Kai Joo Lane is hidden right in heart of old Kuching next to the central police station and it consists of two rows of 32 shops built in 1923 by a Teochew businessman – Mr Teo Kai Joo. Kai Joo was supposedly friendly with Charles Brooke who is the White Rajah of the day and thus the lane was named after him.
To the old timers, Kai Joo Lane was colloquially known as sa lee hung, or “zinc sheet lane”, because the shops along Kai Joo Lane were covered with a distinctive zinc sheet roofing. The name was eventually replaced by kua cha hung or Coffin Lane, as a few shops along Kai Joo Lane went into the business of coffin-making. The street remained synonymous with its sombre trade even after those coffin shops eventually closed down. Over 70 years later, Kai Joo Lane is finally known by its given name.
Recently due the the effort of Dato’ Wee Hong Seng who is now the Mayor of Kuching South, Kai Joo Lane has become the unlikely venue for one of the most popular food haunt of Kuchingite. Every Friday and Saturday, foodies throng the unassuming little lane which is nestled next to the Plaza Merdeka. Heritage food of Old Kuching can be found here.
The satay vendor can be observed hammering away at freshly-grilled sotong bakar which is a chewy dried cuttlefish snack. The kantong stall operator deftly assembles a cool creation of shaved ice and syrup packed onto a stick, a cold treat from a time before ice-creams were commercially-available.
Other dishes such as Heng Hua mee, chicken porridge, peanut-coated glutinous rice balls (mochi) and the ubiquitous or-chien (oyster omelette) are much sought after by many who frequented the night market.
There are tables along the entire lane but for those who prefer to settle down at a table with a roof over their heads to savour their food, they are always welcomed to seat at the air-conditioned Kai Joo Café or at any of the coffee-shops on either side of the lane, provided they order a drink there.
Appreciation
Congratulations to Grognag for the FTF
Thanks to Wandelsloefke and Divemann for the Favourite Points given. Much Appreciated.
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