TLDR
Authentic Malaysian sweets and snacks run by a charming couple. Famous for small-batch rotating menus and addictive pandan-infused treats.
Instagram Posts References
Kuih Cafe is a small dessert shop and cafe located in Chinatown, New York City, specializing in Malaysian desserts and snacks. The post highlights their pandan mochi waffles, which are served warm and have a perfect mochi texture. Customers can choose from various fillings including black sesame kaya, pandan, durian, or taro. The author expresses strong positive sentiment towards the waffle.
This cafe is praised for its Pandan Black Sesame Mochi Waffle, which is handmade and "soooo good." The cafe is noted as being owned by an elderly Malaysian couple, adding to its charm.
Details
A hidden gem in Chinatown, this charming spot is run by an elderly Malaysian couple who specialize in authentic Southeast Asian desserts and snacks [1]. The menu rotates frequently with unique, small-batch items that often sell out, making it a highly anticipated destination for those in the know [2]. Their creative approach to traditional flavors has garnered a dedicated following, particularly for their pandan-infused creations [3].
Food Overview
This cafe specializes in Malaysian desserts, most notably their signature pandan mochi waffles with various fillings like black sesame kaya, durian, or taro [1], [2]. Other highly regarded items include their mooncakes, pandan cookies, and savory dishes like salted duck egg butter chicken rice and char kway teow, though availability varies by the weekly menu [2], [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"The pandan mochi waffle with black sesame kaya is widely considered a must-try [1], [2]. Customers also consistently recommend the mooncakes and pandan cookies [2], [3]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •pandan waffle(3)
- •kuih(2)
- •chendol(2)
- •salted egg chicken(2)
- •ice chendol(2)
Customer Sentiment
Visitors are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the unique, high-quality offerings, frequently praising the care put into the handmade pastries and warm, personal service [1], [2]. While the rotating menu and limited supply can be a hurdle, the overall sentiment remains exceptionally positive [2].
Caveats
Due to the small staff and limited production, popular items frequently sell out and it is highly recommended to reserve specialty goods like mooncakes in advance [2]. Patrons should check the restaurant's Instagram for current weekly menu offerings before visiting [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About KUIH CAFE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: On The Hunt For Warm And Gooey Desserts With Ice
"The Pandan Mochi waffle with Kaya is a great chewy, warm dessert when paired with ice cream."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Black Sesame Desserts In Nyc
"Mentioned for their pandan black sesame waffle."
NeutralFrom post: Chinatown Crawl Recommendations For Each
"Recommended specifically for sweets."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Unique Dessert Spots In Nyc With
"Kuih Cafe is listed as a recommendation for unique desserts."
NeutralFrom post: Dishes Or Desserts With Pineapple Sweet Or Savory
"The user suggested checking Kuih Cafe for their pineapple tart, noting that an order might be possible."
PositiveFrom post: Local Ny Birthday Food Crawl East Village And
"The commenter suggested Kuih Cafe specifically for trying 'kuih'."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Get The Best Asian Cake Not Too Sweet In
"Kuih Cafe was listed among several other Asian bakeries."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For 砵仔糕 千层糕 Put Chai Ko And Thousand
"Kuih Cafe is mentioned as a potential spot for certain types of thousand layer cakes, with the caveat that their menu rotates."
NeutralFrom post: Black Sesame Anything
"The item at Kuih Cafe is a mochi pandan waffle with black sesame kaya jam, not a typical waffle."
PositiveFrom post: Black Sesame Anything
"Kuih Cafe, near Chinatown, has a black sesame pandan waffle that is very good."
PositiveFrom post: Pandan Waffle In Nyc
"This commenter confirmed that the style of pandan waffle at Kuih Cafe is indeed Malaysian/Singaporean but suggested the flavor of the waffle itself should be similar."
NeutralFrom post: Pandan Waffle In Nyc
"In response to Kuih Cafe's pandan waffle, this commenter clarified that it's a Malaysian/Singaporean style, often served folded like a sandwich with various fillings, and may differ from a simple green, crispy pandan-flavored waffle."
NeutralFrom post: Pandan Waffle In Nyc
"A commenter suggests checking Kuih Cafe for a pandan waffle, advising to look at their Instagram for menu confirmation."
NeutralFrom post: Searching For A Dessert
"The user suggested Kuih Café as a potential place to find a dessert similar to the one described, mentioning their 'kueh dadar' seems fairly similar."
NeutralFrom post: Favorite Pandan Creations In Nyc
"Recommended Kuih Cafe for pandan items."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Pandan Creations In Nyc
"Recommended the pandan cookies at Kuih Cafe, calling them amazing."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Find Good Pandan Treat
"This user emphatically recommends Kuih Cafe, stating it cannot be emphasized enough."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Find Good Pandan Treat
"This commenter suggests Kuih Cafe as a place with many pandan options."
PositiveFrom post: 100 Food Related Gift
"In response to a question about seasonality, it was noted that Kuih Cafe posts a weekly menu and everything they make is unique, including their pastries."
NeutralFrom post: 100 Food Related Gift
"Kuih Cafe's moon cakes are mentioned as a potentially unique and fancy dessert gift, though they sell out fast and their availability might be seasonal."
Neutral