The Lower East End of New York City is home to a gem of a restaurant that I simply can’t resist every time I’m in the city: Kopitiam. This eatery specializes in Malaysian street food and Nyonya cuisine, which I absolutely adore.
My first visit was in April 2022, during a time when Covid protocols were still in place. I opted for takeout and enjoyed a variety of dishes in my hotel room. From the classic nasi lemak to the lesser-known oh chien (Malaysian-style oyster omelette) and Nyonya specialties like loh bak and petai. Each dish was prepared with great care and transported me straight back to Malaysia with its authentic flavors.
My second visit fell over Thanksgiving of 2022, and I had to order the Malaysian classic, char koay teow. This stir-fried flat rice noodle dish with Chinese sweet sausage and blood clams is world-renowned, but it’s hard to find an eatery that uses blood clams. I was overjoyed to discover that Kopitiam did, and it was a match made in heaven. The belachan wings were another standout item, and the fermented shrimp paste really elevated the dish to another level.
My most recent visit to Kopitiam was just three weeks ago when my friend and I spontaneously decided to explore Chinatown. We stumbled upon Kopitiam and decided to give it a go once again. This time, we indulged in the Milo French toast, kaya toast, pulut inti, and of course, oh chien. Every dish was mouthwatering, but we both agreed that the oh chien stole the show. The Milo French toast was a unique and delightful twist on a classic dish, and the Kaya toast came with a generous amount of the custard.
I highly recommend checking out Kopitiam’s website for their daily rotating specials, like the current feature of assam laksa and chee cheong fun that I’m dying to try. Additionally, their selection of kuih, traditional Nyonya pastries, is just as impressive and delicious. Needless to say, I’m already planning my next visit to Kopitiam!
alicia_angelus
I love Malaysian food. This looks amazing. Thanks for sharing!
wrongwordsonly
what are the names of the dishes in pic 10 and 12?
sabster16
I am in love with their Kaya toast. Thanks for posting this gem
BruceLeeIsTheHomie
This is one of my favorite restaurants as well! Char kway teow is one of the best noodles dishes ever. The kaya toast….you gotta dip it in the eggs/egg yolk. The only thing missing from this place is it needs more retired Uncles lounging around reading the paper and socializing for a true Singaporean/Malaysian coffee shop experience.
Also don’t sleep on the coffee too! I love the white coffee a good mix of nutty, sweet, and aromatic.
6 Comments
https://www.kopitiamnyc.com
The Lower East End of New York City is home to a gem of a restaurant that I simply can’t resist every time I’m in the city: Kopitiam. This eatery specializes in Malaysian street food and Nyonya cuisine, which I absolutely adore.
My first visit was in April 2022, during a time when Covid protocols were still in place. I opted for takeout and enjoyed a variety of dishes in my hotel room. From the classic nasi lemak to the lesser-known oh chien (Malaysian-style oyster omelette) and Nyonya specialties like loh bak and petai. Each dish was prepared with great care and transported me straight back to Malaysia with its authentic flavors.
My second visit fell over Thanksgiving of 2022, and I had to order the Malaysian classic, char koay teow. This stir-fried flat rice noodle dish with Chinese sweet sausage and blood clams is world-renowned, but it’s hard to find an eatery that uses blood clams. I was overjoyed to discover that Kopitiam did, and it was a match made in heaven. The belachan wings were another standout item, and the fermented shrimp paste really elevated the dish to another level.
My most recent visit to Kopitiam was just three weeks ago when my friend and I spontaneously decided to explore Chinatown. We stumbled upon Kopitiam and decided to give it a go once again. This time, we indulged in the Milo French toast, kaya toast, pulut inti, and of course, oh chien. Every dish was mouthwatering, but we both agreed that the oh chien stole the show. The Milo French toast was a unique and delightful twist on a classic dish, and the Kaya toast came with a generous amount of the custard.
I highly recommend checking out Kopitiam’s website for their daily rotating specials, like the current feature of assam laksa and chee cheong fun that I’m dying to try. Additionally, their selection of kuih, traditional Nyonya pastries, is just as impressive and delicious. Needless to say, I’m already planning my next visit to Kopitiam!
I love Malaysian food. This looks amazing. Thanks for sharing!
what are the names of the dishes in pic 10 and 12?
I am in love with their Kaya toast. Thanks for posting this gem
This is one of my favorite restaurants as well! Char kway teow is one of the best noodles dishes ever.
The kaya toast….you gotta dip it in the eggs/egg yolk. The only thing missing from this place is it needs more retired Uncles lounging around reading the paper and socializing for a true Singaporean/Malaysian coffee shop experience.
Also don’t sleep on the coffee too! I love the white coffee a good mix of nutty, sweet, and aromatic.
What’s the food on photo 4?