Yuit Cheong started 130 years ago in Pulau Gaya but moved to Jesselton (present day Kota Kinabalu) after the Pulau Gaya settlement was destroyed by Mat Salleh. Uncle Leong is frequently seen at the coffee shop eagerly sharing his stories about the coffee shop to tourists and customers who are interested in learning about life before the war and changes in the cost of living over the years. He started helping his father at the existing premises from the mid-50s. A cup of Kopi C (coffee with condensed milk) used to cost only two cents when they first opened for business!
Yuit Cheong is one of the oldest names in Kota Kinabalu (previously Jesselton and Api-Api) and truly proves to withstand the tests of time. It’s amazing to see such a humble coffee shop serving Kota Kinabalu residents and overseas guests alike for so many years. Customers now frequent Yuit Cheong Coffee Shop for its bread and kaya spread. Yuit Cheong is one of the favorite hangout places for reporters, where they exchange news and information while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. There is a stall in front of Yuit Cheong serving good satay from 11 a.m..
