This casual counter spot in Chinatown serves up an enticing array of authentic Malaysian dishes, perfect for a laid-back brunch or quick lunch fix.
"In addition to their full takeout and delivery menu, this Malaysian cafe on the Lower East Side is selling their white coffee and Kopi beans on their website here." - hannah albertine
"What It Is: The reopening of a casual Malaysian cafe on the LES. Perfect For: Lunch, Dining Solo The old Kopitiam was a tiny spot on the lower Lower East Side that served Malaysian food with a focus on desserts. After closing their first location, they now have a larger all-day cafe near the Williamsburg Bridge that’s open until 10pm. When we stopped by for lunch on a Friday, most of the tables were full. And when we ate the food, we understood why. The menu has a few different sections (each with five-ish options) for breakfast, mains, snacks, and sweets. Everything we had - from the oyster omelette to the pork in a bean curd wrap - tasted great. They were out of a few of the desserts we tried to order, but otherwise the experience felt perfect for a casual meal. The Verdict: We’ll definitely be back to try their breakfast." - hannah albertine, bryan kim, katherine lewin, hillary reinsberg, chris stang, matt tervooren
"Kopitiam is a casual Malaysian cafe with an all-day menu that runs the gamut from nasi lemak (with its crunchy achovies), to supple noodles with chile oil, and not-to-sweet desserts like the layered kuih, made from gluttonous rice. There’s lots to love here at all times a day, especially good for a quick bite." - Robert Sietsema, Eater Staff
"Whenever we’re in the mood for something unique and delicious that doesn’t cost much more than $15, we go to Kopitiam. It’s an excellent Malaysian spot on the border of the Lower East Side that’s great for a casual brunch or catch-up dinner with a friend who would appreciate a perfect oyster omelette. Split that and an order of the nasi lemak—but above all else, try the pan mee soup with handmade noodles, anchovy broth, and ground pork. It’s the Sunday HBO programming of the Kopitiam menu, and you’ll feel left out if you miss it." - bryan kim, molly fitzpatrick, willa moore, neha talreja, will hartman
"Lauded Malyasian cafe Kopitiam is offering specialties like toast with pandan coconut jam and butter, nasi lemak (coconut rice with fried anchovies, peanuts, and hard boiled egg) and chilled spicy sesame noodles for takeout and delivery. Orders can be placed on Caviar." - Carla Vianna, Serena Dai, Tanay Warerkar