TLDR
Authentic Malaysian breakfast & lunch spot, famed for Belachan wings & kaya toast. Great for snacks & casual bites.
Details
This Malaysian eatery in Manhattan's Chinatown is frequently recommended for its authentic breakfast and lunch options. Standout dishes include the Belachan wings, praised for their generous size and caramelized shrimp paste sauce [1], and the highly popular Kaya toast, often enjoyed with half-boiled eggs [2]. While many appreciate the traditional flavors and affordability, some find the portions small and the value questionable [3].
Food Overview
Kopitiam offers a range of Malaysian dishes, with the Belachan wings and Kaya toast receiving consistent praise. The latter is often recommended as a breakfast item, sometimes dipped in half-boiled eggs for a sweet and salty combination [1]. While some appreciate the authentic flavors and affordability, others critique the Char Kway Teow as not authentic and mention that portions can be small and prices high, leading to a perception of being overrated [2]. The restaurant also offers Malaysian cakes and other breakfast items.
Caveats
Some diners feel the restaurant is overpriced for the portion sizes, and a few have found specific dishes like the Char Kway Teow to be inauthentic. The dining area is noted as being very small, making it unsuitable for large groups [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About KOPITIAM
Recent Reddit Mentions
From 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."
PositiveFrom post: Best Vietnamese Coffee
"Kopitiam is mentioned as a place for coffee."
NeutralFrom post: Favorite Pandan Creations In Nyc
"Also recommended Pandan Kaya toast from Kopitiam, suggesting it be dipped in half-boiled eggs."
Positive