Sugar Melon Cafe Hainanese Chicken Chop

I had read about Sugar Melon Cafe, a hidden gem in the industrial area of Puchong some months ago but only recently got a chance to visit. The cafe operates within a light industrial factory, making it quite unassuming at first glance. However, don’t let the exterior fool you—wait till you try their Hainanese chicken chop.

The Hainanese chicken chop (RM22) here is a traditional rendition of the dish. The gravy is made using a blend of Worcestershire sauce, onions, and stock, creating a rich and savoury sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. This is unlike the more commonly found Oriental tomato sauce-based version. It's not that I don't like the modern version, but found this one nostalgic. In fact, Jen mentioned that the taste and the cutlery and the heavy plate reminded her of the original Coliseum Cafe on Jalan TAR, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

The chicken was tender and moist, though it could have used a bit more seasoning. Nevertheless, the overall flavour was delightful and true to the traditional recipe.

Jen had a black pepper chicken chop (RM18) which was equally impressive. The black pepper sauce had a real kick, adding a robust flavour to the well-cooked chicken.

The carrots and peas are perfectly done too. The carrot is firm but not hard. Just enough firmness for a nice bite.

Sugar Melon Cafe is definitely a good find. The traditional Hainanese chicken chop and the flavourful black pepper chicken chop make it worth the visit. It's a place that delivers on taste and nostalgia, making it a delightful spot for a hearty meal in a place that you don't expect at all.