History
Known as the oldest restaurant in Penang, “Loke Thye Kee” originated in 1919 as “Loke Hai Kee” until its move to its iconic Burma Road home in historic Georgetown ten years later. Founded by brothers Loy Kok Boon and Loy Kok Dai, the restaurant served traditional Hainanese Chinese and Western Cuisine such as Curry Kapitan, Choon Piah and the Chicken Chop.
For 80 years, Loke Thye Kee, which in Hainanese means “House of Happiness”, was the choice venue for birthday dinners and wedding parties. True to its name, it was also the venue for many match-making arrangements, where young potential brides-to-be would catch a first glimpse of their suitors. These not-so-subtle arrangements would be sealed with a furtive glance and a sip of tea in a certain pre-arranged drinking style.
Local businessman and philanthropist Khoo Sian Ewe was the original owner of the Loke Thye Kee building. He was virtually the richest land owner in Penang in the early 1900's and was also the landlord and friend of the Loy family. So when they needed a new home for their restaurant, he built and rented to them the iconic ship-inspired building that remained its home until 1996. The restaurant ran under the same management for eight decades until rent control was lifted, and the building and surrounding properties were sold by its original owner to a land developer. The building was acquired by its current owners in the mid-2000's and it's restoration completed in 2012.