By June Ramli
Punchbowl, May 9: Nestled in the heart of Punchbowl is Kopi-Kopi, a Malaysian café that began as a humble grocery store selling traditional Malaysian delicacies.
Over time, it has evolved into a vibrant café while still maintaining its grocery roots.
The café is owned by Muhammad Akashah Ariffin, 30, originally from Parit, Perak.
Alongside two business partners and several part-time staff, he has successfully transformed Kopi-Kopi into a go-to spot for Malaysians in Sydney.
“We started as a grocery store about five years ago, but after four years, we noticed a growing demand for Malaysian street food, so we decided to add a café,” Akashah shares.
The café is open every day, offering a variety of ready-made packed food as well as made-to-order Malaysian dishes using ingredients sourced from local vendors.
During my visit, I sampled the burger, a standout item that immediately transported me back to the streets of Malaysia.
The taste was reminiscent of the classic burger ayam sold by local vendors — juicy, flavorful, and comforting. The burger is served hot, with a tender patty and just the right balance of spices, making it a must-try for anyone craving authentic Malaysian street food.
The menu also features other Malaysian staples such as roti canai, nasi minyak, and traditional snacks, attracting a steady flow of customers, most of whom converse with Akashah in Malay.
“We start serving as early as 8am to accommodate those looking for breakfast,” he said.
Despite its growing popularity, Kopi-Kopi remains deeply connected to its roots as a grocery store, stocking over 1,000 Malaysian products — from instant noodles to classic snacks that transport customers back to Malaysia.
The initial investment was modest, ranging between $5,000 to $10,000, with profits reinvested to keep the business rolling.
“I live in Punchbowl and used to work as a cleaning team leader at ICC. We wanted to keep the business close to home,” Akashah explains.
Despite the absence of other Malay grocers in the area, Akashah says they have no plans to expand, choosing instead to focus on maintaining the unique blend of a grocery store and café at Kopi-Kopi.
“We’re just focused on keeping up with demand here,” he adds.
Kopi-Kopi accepts both cash and credit card payments, making it accessible to all.
What started as a small grocery shop is now a thriving café, providing a slice of Malaysia to the Punchbowl community.
Kopi-Kopi Café
2/36 Rossmore Ave, Punchbowl NSW 2196
Opens daily from 8 am to 7 pm
Delivery Options:
Kopi-Kopi offers delivery services through DiDi. To place an order, call 0476 998 705.
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