If you’re a foodie on the hunt for a taste of Malaysia right here in Taipei, then look no further than Mr Chee Kopitiam. This unassuming gem tucked away in the bustling streets of Taipei offers delightful Malaysian cuisine that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur or Penang.
But before we dive into the delicious details of what’s on the menu, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of Malaysian cuisine. Malaysian food is an incredible fusion of flavours and traditions, influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Javanese culinary styles. The adventurous flavours of Malaysian food marry fragrant spices, savoury seafood, succulent meats, and the freshest herbs to create flavours that you’re not going to find elsewhere. Whether you’re a fan of fiery curries, aromatic satay, fragrant rice dishes, or sweet, sticky desserts, Malaysian cuisine has something for everyone.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the scarcity of authentic Malaysian food in Taipei. While Taipei boasts a wide variety of international cuisines, finding genuine Malaysian fare can be a bit of a treasure hunt. But that’s where Mr Chee Kopitiam comes to the rescue. This cosy eatery serves up a menu brimming with Malaysian classics. From the spicy allure of Nasi Lemak to the comforting warmth of Hainanese Chicken Rice, this place does it all, and they do it right. So, if you’re craving a taste of Malaysia in Taipei, make your way to Mr Chee Kopitiam. You won’t be disappointed!
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I first visited Mr Chee Kopitiam when it opened back in 2015, and I was impressed by it. They now have a couple of branches across the city – one is at the bottom of Fuxing South Road near Technology Building Station MRT, and the other is in Gongguan right near Gongguan MRT station.
If you aren’t sure how to order or what to do when you arrive at Mr Chee Kopitiam, then this is the post for you. See below for How to Order in Taipei Restaurants like a definitive pro!
3 Fast Tips on How to Order in Taipei Restaurants like a definitive pro!
The Menu at Mr Chee Kopitiam
The menu is definitely strong here. I constantly find it difficult to order, simply because so much of it both looks and sounds great! One thing is for sure, though - I will always get something spicy.
Curry Laksa Noodles Combo (seafood & chicken)
I am not a huge fan of soupy dishes, but the flavours that come through with Laksa are just too good to not go for sometimes. Laksa is a savoury and popular noodle soup found in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. It's famous for its rich and aromatic broth, which is often cooked with a blend of coconut milk, various spices, shellfish (such as prawns or fish), chicken, or tofu. Because of the usage of herbs such as lemongrass, galangal, garlic, and chilli peppers, the soup is typically fairly hot and has a complex flavour profile.
This offering from Mr Chee Kopitiam is right on the money. Layers of coconut milk-infused spices and meat dance around in this broth and create excitement with every spoonful. Lurking under the surface you will find plenty of noodles, but the winner here is the incredible Laksa broth. Lightly spiced, perfectly balanced, and effortlessly moreish. I finished the entire bowl.
Malaysia Bak Kut Teh with Rice
Bak Kut Teh, which translates as "meat bone tea" in Hokkien, is a delectable Malaysian and Singaporean soup. It's a rich and hearty dish cooked by boiling pork ribs with a tasty combination of garlic, pepper, and Chinese herbs. This produces a flavourful, slightly herbal soup that goes perfectly with rice and sometimes fried dough sticks. It's not for the faint-hearted, as the flavours are typically more on the heavier side. The depth of flavour crammed into a bowl of this Bak Kut Teh is quite astonishing.
The pork falls off the bone and is full of the flavour of the soup in which it is cooked. Lots of garlic flavour is imparted in the broth, and it pairs with the fragrant rice really nicely. A great touch is the crispy deep-fried shallots on top of the rice, which add a little hint of sweetness to each mouthful.
Chicken Rice
Whilst this looks simple, I implore you not to judge it based on appearances. The rice was full of fragrant flavours that made me want a second bowl, and the fried chicken was incredibly juicy. The crispy skin was perfect, and the cucumber helped to cut through any greasiness of the dish. A winner on this tray was the spicy chilli sauce - spicy, fragrant and light. The soup was fine, but more to wash everything down with.
Nasi Lemak Fried Chicken with Sambal Squid
This is consistently my favourite dish at Mr Chee Kopitiam. The value for money is amazing, as each mouthful springs with flavour. The fried chicken is crispy on the outside, but perfectly juicy on the inside, too. The prawn crackers add a great texture variety which seems to surprise me each time. I often scoop some of that sambal squid up with the prawn crackers - I recommend that you do the same.
That sambal squid is heavy and rich in flavour, as well as being really quite spicy. You should definitely get a spoonful of rice with the sambal squid, that's for sure! The little crunchy fish with the peanuts help to add yet another texture profile to the whole dish, with the egg and cucumber accompaniments adding a lovely freshness to everything.
Drinks
If you're looking for a drink, then the Teh Tarik packs a strong tea punch. It's sweet, so be prepared for that, but it isn't overly sweet. If you pair it with the spicy sambal squid and fried chicken, then you'll probably be thankful for the sweetness!
Cendol is particularly popular in Malaysia, consisting of green, chewy rice or sago flour noodles infused with pandan leaf extract (giving them that vivid green colour). These noodles are topped with rich coconut milk and sweet palm sugar syrup and then finished with crushed ice for a refreshing contrast. One of the popular toppings is red bean, but they also traditionally have corn or glutinous rice, too. Cendol is a treat known for its sweet and creamy flavours, making it a perfect choice for cooling your mouth down after that spicy sambal squid.
Boh Boh Cha Cha features creamy coconut milk infused with pandan leaves, mixed with tender sweet potato and taro cubes, chewy tapioca pearls, and sometimes a ripe banana or plantain slices, all sweetened to taste. It can be served hot, but here it is served with lots of ice and was refreshing on the hot day that we visited.
The Bottom Line
Is it worth it? Mr Chee Kopitiam is reasonably priced and is a great option if Malaysian food is what you're craving in the city.
What is the best dish? Nasi Lemak Fried Chicken with Sambal Squid. I get it every time for a reason. Get that Teh Tarik to wash it down with, too.
Are there other places like this? There are, yes. If Malaysian is what you're looking for, then check out some of my other Malaysian posts on Eating in Taipei below:
Taipei restaurant – Mamak 檔 星馬料理 Awesome Malaysian food in Taipei!
Taipei Restaurants – Face to Face Noodle House 面對面