Nyonya

"Our discovery of Nyonya was ultimately the result of a discussion over dinner at Fatty Crab. I was eating there with friends well versed in Malaysian cuisine, and they insisted that while Fatty Crab may be good, it's a travesty to enjoy it without knowing the real deal. Hence, a Nyonya dinner was put on the books, and the experts were going to show us the way. We're glad they did. Nyonya is well known as one of the few real Malaysian restaurants in New York City. It is loved equally among people who were raised on food like this, and those that more casually enjoy cuisine of the region. The menu is huge, and you will find traditional Malaysian dishes like Nasi Lamak and Prawn Mee, but you'll also see Phad Thai and other more well known items. The food is excellent, and everything is cheap, which means plenty of room left in your budget for Tiger beers. After a few visits, we've decided our friends were right. We won't exactly be running back to Fatty Crab to drop four times the money on an "interpretation" of the real thing. Food Rundown Roti Canai Apparently this is reflective of the Indian influence in Malaysian food, which makes sense as it's a thin pancake, very similar to naan. The chicken curry sauce that comes along with it is amazing. I want to take shots of it. Prawn Mee A noodle soup with shrimp in a spicy shrimp broth. This is a huge portion of food, and could easily be a meal in itself, but we recommend sharing. Nasi Lemak A Malaysian staple, this is coconut rice, chicken, anchovies, sambal chili paste and a fried egg. I can see how that might not sound good on paper, but this is amazing, and might be my favorite thing in the house. Beef Rendang Beef cooked with traditional Malaysian spices. Fatty Crab's version of this was done with short rib, and the sauce was super intense, not particularly in a good way. Nyonya's rendang is much more balanced, much more subtle, and much better. Okra I've only had okra the southern way - battered, fried, or swimming around in a giant pot of gumbo. These were either steamed or sautéed and cut into bite size pieces. Okra isn't for everyone, but if you like it, you love it here. Mee Siam Recommended to me by a waitress when I asked about popular dishes at Nyonya (on a visit without experts to guide me). This is in the fried noodles section, and was similar to phad thai, but with a Thai chili sauce rather than a peanut sauce. It was excellent, though not as exciting as the more traditional Malaysian stuff." - Chris Stang

"For some quality nasi lemak and beef rendang, order from Nyonya. Call this Malaysian spot directly at 212-334-3669, or find online options on their website. And be sure to get the roti canai." - hannah albertine, nikko duren, bryan kim, arden shore, matt tervooren

"For years in Little Italy, Nyonya has served Malaysian food in a casual dining room with plenty of seating for groups that garnered Michelin Bib nods for good reason. Try the roti canai, the beef rendang, as well as the prawn mee soup with pork, shrimp, and egg noodles. There are additional locations in Bensonhurst and Borough Park in Brooklyn." - Robert Sietsema, Eater Staff

"Nyonya is one of our favorite Malaysian spots in Manhattan, not only for the excellent food, but for the warm, lodge-like atmosphere you get to eat it in. We’d recommend coming with a few people: the homey, dark wood dining room is deceptively large, extending to a back area full of big round tables. But even if you bring a smaller party, get the glorious platter of cold Hainanese chicken, the fresh okra and shrimp stir-fry, and tangy asam laksa. You’ll be glad you have leftovers. Keep in mind it's cash-only." - neha talreja, carina finn koeppicus, bryan kim

"Nyonya flaunts a comfy setting composed of brick walls and basic wood tables, but really, everyone’s here for their outstanding Malaysian food. Speedy servers steer diners through the varied menu—and perhaps even away from such delicacies as prawn mee, an exceptionally spiced and sour shrimp broth with noodles, pork, vegetables and bean sprouts floating in its goodness. Some know to stick to such faithful and deeply satisfying dishes as nasi lemak, which is a delightful combo of coconut rice, pickled veggies, crispy anchovies, curried chicken and hard-boiled egg. The chow kueh teow, with stir-fried noodles, tiger prawns and squid, is a go-to dish, while coconut batter-fried jumbo prawns are another winner." - Michelin Inspector