Med Salleh Kopitiam — Restaurant in London

Yesterday was my second visit to this Malaysian restaurant, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the experience once again. This time, I brought along a few friends who had never been here before, and we were all impressed by the delightful food and exceptional service.

While there are numerous Malaysian restaurants in London, this one holds a special place in my heart as a Malaysian. Not only does the restaurant's decor exude a nostalgic, old-school charm that brings back childhood memories, but the staff, including the friendly owners (shout out to Mr. Koi Lee) added a warm and welcoming touch to our visit. We couldn't resist striking up conversations with them throughout our meal.

On my previous visit, I tried the rojak, an unique dish that combines a mix of vegetables and fruits with a spicy palm sugar dressing. It's a must-try for anyone looking to venture beyond the usual Malaysian dishes. This time, I opted for the "Wat Tan Hor," a dish that consists of flat rice noodles in egg gravy. The taste was remarkably reminiscent of what you'd find in Malaysia, and it was absolutely delicious. What sets this restaurant apart is its ability to serve dishes that are not typically found in other Malaysian eateries in London, and they execute it flawlessly. Even the texture and crunch of the vegetables were spot on.

For dessert, I highly recommend the ais kacang, which translates to "bean ice." This shaved ice dessert features ingredients like red beans and palm sugar, offering a delightful and unique treat that you don't come across often. The gracious lady owner, Sherry even treated us to a new dessert after I shared my passion for Malaysian desserts. It was a gelatinous creation with pandan and gula melaka (palm sugar), along with a surprising touch of kerisik (toasted grated coconut). This dessert managed to strike the perfect balance between warm and cold, giving us the best of both worlds.

As a discerning food enthusiast, I can be quite particular about my culinary preferences, and it's often a challenge to find truly authentic Malaysian cuisine in the UK. This restaurant provides not only outstanding food but also an authentic and wholesome dining experience. I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially to those from the Western world looking to explore something unique and genuinely Malaysian. It's heartening to see a restaurant that can effectively share our culture...

Incredibly delicious and authentic Malaysian food which everyone should try! If there was one type of food to sum me up it would be Malaysian street food served in this type of rustic but modern setting. Having influences from other surrounding Southeastern countries, it is the perfect blend of everything that is great about Asian cooking, comforting, amazing flavours and filling. Med Salleh Kopitiam is the best Malaysian restaurant I have tried in London to date and you will not be left disappointed. I highly recommend the roti canai starter (which in fact could be a main as it's a large portion), the curry and the fried chicken are cooked perfectly, the curry sauce is perfection with all the spices cooked out correctly and the rotis soft and fluffy. The Hainanese Chicken Rice was so delicious and was lost for words on this dish, the chicken is so tender and succulent. Even though not an intensely flavoured and overwhelming dish when it comes to flavours compared to the Nasi dishes, but milder and more delicate, but expertly cooked to make this humdinger of a dish. The Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken, another delicious dish! The chicken is similar to what you get with the Roti Canai, crispy and super flavoursome with the blue rice and little side accompaniments such as the sambal, fried anchovies etc. It's definitely a dish that will be a crowd pleaser. If you love your coffee and it's a hot day then definitely get yourself a (large) Malaysian iced coffee!

The restaurant itself is really nice, rustic but modern with a real homely vibe which makes you feel the food will be good before you've even tried anything. There are private spaces for big groups as well which is nice. The staff and service were both great, friendly and efficient. The prices, so overall I would say good value for money as the portion sizes are quite big so you can definitely share, especially the mains. And for food that tastes this good, it's definitely worth the money. Can't wait to come back and try the chicken satay which I saw but didn't order this time, so have major fomo...

Med Salleh Is More Than a Meal. It’s a Feeling.

I came to Med Salleh expecting a good meal, but I left with something much deeper. This wasn’t just dinner. It was a full experience that stayed with me. It reminded me of what food can be when it’s made with heart.

The chicken congee was incredible. It was thick, smooth, and comforting in every way. You could tell it had been cooked with patience and care. The chicken was soft and tender, blending into the congee perfectly. Every spoonful brought a sense of warmth that felt like home. It was honestly bussin. There’s no other word that fits better.

Then the curry laksa arrived and took things to another level. The broth was rich and creamy with a texture that coated everything just right. It was smooth, balanced, and full of flavor. The kuah had this steady, soothing heat that filled you up slowly and made you feel taken care of. It was the kind of dish you want to sit with for a while and truly enjoy.

And then something unexpected happened. A familiar Malaysian song started playing. I didn’t think much of it at first, but then it hit me. The song, the food, the smells, the energy in the room—it all came together and pulled something out of me. I felt a wave of emotion that reminded me of family, childhood, and moments I hadn’t thought about in a long time. I just sat still for a second and felt it all. It was powerful and beautiful.

After the meal, I had the chance to meet aunty, the wife of the owner. She was warm, funny, and full of life. The way she spoke to us, checked in, and shared stories made the whole meal even more meaningful. She really shocked me with how much of Malaysia she carries in her. Her presence was a big part of why the experience felt so genuine.

I also got to meet her husband, the owner. He was calm, focused, and clearly proud of what he’s created. You could tell he pours everything into the food. There was no need for words. The dishes said it all.

If you want to know what Malaysia feels like, not just what it tastes like, go...