What is it about?
More than just a food stall, Kedai Pati is part of the city's cultural heritage, offering a unique atmosphere that connects people to the past. For over 50 years, it has been a regular meeting place for working men to gather, chat, and enjoy simple food and drinks. This study looks at how Kedai Pati has remained unchanged over time, its role in the community, and where these stalls are still found today. By mapping their locations in Kota Bharu, we can understand their significance as social and cultural hubs. The findings could help in future city planning to preserve such meaningful places.
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Photo by Muhammad Thoha Ma'ruf on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Kedai Pati is important because it is more than just a place to eat—it is a living piece of Kota Bharu’s history and culture. For decades, it has been a space where people gather, share stories, and build friendships. It represents a way of life that is slowly disappearing as cities grow and change. By understanding and preserving Kedai Pati, we can protect a part of the community’s identity and ensure that future generations can still experience its unique charm. Keeping these places alive also helps maintain the social connections and traditions that make Kota Bharu special.
Perspectives
For decades, it has been run by the same family, passed down from grandfather to grandson. The stall has seen generations of regulars, some of whom have been coming since they were young. Despite the changes around it, Kedai Pati remains much the same—its simple setup, its steady flow of customers, and its role as a meeting place where conversations start easily. There’s something rare about a place like this, where time moves slower, and the past and present exist side by side. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s a tradition that still thrives, even as such spaces become harder to find.
Dr Najah Md Alwi
University of Malaya
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Rediscovering local ‘third places’ of Kota Bharu, Kelantan Malaysia: The study of Kedai Pati, January 2021, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0051986.
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