From 1975 to today: Kuching’s hidden gem that offers childhood memories in large, vintage jars

Childhood bliss encapsulated in these Malaysian childhood tidbits. Photo by Ashley Sim.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Nov 13: If you could go turn back time and go back to your childhood, and you have only RM2, what would you buy?

This is a question that kindles a spark of reminiscence, evoking fond memories of a simpler era.

As I pondered the question, thoughts of my favourite childhood tidbits began to dance through my mind.

Like a flashback on a VHS tape, my mind went back to the days of primary school, when I would always ask my mother to take me to the nearby ‘kedai runcit’ (neighbourhood grocery store) so that I could buy some of my favourite candies and snacks.

While I appreciate snacks of today, there’s a part of me that yearns for the classics — the ones that resonate with tradition, the ones that hit not just my taste buds but my heart.

Fueled by the yearning for the tastes of yesteryear, I set out on a leisurely drive through the town. My search for nostalgic Sarawakian sweets and snacks eventually led me to a shop in Kuching called Chop Huat Yang.

Step into a world of memories at Chop Huat Yang, your go-to for Malaysian childhood tidbits. Photo by Ashley Sim.

Chop Huat Yang, located in a quiet alleyway of the Kenyalang Park Commercial Centre, has been serving locals and visitors alike for years, and its wares include a wide variety of traditional candies, snacks, and biscuits popular among Sarawakian chilhren of yesteryear.

The large, vintage glass jars immediately caught my attention. The contents of the jars revealed a rich tapestry of treats—vividly wrapped candies, crisp and savoury snacks, delicate biscuits, and the jewel-like allure of preserved fruits.

Vintage charm in every jar: A feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Photo by Ashley Sim.

The candies, with their vibrant colours and familiar shapes, harked back to the carefree days of childhood, a time when a few coins could buy heaps of happiness. The snacks, both sweet and savoury, were reminiscent of after-school treats and lazy Sunday afternoons. And the biscuits, with their unique textures and flavours, spoke of generations enjoying them with a warm cup of tea.

While exploring the shop, I came across my all-time favourite treat — iced gem biscuits. Having a handful of iced gems in your hand and slowly nibbling away at the crumbly biscuit before diving into the sweet, crusty, melt-in-your-mouth icing on top was always a treat.

Iced gem biscuits. Photo by Ashley Sim.

I also spotted the Apollo Milk Chocolate Wafer Cream, or ‘Wafer Dengan Krim Coklat’ in Malay.

This is an iconic childhood treat that holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s. No birthday bash was complete without it adorning the goodie bags, bringing smiles to the faces of young party-goers.

Apollo Milk Chocolate Wafer Cream. Photo by Ashley Sim.

Another popular childhood favourite is the Eye Glass Candy. As any child of the ‘80s or ‘90s knows, these chocolate milk beans were the more affordable alternative to Smarties. Not to mention its cooler usage — tie rubber bands on the side and voila, you have a pair of eyeglasses.

Eye Glass Candy. Photo by Ashley Sim.

I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon Super 88 Bubble Gum, a popular gum from the 1980s, as mentioned by the owner of Chop Huat Yang.

The gum gained popularity back then due to its affordable price in comparison to other options. At one point, it was even available for around 10 sen each, and it was frequently sold in large jars at cashier counters. There are three flavours in each packet: strawberry (red), orange (orange), and lemon (yellow).

Super 88 Bubble Gum. Photo by Ashley Sim.

What made Chop Huat Yang which is somehow stuck in time warp even more enchanting is its vintage charm.

A framed licence on the wall proudly proclaimed the shop’s origins, dating all the way back to 1975 – a time long before I came into this world. The very thought that this establishment has been delighting customers with its nostalgic offerings for decades filled me with awe.

The framed license, a relic from 1975, reflects the enduring charm of this cherished establishment. Photo by Ashley Sim.

The weathered licence, proudly displaying the establishment year of 1975, may have yellowed with the passage of time, but within the walls of this timeless shop, the flavours and memories it safeguards remain as fresh and vibrant as ever.

As I left Chop Huat Yang, my heart was full, and my bag was filled with these precious childhood sweets and snacks.

In a world that cannot wait but relentlessly rushes toward the future, this little haven serves as a reminder that sometimes the richest treasures lie in the simple, timeless pleasures of the past. — DayakDaily