TLDR
Authentic Malaysian breakfast vibes featuring must-try kaya toast and ginger-forward curries in the LES.
Details
Offering a taste of traditional Malaysian breakfast culture, this spot is frequently recommended for its signature items like kaya toast and ginger-forward curries [1, 40]. While many patrons enjoy the authentic atmosphere and specialty drinks, some reviewers express disappointment regarding inconsistent food quality and portion sizes relative to the price [10, 16, 43]. It remains a polarizing yet popular choice in the Lower East Side for those seeking specific Southeast Asian flavors [31, 43].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Malaysian and Singaporean breakfast staples, with the kaya toast, pandan kaya toast, and Belachan wings receiving frequent acclaim [26, 27, 34, 40]. Some customers enjoy the Criss Cross Shrooms and ginger-forward curries [38, 40], while other diners have found dishes like the Char Kway Teow and curry buns to be overcooked or lacking flavor [17, 43].
Caveats
The dining area is very small, making it unsuitable for large groups [5]. Additionally, some diners note that the menu can rotate, meaning specific items may not always be available [46].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About KOPITIAM
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: News The Urban Hawker Food Hall In Midtown Will
"Kopitiam has a location in the LES."
NeutralFrom post: News The Urban Hawker Food Hall In Midtown Will
"The user will miss this vendor upon the food hall's closure."
PositiveFrom post: Whats The Best Gingerforward Food Or Drink Youve
"Recommends Malay restaurants like kopitiam for their curries, which have a strong ginger flavor, drawing from a positive experience in Malaysia."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can We Get Mie Gorang Preferably In Brooklyn
"This restaurant was recommended. It is only one stop from Brooklyn on the F train."
NeutralFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Kopitiam is recommended for simple dishes and is part of the Singaporean/Malaysian food options."
NeutralFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Kopitiam is recommended for Singaporean/Malaysian food in Chinatown."
NeutralFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Kopitiam is described as traditional but with smaller, more upscale portions. It's likely the only place with Kaya toast available, estimated at $10."
NeutralFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Kopitiam is suggested as a good option for simple dishes."
NeutralFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Kopitiam is recommended as the best bet for kaya toast, and is noted as Malaysian but similar to Singaporean breakfast."
PositiveFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Kopitiam is suggested as a place to go, and is described as Malaysian but similar to Singaporean breakfast."
NeutralFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"For half-boiled eggs at Kopitiam, the commenter highlights their house-brewed soy sauce as a nice touch."
PositiveFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Kopitiam is a good option for nasi lemak."
NeutralFrom post: Local Ny Birthday Food Crawl East Village And
"Kopitiam was recommended as a place for breakfast goodies, following a discussion about pastry preferences."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For 砵仔糕 千层糕 Put Chai Ko And Thousand
"Kopitiam is mentioned as a place where the wheat flour style of thousand layer cake has been seen, though the commenter notes their menu can rotate."
NeutralFrom post: Birthday Dinner Tonight Thurs May 7 Brooklyn Or
"kopitiam was suggested as a restaurant where the original poster might be able to keep costs under $60 per person with drinks, by ordering only one entree and one drink each. This was part of an effort to address the budget constraint."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Hatsother Merch From This Subs
"Kopitiam was mentioned as a restaurant that sells merchandise."
NeutralFrom post: Wood Ear Mushroom Dishes
"This user praised The Criss Cross Shrooms at Kopitam, describing them as huge and meaty, sautéed with red chilies and lotus, served with rice."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Eat Bakuteh
"This user suggests checking out Malaysian restaurants in Lower Manhattan/Chinatown, including Kopitiam."
NeutralFrom post: Char Kway Teow
"This user stated that Kopitiam is overpriced with small portions, and their Char Kway Teow was not authentic."
NegativeFrom post: Char Kway Teow
"This user mentioned Kopitiam has Char Kway Teow and that they enjoyed it, although they are unsure of its authenticity. They also praised Kopitiam as great and affordable overall."
Positive