Ms. Elliot At Hock Bee Is Where Kuantan’s Past Meets One Of Its Best Meals
A part of Kuantan’s architecture and food, all under one historical roof.
- Ms. Elliot at Hock Bee occupies the historic Hock Bee Brothers Building, preserving its original façade, prism windows and signage beautifully.
- The Pantai Batu Hitam drink, a championship-winning blend of espresso, black tea, oat milk and black sesame, is genuinely unmissable.
- The Royal Pahang Roast Chicken cleverly elevates a Western classic with smoky, savoury sambal hitam, showcasing authentic local Pahang flavours.
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Some restaurants impress you with the food. Others wow you with the décor.
Ms. Elliot at Hock Bee somehow manages to do both, all while giving one of Kuantan’s most recognisable buildings a new lease on life.
Located along Jalan Besar in the heart of the city, the café occupies the ground and mezzanine floors of the historic Hock Bee Brothers Building, a landmark that has watched Kuantan grow for more than half a century. Rather than stripping away its history during the renovation, the team behind Ms. Elliot chose to celebrate it.
The building’s distinctive recessed façade, geometric prism windows and even the original Hock Bee signage have been preserved, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Meanwhile, the award-winning interior by local design studio Jujurwork has even gained international recognition for its thoughtful adaptive reuse of the building.
Walking inside, it’s immediately obvious why the café has become one of Kuantan’s must-visit dining destinations. Sunlight pours through the iconic prism windows, while warm timber, natural stone and contemporary furnishings create an atmosphere that’s sophisticated without feeling pretentious. It’s the kind of place where architecture lovers could spend hours admiring the details, while foodies are busy deciding what to order next.
Fun fact: The Hock Bee Brothers building once housed prominent local businessman Dato’ Lim Hoe Lek’s array of business ventures. Under his leadership, Hock Bee Sdn Bhd expanded from a general grocery store into a massive conglomerate, spanning agriculture, petroleum, mining, real estate, rubber plantations, shipping, and retail, significantly contributing to the economic and social development of Kuantan since the 1940s.
A drink inspired by Kuantan’s black sand beach
Before the mains arrive, there’s only one drink that stands out: Pantai Batu Hitam.
Winner of the Malaysia Barista Craft Championship, this signature creation takes inspiration from one of Pahang’s most famous beaches. Espresso, black tea, oat milk and black sesame come together in a surprisingly harmonious combination that mirrors the black sands of Pantai Batu Hitam, widely believed to be volcanic in origin.
It sounds unusual on paper, but in the cup it’s remarkably balanced. The espresso provides depth without overpowering the drink, while the earthy nuttiness of black sesame lingers pleasantly after every sip. The black tea adds structure, preventing the drink from becoming too creamy or heavy. It’s complex enough for coffee enthusiasts yet approachable enough for anyone looking to try something different.
This isn’t just a gimmicky Instagram drink with a clever backstory. It’s genuinely memorable, and easily one of the most unique café beverages you’ll find on the East Coast.
Royal Pahang Roast Chicken: Comfort food with local soul
For the main course, the Royal Pahang Roast Chicken perfectly showcases what Ms. Elliot does best: giving familiar Western dishes a distinctly Pahang identity.
At first glance, it looks like a classic roast chicken plate, but one bite reveals its local roots. The beautifully roasted chicken remains juicy beneath its crisp skin, while the accompanying sambal hitam instantly transforms the dish. The famous Pahang condiment delivers a smoky, savoury punch that’s rich without overwhelming the meat.
The sides are thoughtfully executed too, providing enough balance to let the sambal remain the star of the plate. It’s hearty, comforting and surprisingly refined all at once.
What makes the dish stand out is its restraint. Rather than forcing fusion for the sake of novelty, it simply allows local ingredients to elevate a familiar classic. The result feels authentic instead of manufactured.
Ms. Elliot is also Halal-certified.
More than just another café
Ms. Elliot succeeds because it understands that great dining is about storytelling as much as flavour.
The building tells the story of old Kuantan. The menu celebrates Pahang’s culinary heritage through contemporary cooking. Even the drinks pay tribute to local landmarks.
It’s rare to find a café where the architecture, food and beverages all feel connected by the same narrative. Instead of chasing trends, Ms. Elliot embraces a strong sense of place and that’s what makes it so memorable.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor exploring Kuantan or a local rediscovering your hometown, Ms. Elliot at Hock Bee is worth making time for. Come for the history, stay for the Pantai Batu Hitam, and don’t leave without ordering the Royal Pahang Roast Chicken. Chances are, you’ll already be planning your next visit before you’ve finished dessert.
Ms. Elliot at Hock Bee is open 10am to 11pm from Monday to Friday (closed on Wednesday), and 9am to 11pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Address: 10, Jalan Besar, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
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