Why these M’sians invested in an F&B biz idea that could trigger work stress in diners

Lately, a quirky cafe with a striking resemblance to an office space has been making waves on social media, sparking some intense debates. 

The concept of eating in an office-like setting has left many scratching their heads—or outright rejecting the idea. “Probably one of the most stressful environments to dine in,” someone noted.

Another quipped, “I know I’m gonna walk into this cafe and start submitting reports and spreadsheets to the waiters for no reason.” 

And then there was the blunt dismissal: “I don’t wanna be reminded of the office on my day off. Thank you, next.”

Naturally, all this buzz piqued our curiosity. What was the story behind Ah Wong Office? We decided to dig deeper to uncover the inspiration behind this seemingly bizarre concept.

A legacy rooted in tradition

The story of Ah Wong Office begins with a tale of family, heritage, and an enduring love for traditional Malaysian coffee. The origins of the business trace back to Taiping, a small town in Perak.

“Our grandparents (Hainanese) started running kopitiam business to serve the British army back then (in the 1950s), followed by my parent-in-law in 1989.” 

“They operated the second kopitiam in Aulong while the first kopitiam still was run by grandparents separately,” Su, the founder of Ah Wong Office, told Vulcan Post.

It was a time when kopitiams were not just places to eat and drink, but communal hubs where stories were shared and friendships were formed over a cup of kopi and a plate of kaya toast.

10 years ago, the family migrated to Kuala Lumpur, bringing with them their time-honoured recipes and a passion for traditional kopitiam fare. 

They opened Ah Wong Kopitiam in Setapak, KL, named after a popular Hong Kong TVB drama, and to honour the family’s Cantonese surname, Ng, pronounced “Wong.” 

The kopitiam, which is still running, quickly became a beloved local spot, known for its authentic flavours and warm, nostalgic atmosphere.

Pivoting during the MCO

Like many businesses, Ah Wong Kopitiam faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the Movement Control Order (MCO), when dining in was prohibited. 

It was during this period of uncertainty that Su and her husband decided to take the reins and breathe new life into the family business.

“We were struggling like everyone else, but I saw an opportunity to pivot and rebrand,” she recalled. 

“We decided to plant brand and marketing into the business and expand our online delivery channels. The feedback was surprisingly good, which motivated us to keep going.”

That’s when they decided to open another outlet, which transformed their traditional kopitiam into the vibrant, quirky concept now known as the Ah Wong Office.

The birth of Ah Wong Office

In 2023, the idea of Ah Wong Office was conceived, but it wasn’t fully implemented until 2024.

The name itself is a playful nod to the workplace, but with a twist—Ah Wong Office is not about the drudgery of work but about creating a space where white-collar workers can just be themselves.

“We wanted to create a space for the young people, where they could eat, drink, and have fun without any pretences. It’s a place where you can be yourself without the need to put on any mask,” Su explained. 

The concept of Ah Wong Office is a clever blend of the old and the new. 

With a nostalgic office vibe from the 70s and 80s, the restaurant features menu binders, a typewriter display, and retro-style mugs.

The branding is also infused with an alien motif that represents the idea of an outsider—an alien—trying to learn how to be human and survive on Earth. 

It’s a playful take on the immigrant experience, on the challenges of adapting to new environments while holding onto one’s identity.

From bazaar to brick-and-mortar

Before securing a permanent location, Ah Wong Office began its journey by participating in various bazaars such as Pingmin, Messy Club, and events like Tiger Beer’s. 

These appearances helped increase the brand’s exposure and allowed Su and her team to gather valuable feedback from customers. 

“People loved our concept,” said Su. “They thought we were running a very cool cafe, but we were just a traditional kopitiam at heart.”

This phase of the journey was essential in refining the brand and preparing for the eventual opening of Ah Wong Office in Seksyen 17, Petaling Jaya.

The team took the opportunity to develop the brand further, blending the spaceship concept with a retro office theme. 

A continuation of legacy with a modern twist

While Ah Wong Office is a fresh, modern take on the traditional kopitiam, Su pointed out that it is not merely a continuation of her grandparents’ business but rather a reimagining of it. 

“It’s not really a handover, but we continue the spirit,” she said. “We wanted to showcase my father-in-law’s ‘holiao’ to the young people, to tell them not to forget our local drink and food.”

To ensure the quality of their offerings, Ah Wong Kopitiam is also currently the central kitchen for Ah Wong Office’s food offerings. “My parents-in-law are currently managing it,” she said. 

They also continue to collaborate with local sifus (masters) to maintain the traditional flavours of items like Hainan toast and nasi lemak while introducing modern SOPs to guarantee consistency. 

Lessons from the kopitiam trade

Running a business, especially one with deep familial roots, comes with its own set of challenges and lessons. 

Su emphasised the importance of staying focused, believing in oneself and the team, and continuously improving both the products and customer service. 

One of the team’s biggest challenges is finding reliable staff, a common issue in the F&B industry. 

“It’s not easy to find employees who are willing to work in a cafe, especially service crew,” Su admitted. 

To address this, the team has enlisted the help of friends and partners while actively subscribing to hiring platforms.

Despite being a relatively new establishment, Ah Wong Office has big plans for the future. The team is exploring collaborations with local designers and friends to offer even more to their audience. 

“We’re definitely planning for outlets in other areas of Klang Valley once we’ve stabilised,” she revealed. 

Additionally, merchandise products are in the works, with more details to be shared once plans are finalised.

As Su and her team continue to navigate the challenges of running a modern cafe with roots in a bygone era, they do so with a sense of purpose and a vision that is both nostalgic and forward-looking.

Featured Image Credit: Ah Wong Office