TLDR
Authentic Malaysian hawker vibes w/ a chef from Per Se. Must-try roti canai & satay! Affordable & great for takeout [1].
Instagram Posts References
Wok Wok, a Malaysian restaurant in Chinatown, is struggling with low foot traffic and an expiring lease, needing community support to stay afloat. Chef Erik Cheah, an alum of the three-Michelin-star restaurant Per Se and a former Michelin-starred chef at a Thai restaurant, has been humbly serving authentic Penang hawker-style dishes for over 10 years. The restaurant is located in a basement, making it less visible to tourists looking for Chinese food. The chef emphasizes the authenticity of his Malaysian food, including making Roti from scratch rather than using frozen dough, and the high expectations of Malaysian foodies. The post calls for community support to prevent the closure of this beloved Chinatown staple, emphasizing the exceptional quality and affordability of the food.
Details
This Chinatown gem offers authentic Penang hawker-style Malaysian cuisine, with a chef who boasts a background from Per Se and a Michelin-starred Thai restaurant [1]. It's highlighted as an underrated spot with standout dishes like phenomenal roti canai and satay, along with flavorful options such as Char Kway Teow, Curry Laksa, and Turmeric Wings [1]. The restaurant is praised for its affordability, comfort food hits, and fast service, making it a go-to for delivery and takeout [1].
Food Overview
Wok Wok is celebrated for its authentic Penang hawker-style Malaysian cuisine, featuring standout dishes such as phenomenal roti canai, satay, Char Kway Teow, Curry Laksa, and Turmeric Wings [1]. The chef's background from Per Se and a Michelin-starred Thai restaurant contributes to the high quality of their offerings [1]. While praised for its authentic flavors and good value, it's noted that their oyster omelette is more wok-fried and less gooey than traditional versions [1].
Highlights / Recommended
"Standout dishes include the phenomenal roti canai, satay, Char Kway Teow, Curry Laksa, and Turmeric Wings, all praised for their authentic flavors and preparation [1]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •roti canai(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customers highly praise Wok Wok for its authentic Malaysian flavors and incredible value, particularly highlighting the phenomenal roti canai and other hawker-style dishes. It's frequently recommended for delivery and takeout, with mentions of good specials and fast service [1].
Caveats
The restaurant is located in a basement, making it less visible to passersby, and it has been noted that their lease is expiring, requiring community support to remain open [1]. One user also mentioned that their oyster omelette is more wok-fried and less gooey than traditional versions, and they were unsure about its halal status [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About WOK WOK RESTAURANT
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Halal South East Asian Chinese Manhattan Or
"This user mentioned Wok Wok in Chinatown as a possibility for South East Asian Chinese food, but was unsure about its halal status."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Eat Taiwanese Oyster Omelette In
"This user mentions Wok wok in Manhattan Chinatown as an option for oyster omelette, noting it's more wok-fried and less gooey but still contains tapioca."
NeutralFrom post: Cozy Restaurant In Chinatown With Great Food
"Wok Wok is mentioned as a recommended restaurant in Chinatown."
PositiveFrom post: Cozy Restaurant In Chinatown With Great Food
"Agrees with the recommendation for Wok Wok."
PositiveFrom post: Cozy Restaurant In Chinatown With Great Food
"Wok Wok is listed as one of the cozier options in Chinatown."
PositiveFrom post: Char Kway Teow
"The original poster acknowledged Wok Wok and seemed positive about trying it."
NeutralFrom post: Char Kway Teow
"This user heard good things about Wok Wok in Chinatown and its Char Kway Teow, noting the owner is Malaysian Chinese and it reminds them of their childhood."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting Nyc After 14 Years Looking For A Great
"The original poster found the suggestion for WokWok intriguing and noted that it looked incredible."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting Nyc After 14 Years Looking For A Great
"WokWok was suggested as an option for Malaysian food, with a comment implying it might be better than Kopitiam."
PositiveFrom post: Which Breakout Cuisine Would You Like To See In
"This user mentioned Wok Wok as a Singaporean restaurant they found to be pretty good, though they haven't visited in a few years."
NeutralFrom post: Your Favorite Malaysian Restaurant In The City
"Wok Wok in Chinatown is highlighted for having the best roti canai."
PositiveFrom post: Your Favorite Malaysian Restaurant In The City
"Wok Wok is recommended for delivery and takeout, offering good value with specials, comfort food hits, and fast service."
PositiveFrom post: Takeoutpickup Recs
"Wok Wok in Chinatown is highlighted as an underrated Malaysian restaurant with tasty dishes like rendang, laksa, and pandan wrapped wings, also noting they offer discounts on Uber Eats."
PositiveFrom post: Lunch Spots In Fidichinatown
"Wok Wok has a phenomenal roti canai for about $4.95, and entrees are around $15-20 after tax and tip."
PositiveFrom post: Lunch Spots In Fidichinatown
"Wok Wok was a place the commenter enjoyed for lunch when working in FiDi."
Positive