Nostalgia in a Bite

By: Michelle Leong

What fizzles to the mind when mentioned of root beer, coney dogs, American drive-thru and waffles? Remember as a Malaysian kid, all you could beg for was a frosty mug of root beer and piping hot waffles for a special occasion? That’s the one, the all-time iconic A&W!

The iconic restaurant in the 90s (left photo) and the restaurant in its current days. (right photo)

More than 50 years ago, the iconic fast food restaurant has been established on Malaysian soil. A&W is a chain of fast food restaurants, famously distinguished for its root beer by the tap. The most famous A&W outlet is the first drive-in restaurant in Petaling Jaya, swiftly became a favourite eatery by the locals.

The origin of the company name came after the two owner’s last surnames, Allen and Wright, hence the branded name, A&W. The franchise was brought into Malaysia in 1963 by Mr and Mrs Lie Boff from USA. The Lie Boff family opened their first outlet in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, making it the first fast food outlet in Malaysia. This was followed in 1965 with the first Drive-in restaurant in Petaling Jaya.

Few of the famous selections at A&W

A&W Root Bear, the restaurant’s official mascot

Dropping by A&W to order a cold glass of root beer is a definite must because it would bring the main signature of the restaurant no justice. A sip of the beverage leaves you feeling nostalgic, craving for more of its creamy goodness. Also, A&W is famously known for its all-American food by the locals. The highlights of the menu consists of curly fries, coney dog and waffles, just to list a few.

A&W rings a bell of nostalgia to those who have enjoyed A&W privileges as a child back in the 90s. As A&W’s speciality, most people who have been to the restaurant would also remember how children were more often than not afraid of the large but otherwise super friendly A&W Root Bear. Those who have been to the restaurant would also remember the “party room” where birthday celebrations and other events were often held and the A&W bear would make surprise appearances.

Due to its strategic location nearby to schools, the most famous A&W outlet is the first drive-in restaurant in Petaling Jaya quickly became a favourite gathering place for students. Assunta and LaSalle Secondary students enjoyed every moment they had at the popular eatery.

A scene of Gelora at the iconic fast food restaurant.

The historical fast food restaurant is not only well-known for its food, but famous for being a prominent filming location of many local movies such as Gelora in the 70s and 80s starring the late legendary Malaysian gem, Tan Sri P.Ramlee. One of the famous local movie’s scenes were shot in the eatery, showing the two actors devouring into A&W’s popular signature root beer.

Unfortunately, the iconic restaurant will be closed down for a restaurant revamp and will be shut down for the next three years to facilitate the construction of the KUB tower project. A&W’s company spokesperson said that the 24-hour drive-in concept will be maintained under the revamp to give customers the same atmosphere they experienced in the current restaurant.

In the meantime, do pay the iconic A&W a visit to relive your memories in the 90s and don’t hesitate to dash in for a memorable mug of root beer and a taste of your childhood memories!