By Afiqah Rafael
Famed for its chapati (flatbread), Simpang Pulai’s Kedai Kopi Sechewen has been a crowd-puller since its establishment in 1999. On Google Maps the nondescript warong (coffee stall) is identified simply as Chapati Simpang Pulai.
Besides chapati, the stall also sells favourites such as fried kway teow, fried rice and nasi lemak. Their signature drink is the thick and milky coffee known as ‘kopi sechewen’. The bottom half of the cup is filled with condensed milk while the top is a concentrated layer of coffee. The concoction is what patrons seek after a tedious day in the office.
Siti Zubaidah, who has taken over the family business from her parents, said the chapati goes well with either beef or sardine curry. “Both are a hit with our customers,” she told Ipoh Echo.
“I’ve maintained our family recipe since starting this business 20 years ago. The dough is made from selected flour (atta) sourced in Ipoh”. She added, “Our chapati will be sold out by midnight”.
The flatbread is sold at RM1 apiece while the curry is priced at RM2 a plate. The price is comparatively cheap.
Actress Zarina Zainuddin is a regular. “She’ll stop by for some chapati whenever she passes by Simpang Pulai,” said Zubaidah.
Housewife Normawati said, “I like the chapati because of its softness, unlike the others I’ve tried.” Teacher Hanim, 48, from Taman Botani loved the meat curry. “It smells and tastes so good and goes well with chapati.”
The stall is rather obscure, as it is located immediately after the junction to Cameron Highlands along the Ipoh-Simpang Pulai highway (GPS: 4.528697, 101.130567). It operates daily between 5.30pm and midnight except on Mondays.
