TLDR
Authentic, affordable Malaysian hawker food hidden in a cozy Chinatown basement. Known for fresh, hand-pulled roti and expert wok-tossed noodle dishes.
Reddit Sentiment for WOK WOK RESTAURANT(based on 19 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
Wok Wok is a hidden basement restaurant in Chinatown, NYC, specializing in authentic Malaysian cuisine. The reviewer was impressed by the recommendations from 'Uncle Bing' and found every dish to be delicious. The post emphasizes that beyond the great food, the welcoming people are a key reason to return. The kitchen is notably led by Chef Eric, who has prior experience in a Michelin three-star restaurant.
The post specifically calls out Wok Wok for its Penang Char Kway Teow, noting the dish's excellent 'wok hei'. The restaurant is also commended for its downstairs dining room which offers good air conditioning, suggesting a comfortable dining experience.
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
Tucked away in a basement in Chinatown, this underrated gem serves up authentic, affordable Malaysian hawker-style dishes [1], [2]. Led by a chef with fine-dining experience at Per Se, the kitchen excels at traditional favorites like Char Kway Teow and fresh, hand-pulled roti [1], [2]. The welcoming atmosphere and high-quality food have made it a beloved staple for locals and visitors alike [1], [3].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on authentic Malaysian and Southeast Asian cuisine, with standout items like Char Kway Teow, curry laksa, and satay receiving consistent acclaim [1], [2], [3]. While the roti canai is frequently lauded for being made from scratch, the oyster omelette offers a unique, wok-fried variation that is less gooey than traditional versions [1], [2].
Customer Sentiment
Customers frequently praise the restaurant for its exceptional value, authentic flavors, and welcoming, community-focused service [1], [2]. While generally highly regarded, some diners noted it may not satisfy those seeking specific traditional styles like Hakka or Ngong Tau Fu [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About WOK WOK RESTAURANT
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Where To Find Hakka Chinese Food In Nyc Or Tri
"Like West New Malaysia, this spot is not considered a true source of authentic Hakka food or Ngong Tau Fu."
NegativeFrom post: Restaurant Recommendations For Adventurous 10yo
"Suggested as a place to eat."
PositiveFrom post: 1st Time Tourist Only Concerned With Making The
"Praised for its fantastic Malaysian food."
PositiveFrom 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."
Positive