Five decades on, Goh’s chicken rice continues to win hearts at Chua Joo Cafe along Jln Ong Tiang Swee

Goh at her work station at Chua Joo Cafe, Jalan Ong Tiang Swee.

By Wilfred Pilo

For nearly five decades, the Goh family has delighted patrons with their renowned, succulent poached chicken rice, now served by the second generation alongside other beloved local savoury dishes at Chua Joo Cafe, conveniently located along Jalan Ong Tiang Swee.

More than 20 years after her father’s passing, 54-year-old Goh Hui Nah and her husband carry on the legacy, seamlessly managing the daily operations of the eatery.

Despite not being keen on entering the culinary trade, Goh was the only family member whose heart changed, as she felt it was the right thing to do to help her mother with the bustling eatery.

Goh’s enticing succulent chicken rice.

Leaving behind a hotel career in Singapore after more than 15 years in the hospitality industry, she returned home as her two brothers and two sisters were unable to let go of their commitments.

“As the second eldest in the family, and with my background in hospitality, I accepted the challenge and assisted my mother with the eatery. Initially, it was a two-woman operation for a while, until I got married.”

Goh elaborated that after getting married, not only did the burden become less, but she also enhanced their popular Kolo Mee dish.

“My husband is a culinary enthusiast, and his Kolo Mee is savoury, and well-known among his patrons. So, the dish gets more audience with him behind the stall,” she told DayakDaily.

With her husband’s support, she became more optimistic about the eatery’s growth, and the business achieved a respectable return on investment.

“People are in a hurry, and our succulent chicken rice dish is a quick meal that is easy to prepare; it continues to gain popularity daily.”

Patrons are enjoying their meals at the ever-popular and nostalgic eatery, Chua Joo Cafe, located at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee.

Goh further revealed that five years ago, after the COVID-19 pandemic, her mother, in her 80s, hung up her apron, leaving the business in Goh and her husband’s hands.

Their daily routine now starts at dawn with preparing chickens, ingredients, and other dishes for the eatery, before serving the morning crowd, many of whom come for breakfast.

She added that observing her mother work over the years had honed her skills in preparing the dishes, and she ensured they maintain the same quality to continue cultivating their regulars’ loyalty.

“We offer chicken rice and Kolo Mee for breakfast, and by mid-morning, our fast-food stations provide a selection of dishes for more substantial meals,” she said.

While her husband attends to other aspects of the business, Goh remains at the heart of it, busying herself with preparing orders, chatting with regulars, and attending to suppliers throughout the day.

“My hospitality experience helps. My rapport with regulars and customers is so important in a culinary family business like mine.

“But I also have helpers who have been with us for a long time, and they are wonderful to have,” she further enthused.

For the time being, she intends to continue serving their regulars and patrons with the dishes they prepare and carry out the legacy started by his father.

Chua Joo Cafe, a combination of Goh’s grandfather and father’s name, continues to serve traditional, family-style chicken rice.

“We are proud that our eatery was named after the given names of my grandfather and father, with ‘Chua’ for the former and ‘Joo’ for the latter,” she revealed with a smile.

Today, Chua Joo Cafe continues to draw generations of customers with its comforting chicken rice and hearty local fare, a standing testament to a family tradition kept alive throughout the years.

Goh’s chicken rice is available at Chua Joo Cafe, located at No. 14, Ong Tiang Swee Road. The eatery operates daily from 6.30pm to 3.30pm, except on Sundays and public holidays. For more information, call 012-8878745. – DayakDaily