan Kung Cafe,” Jenn Chen told DayakDaily.
Although both Min Poh and Min Kiong have since retired, they passed their knowledge down to the next generation, ensuring the continuation of Ah Pit’s culinary legacy.
“I was very young when my grandfather died, so my memories of him are faint. But I’d be overjoyed if I could match his skills in making kolo mee. For now, we’ve received positive feedback from our patrons, and we’re grateful for their kind words,” Jenn Chen said.
Jenn Chen expressed pride in how his father and uncle worked tirelessly to preserve their grandfather’s recipes and techniques, ensuring customers still enjoy the same authentic flavors.
“When the Chinese Opera House was renovated, my grandfather relocated to Sungai Maong Bazaar, and later to Gala City. My uncle, meanwhile, established Ta Wan Kung Cafe, which has become a popular spot,” he said.
Today, Jenn Chen and his cousins produce their own noodles using family recipes, maintaining consistency and quality in every bowl.
He fondly recalled serving notable public figures at Ta Wan Kung Cafe, a testament to the enduring appeal of their kolo mee.
“We’re proud that kolo mee, especially our family’s style, has reached beyond Sarawak to international shores.
“I believe my grandfather would be proud of what we’ve achieved, but I wish he were still here so I could compete with him to see who’s the better kolo mee maker,” Jenn Chen joked.
Ta Wan Kung Cafe, owned by Chai Min Kiong, is located at Jalan Datuk Wee Kheng Chiang.
It operates daily from 6.30am to 12.30pm, except Mondays.
For inquiries, call 016-866 1243. — DayakDaily
