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If you love to kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast and prefer to rise early, make your way to Kopitiam 143. Situated in the neighbourhood of Taman Keramat, Kuala Lumpur, this local kopitiam has garnered immense attention on social media, becoming a must-visit destination for breakfast enthusiasts.
Nestled amidst a line of shops along the roadside, this neighbourhood eatery stands out effortlessly. What sets it apart is the lively assembly of locals relishing their morning meals in the refreshing early breeze.
Finding a parking spot proved to be quite a task, as the opposite side of the street was lined with houses and the adjacent shop lots offered minimal parking options. I decided to take a chance and parked my vehicle at a random location nearby.
Despite my early arrival, there was already a line of customers waiting to dine in. Fortunately, this unassuming eatery had a well-organised numbering system in place, enabling patrons to queue up efficiently. Following a 15-minute wait, I made my way inside this small kopitiam.
What I tried at Kopitiam 143
Feeling quite famished, I ordered 3 dishes to see what this local eatery had to offer. Starting with the Roti Kukus (RM4.50), a freshly-prepared steamed bun that arrived straight from the steamer. Inside, it was generously filled with the delightful combination of kaya and butter, a timeless pairing for roti kukus enthusiasts.
The bread exhibited a pleasantly soft and airy texture, while the interior featured a generous layer of kaya and butter spread. I’d describe its flavour as reminiscent of a typical roti kukus you could find anywhere, making it a satisfying snack option.
Next, I tried the Dry Wantan Mee (RM8.50). This Chinese noodle dish is made with egg noodles and served without soup. It’s tossed in a flavourful sauce and often comes with wantan (dumplings), fishcakes, fishballs, and fuchuk (tofu skin).
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The egg noodles had a pleasantly springy texture and were evenly coated with soy sauce. However, upon the first bite, there was a slight chalky taste that left an unpleasant aftertaste in my mouth. The fishcakes and fishballs slightly improved the overall taste, but the dish was lacking that extra burst of flavour.
As a nasi lemak lover, I had to try the Nasi Lemak (RM2). It came bungkus classically in banana leaf and paper. The portion did look quite small, hence I ordered 2.
The fragrant rice was wonderfully enriched with coconut milk, a signature characteristic of excellent nasi lemak. Yet, the true standout was the sambal, boasting a well-balanced blend of spiciness and sweetness.
The spiciness took a slightly stronger presence than the sweetness, enhancing the overall delight of the meal. The nasi lemak was incredibly delicious, and I couldn’t resist ordering 2 more servings!
After some time, I still found myself craving more, so I decided to try the Roti Bakar 143 Special (RM6.50). Unfortunately, it took a bit longer than expected for it to be served, which left me somewhat disappointed.
Upon its arrival, the bread appeared highly enticing. It featured a generously toasted thick slice, accompanied by two half-boiled eggs on top, lightly infused with a touch of kaya.
The dish struck me as distinctive, primarily because of the inclusion of half-boiled eggs atop the toast. The toast itself had a satisfying crunch, complemented by the eggs, which contributed a delightful soft texture. Additionally, the kaya provided a subtle touch of sweetness.
Final thoughts
In summary, Kopitiam 143 is worth a visit. I thoroughly enjoyed the nasi lemak and intend to revisit it. The remaining dishes offered the familiar, comforting flavours one would expect from a traditional kopitiam.
Finding a parking space can be quite tricky, so I recommend arriving early to secure a convenient spot. It’s worth noting that the kopitiam tends to get crowded by 8.30am, so arriving early will help you avoid long queues.
Additionally, please be aware that this kopitiam exclusively accepts QR payments, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
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