West New Malaysia

"Hopefully, this Malaysian spot represents the resurgence of the cuisine in Chinatown, where there was once a half-dozen such restaurants radiating from the corner of Allen and Grand. The compact dining room is casual and stylish, and jellied ices are a focus, including the wonderful black jello snow ice. The oyster omelet is also worth trying." - Robert Sietsema

"Since it’s down an obscure alleyway on Bowery, you’re probably not going to stumble into West New Malaysia randomly. But you should make a point to come here for some excellent Malaysian curries, big bowls of soup filled with seafood, and shareable entrees like sauteed chicken that’s perfectly tender and covered in spicy shrimp paste. The menu is huge, but no matter what you order, make sure to get the crispy fried prawns with salted egg." - bryan kim, molly fitzpatrick, willa moore, neha talreja, will hartman

"West New Malaysia has been in our Chinatown rotation for years, from back when it was sequestered behind an arcade on Bowery. Now the restaurant spans two rooms on Bayard, each crammed with tables where you can find longtime regulars enjoying their roti canai and asam laksa. And their crispy fried prawns with salted egg, which feature crackly crusts rubbed with shaved yolk, will convert anyone into a West New Malaysia loyalist. Head here if you're hanging around Chinatown with a hungry group of people. The menu is huge, food comes out super-fast, and if you come at lunch, lots of the entrees are available for under $15." - Neha Talreja

"Delivery and takeout available are available from this excellent Malaysian spot. Try some curry, seafood soup, and sauteed chicken." - hannah albertine, nikko duren, bryan kim, arden shore, matt tervooren

"The food at West New Malaysia—curries, big bowls of soup filled with seafood, and entrees like sauteed chicken that’s perfectly tender and covered in spicy shrimp paste—has two traits that make it great for group dinners. It’s excellent, and the large portions are ideal for sharing. The menu at this Malaysian spot on Bowery is huge, but no matter what else you order, make sure to get the crispy, fried prawns with salted egg." - team infatuation