PETALING JAYA: Hometown Hainan Coffee, one of Malaysia’s fastest-growing casual dining chains, remains optimistic about the outlook of the country’s food and beverage (F&B) sector and plans to invest RM50 million in the next five years to strengthen and expand its presence nationwide.
The chain, which currently operates 25 outlets across Malaysia, continues to attract a growing base of local diners and international visitors who value authentic Malaysian flavours rooted in heritage.
In a statement, Hometown Hainan Coffee said it aims to set up 20 more restaurants in strategic locations around the country.
“The brand’s confidence is further supported by the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which is expected to draw a significant influx of tourists seeking genuine Malaysian dining experiences,” it added.
As travellers increasingly look for culinary adventures that reflect local culture, Hometown Hainan Coffee is positioning itself as a must-visit destination that showcases the nation’s diversity, quality, taste, and authenticity. The company believes this will further solidify Malaysia’s reputation as a top global destination for food and travel.
“Hometown Hainan Coffee’s commitment to authenticity, nostalgic ambience and high-quality ingredients has also made it a rising tourist draw in its own right. Its growing visibility aligns with broader national efforts to promote Malaysia as a culinary hub, reinforcing the country’s unique position in the Southeast Asian F&B landscape,” it said in the statement.
Adding to its momentum, Hometown Hainan Coffee clinched two major accolades at the World Top Gourmet Awards 2025, namely the Top Outstanding F&B Brand Award (Authentic Casual Dining Category) and the Top Authentic Casual Dining Restaurant. In addition, the chain was named one of the Top 10 Outstanding F&B Brands at the awards ceremony that took place in Guangzhou, China. These awards underscore the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship, consistency and the preservation of traditional flavours.
“We see tremendous potential in Malaysia’s F&B landscape, driven by discerning local consumers and the increasing number of travellers wanting an authentic taste of Malaysia,” said co-founder James Koh.
“Our vision has always been to preserve true Hainanese traditions while modernising the kopitiam experience. As Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaches, we want Hometown Hainan Coffee to stand out as a place where visitors can savour the warmth, culture and identity of Malaysian food,” he added.
Founded by Koh and his siblings, Hometown Hainan Coffee draws inspiration from their family’s Hainanese coffeeshop legacy. What began as a mission to preserve original Hainanese recipes has grown into a thriving chain that elevates the kopitiam concept for today’s generation while remaining firmly rooted in tradition.
