GEORGE TOWN, June 28 -- In Malaysia, the Hainanese may only make up about 4 per cent of the Chinese population but they have become commonly associated with kopitiam food and local coffee.

Whether it is Hainanese chicken rice, chicken chop smothered in a rich savoury gravy, or a cup of thick kopi-o, the Hainanese have contributed greatly to the country's culinary legacy.

Among the best restaurants in Penang run by the Hainanese are Wing Look that offered Western-style food, Sin Kean Aun, Hollywood and Loke Thye Kee on Burmah Road that was established by two Hainanese brothers in 1919.

In Kuala Lumpur, the Coliseum and Le Coq D'or restaurants were established by the Hainanese and used to attract an exclusive clientele of Europeans and r...