Makan Malaysian Cafe
1859 S Pearl St, Denver, CO, 80210
Makan Malaysian Cafe Menu
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Address :
1859 S Pearl St
Denver, CO, 80210 - Phone (720) 524-8093
- Website https://www.makanmyfood.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Haythem K.
Friendly staff, great food. Loved it.
(5)Chris M.
Excellent food and service. Looking forward to going back to try it again.
(4)Jim M.
Really good food. The service is a little slow, but they just opened so that is understandable. We had a nice dinner. I recommend the Mee Siam, very tasty.
(4)Bethany W.
The chicken puffs were fantastic! My husband and I wanted lots more of them. I had the Laksa, and my husband had the Mee Siam. Neither of us were head over heals for our main dishes, but they did have some unique flavors going on. I think next time we'll opt for more curry. The ambiance is light and airy, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I'd say that overall this restaurant is worth checking out.
(4)Rachelle S.
A friend recommended this place, so my husband and I went last night and loved it! We started with roti prata-homemade (similar to Indian paratha) with chicken curry. It was fantastic. We also ordered the siu mai (very good little dumplings with carrot and chinese sausage), teh tarik and teh tarik with ginger (both hot) very good teas that we shared. For main courses, we shared laksa (spicy coconut broth, vermicelli noodle, fish balls, tofu) soup and an anchovy dish. All so very good! We were full and happy. We will be back to try weekend breakfast roti prata with egg and curry. The curry is mild-not overpowered by coconut; the flavors are unique; the service is wonderful. Karen the owner was there, very friendly, answered all our questions and made sure we were content at each step of our meal. Highly recommend! Go with a few people, order several dishes to share, get the teas and enjoy. Next time, we will try dessert, khui lapsa, looked yummy.
(4)Salima D.
Authentic Malaysian food. Great atmosphere and service. The teh tarik was good not to heavy. Loved the curry puffs and the chicken curry. Great selection.
(5)Mike L.
I went with a buddy of mine whose Malaysian. The owner who did most of the cooking was really nice and came out and talked to us a bit. The food was all good and tasty. However, the prices were a little steep in my friends opinion. I know that it's in a high rent district so I understand, but it seems like a place like this belongs on Havana or Federal where the prices can be a bit lower due to lower lease/rent. With that said go and give it a try it's a nice change from most other places in the Pearl St. district area.
(3)Meg I.
Small restaurant with cute, simple decor. Server was attentive but not overbearing. I had the Kari Ayam (Curry Chicken) and it was fantastic! Just spicy enough with lots of flavor. Portion is good for one but don't expect leftovers. Will definitely be vising Makan again soon!
(5)steve c.
Simple, elegant, delicious, beautiful, and -- unlike the rest of yupped-out Old South Pearl -- affordably priced. I had the lunch special of Chicken Curry, Curry Puff, rice, veggies and a drink for less than $10. My lunch mate had the Lamb Special that is wrapped in paper thin pastry and served with two types of curry sauce. We also had the Pineapple Bites and Coconut Crepes for dessert. Every bite a treat! I love the simplicity, it's a relief when Old South Pearl can be so full of itself. I'M HOOKED!
(5)Haythem K.
Friendly staff, great food. Loved it.
(5)A B.
Delicious! We ordered the tasting menu, which included 4(or 5?) fixed courses for 2 people--$60 total. The first course consisted of small bites satay and meat and veggie filled pastries, followed by a noodle bowl and a rice bowl, then roti canai, then two curry dishes (one shrimp, one chicken.) All extremely flavorful and aromatic with a perfect amount of spice. The roti wasn't the thinnest we've had, but still delicious. We had to take our dessert to go since we had a concert to get to, but those small bites were also delicious and interesting. The ambiance is very sweet and light with few tables and an open kitchen where we could see the chefs bustling to keep up with the orders. The service was pleasant but a bit slow, which we probably would not have noticed if we hadn't somewhere to go. The fixed tasting menu was filling--reasonably priced for the amount of food, and enough for 2 (one big eater, one moderate eater) to share easily, though my spouse did order his own separate roti canai. A wonderful experience and we will return.
(4)Andee H.
I ate here with a friend and I have to say it was pretty delicious. First off it has a very laid back, but modern feel. Clean lines, wooden tables, water at your table, and a light open space. My friend also said the restrooms were clean and nice. Our waitress was kind, attentive, and answered all of our questions. I ordered a dish with tofu, egg, noodles, and bean sprouts. It was a perfect portion for me and it was extremely satisfying. I am intrigued about other things on the menu. I wish there was a few more veggie options, but they were very accommodating when I asked about omitting the shrimp from the Mee Siam dish. The only thing that I found strange was the gentleman who appeared at our table a number of times (I felt a bit hovered upon) I wondered where our waitress went? Other than that is was a lovely meal.
(4)Val P.
Although the food is quite similar to the food found in Malaysia, and the place was cozy and the young server was sweet, the owner was horrible. I took a friend and her son there, and as I've lived in Malaysia and speak the language and am familiar with the food, they asked that I order for them. I ordered 3 entrees and 2 appetizers. The server came back to let me know that they couldn't leave out the egg and meat in one entree (the Char Kue Teow which is a noodle dish). I explained for the second time that I'm vegetarian and would pay more for them to just use vegetables and leave out the eggs. The owner then raised her voice from across the room and said "We just can't make the char kue teow that way. It won't taste the same." So I asked the server (who was standing by our table) if she could just tell her that I didn't really mind if it didn't taste right (to the owner) but that I'm vegetarian (3rd explanation) and would just like it with vegetables." The server walked over to the owner and explained it to her, and the owner once again stands right where she is and explains to me from across the room that she's unable to cook it that way as it "won't taste good"!!! What an idiot!! There were 3 other tables that were occupied and everyone was looking at us by that time, and it was a very embarrassing experience. Had we not had an eager child with us, I would have just paid for our drinks and left. Unfortunately, the little guy was fascinated by the names of the food, and had already decided what he wanted for dessert and I wasn't going to spoil it for him. So I ordered a roti canai which is much cheaper than the char kuey teow and had a very unpleasant meal. The food itself was OK, not great but not bad either, however we will not be returning to that place. It's not the responsibility of the chef or owner of a restaurant to decide if the customer will like something based on what they think it will taste like. It's just their responsibility to cook what's ordered. Obviously if I asked for a cupful of chilli paste or 5 tbsp of salt to be added to the meal then they can give me their opinion. But asking them to leave out the meat and eggs shouldn't be rocket science to follow. Will NEVER be returning there again.
(1)Chisholm T.
This place is legit! If you have never been to Malaysia, come here and you will know their culture and flavors. Their food here is made FRESH and tastes exactly like the food I ate when I went to Malaysia. I also have a good friend who is from Malaysia, lives in Denver now, and he comes here all the time and that's how you know it's worth coming to!!! I think it became his home-away-from-home. The staff is also very kind and happy to serve you. I will definitely be coming back here.
(5)Shaye R.
Really enjoyed the food. Unique flavors. Super friendly staff. I think would be a regular there if only I lived in Denver.
(4)Sarah S.
Divinely tasty, beautiful presentation, friendly waitstaff, affordable prices, simple and stylish decor - this is my new favorite spot! Great for a date, solo or with friends. Make sure to try the pulled tea - it is exquisitely flavorful. Ask for side plates and share your dishes family-style, while you're at it.
(5)Hans O.
Cozy and very relaxed medium-sized café, bright green painted walls, few wooden tables, and couple big tables that could easily sit eight to ten people, cute china and smaller plates, nice usage of old bottle as water bottles, and fun watching the cook food in the open kitchen space. Food: *Kaya Toast: tasteless. *Roti Prata: not cooked properly, probably because their stove is not hot enough; crispy on the edges, but majority of it was still doughy and raw. *Mee Siam: this was probably the best dish we've tried; flavor was good, overall textures were fine, a bit soupy for me, but overall, not bad. *Beef Rendang: felt like eating beef stew, missing spices that makes rendang stand out from beef stew, beef cut was right, but not tender enough, nor had the roundup creamy texture... *Sambal Kangkung: belacan taste/smell were mild, wish it was bolder; kangkung (ong choy) was overcooked, and it was overly sweet. Same stove issue... *Ikan Bilis: anchovies were soggy instead of crispy. Sambal was tasty, but again, overly sweet. Overall, nothing really stands out. Service was nice, but really slow, maybe because they have just opened this restaurant.
(2)Ryan V.
My boyfriend and I went there for the first time last week. The food was delicious. I had the Kari Ayama and he had the Mee Siam with coconut rice. We both would have those dishes again. We also ordered the Curry Puff as an app, however it was over looked on the ticket and we ended up not receiving them until we had already finished our main course. However, they were yummy. We will definitely be coming back to try a new dish!
(4)Hope A.
This is such a great neighborhood gem. The service here is excellent- probably the best I have had in Denver. The dishes were all really flavorful and the portions I thought were great for an upscale restaurant. The menu is somewhat limited.
(5)Helene K.
Ok, here comes a blissful little review about Makan. Gonna tell you upfront: have not been to Malaysia yet and haven't really had Malaysian food before. So, there's nothing to compare Makan to at this moment. I've heard differing opinions about Makan from friends, colleagues. One is that the price is too much for too little food. I can see that being an argument; however, the way I see the situation, is that there aren't other Malaysian restaurants in Denver to compete with. Makan can charge a premium on their food if they'd like. Also, I felt the portions were just right for me -- no supersizing needed. I went to Makan on a Thursday night; the place was empty when I arrived, but then...suddenly...the crowds started arriving after me. I guess I'm a people magnet in that way. Since my friend was raving about Makan to me, I figured I'd try one thing off of each part of the menu. Why not do a tasting hm? First, I had the popiah: unique soy sauce dip and the popiah was just the right texture. No crispy 'spring roll' skin here; just good, rice papery flavor encasing a flavor party. My entree was the roti with the vegetarian curry. I love using my hands for foods like this; roti is to curry as naan is to curry as pita is to hummus. There. The roti was eggy, easy to pull apart. I could have had a second helping of roti, but I opted instead for a side of coconut rice, which was probably the best value on the menu (big bowl of coconut rice = $2 roughly). I had a pulled milk tea and some of the glutinous rice balls for dessert. Hell, I love glutinous rice balls. Be careful though; these can squirt out too quickly. I suppose what makes some people complain about Makan would be the layout, the ambience: the place is crisp and clean, but gives off the vibe of casual dining. So customers expect the 'casual dining' pricing. If customers were looking for something faahncier, they'd want that atmosphere to pair with the prices. I only have one complaint: the hours. Please be open more during the day! Mondays and Tuesdays they are off...and usually I'm in the South Pearl neighborhood one of those days. Sigh. Well, I'll be back.
(4)Tyler H.
The cafe has a clean open design with great aesthetics and plenty of street parking. Loved the flavor profiles- had beef skewers with peanut sauce and pickled veggies in sesame seeds. The booth was comfortable but the opposite seat was a backless stool so not sure if that would work for everybody comfort wise. This is a good first date or girlfriends-brunch place. Will be back to try some of the curries and flatbreads.
(4)Ray R.
Expect the unexpected from this unassuming neighborhood eatery on the less popular side of S Pearl. Samantha does a great job making you fee at home and the open kitchen leaves everything in plain sight to see them making your dish using fresh ingredients. Fantastic happy hour that includes some well known wines. My last dish was the eggplant with coconut rice which i will recommend to anyone. It was so good it took me by surprise. This is exactly the type of restaurant you want to support. Independent, creative, and embedded in a great Denver neighborhood. Don't expect fancy, but the price point reflects that...affordable.
(4)Jasper B.
Everything I had was very tasty. Went in during happy hour and got a couple beers at $3 a piece, a discounted app sampler, and an entree for a total of about $25. Waitress was friendly and helpful with recommendations. I will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu.
(4)Nicole D.
This little gem...wow! I am biased because I am a lover of Malaysian, Indonesian and any other type of food from this part of the world so if you are not a food adventurer such as myself, this may be outside of your comfort zone. My husband and I ordered take-out, which is a good test for a new restaurant as it shows me how well 1)the food travels and 2) the food tastes because it's not always about presentation. Anyone who's eaten at a food cart on the streets of Thailand will testify to that! We shared three things: Popiah - sort of like a spring roll but way sexier Murtabak - flatbread filled with meat, cabbage, egg and red onion served with two dipping sauces Kari Ayam - chicken curry for you not Malaysian speaking folks Wow!!! First, there was plenty of food for the two of us. In fact, we ate it all because it was so good despite being totally stuffed. Second, the flavors are what really makes me love this part of the world so much. They have such amazing flavors! Really indescribable so sorry for not providing you more data. Just go and have some, experience a whole new world of taste right here in little ol Denver! I'm not going to tell you about each dish. They were all amazing. Done.
(5)Mr K.
Meh! First, the restaurant does look clean and well attended. It is trying too hard to be trendy, only ends up with uncomfortable chairs and tiny tables. We ordered the Satay, beef rendang, and roti. The Satay was good, but the peanut sauce is very watery. The rendang was well marinated, but there is no hint of sweetness as expected. Instead it was overwhelmed with spices. We love the spices - but without the sweetness, it simply is not rendang. The Roti was the highlight of the meal. The curry sauce was great. Too bad the roti is uncooked in the center. Overall, I think we caught them on a bad night. It happens. We will be stopping by again. Until then, it's a meh.
(3)Brenda L.
MAKAN = eat in Malay. I tried the roti prata/canai with 2 dipping sauces (curry chicken sauce & dhal curry), a curry (kari ayam with chicken, potato & coconut milk), the curry with vermicelli noodles (laksa) & the potato curry puffs CONS -service is timely but the food takes a long time to come out because there are only 2 people in the kitchen. People who ordered after my table got served their food before me and people who were sitting in the restaurant well before us were also waiting for their food for a long time. I think they need to hire more chefs -short on menus- I wanted to keep a menu to myself to look @ while I waited for the food but the server had to take it away because they didn't have enough (the restaurant is really small so I'm surprised they just didn't make more menus) -you'll leave the place smelling like food because it has an open kitchen that's really close to the dining quarters, the smell of raw fish sauce will be in the air and will be evaporating from the pan -worst roti I have had. Roti is my all time favorite Malaysian dish and I've had it plenty of times before. It is usually greasier and more gluttonous and is also usually served with a coconut curry. The sauce they had for this roti was more cinnamon/spice-ish rather than coconuty. The roti itself tasted like the dough used for the potato curry puffs -lanterns had bugs in it -they don't take American Express PROS -they have specials each day. Sunday was family meal day so they offer preset meals/plans for slightly discounted prices (we calculated how much we'd save if we went with the family meal vs. ordering a la carte and it was only a couple of dollars) -they have happy hour -fresh flowers on the table -cute decor (but everything's from IKEA including the plates, forks, chairs, lanterns) -friendly servers -several dessert and coffee options -educational menu about Malaysian cuisine and a map for those who don't know where Malaysia is This is the only Malaysian restaurant I've tried in Denver so I don't know if better ones exist. I've only eaten at Malaysian restaurants in the bay area so I don't know how to judge this place accurately. All I know is that the food was ok okay but I've had more satisfactory Malaysian food before.
(3)Jennifer T.
So happy to have finally gotten here! Four of us shared the medium sized Sunday family style dinner & really enjoyed it. Three starters & four entrees came out in perfect succession. The servers were attentive & worked with us through the set menu & a nut allergy in our party. Will be back here for sure!
(4)Taylor M.
Such fantastic food! Started with the mini laksa bowl and it was to die for! It comes with tofu which was unlike any tofu I've ever had. It also comes with a couple fish balls. Even though i didn't like the fish ball much, this dish still made my number one spot at makan because of the broth of this dish. Wow! Next we had the chicken martabak, which is a crispy pastry type dish that's seasoned delishiously! We finished with their slow cooked beef stew with coconut rice which left us so full and loving this place! You can't go wrong with this menu!
(5)Frances G.
I was so pleasantly surprised with this adorable spot crammed into all the cuteness on South Pearl in Platte Park. The menu is pretty solid with a ton of interesting choices the recall Thai cuisine, but also Asian dishes I have never encountered before. Like, my entree, Char Kueh Tiao: Flat rice noodles stir fried with soy sauce, a hint of chili, Chinese sausage, shrimp, egg, bean sprouts and chives. First off - Chinese sausage is delicious with a complex, almost smoky, flavor. And along with the hint of chili...even more yummy. Similar to Pad Sew Ew, but with just a different kick of spices and protein. Their happy hour selection is also pretty enticing with an array of shared plates of small Indian inspired bites. Mini Laksa Bowl and Roti Prata/Canai to name a few. To top it off - wines are $1 off and beer is $3 per bottle. Not a bad deal. Not a bad deal, indeed! In conclusion - I am thinking I am a fan of Malaysian food.
(4)Andrea G.
I have enjoyed every dish I've tried here. The roti telur and curry puffs are excellent. The nasi lemak is my favorite and the authentic desserts are spot on. I also enjoyed the Aussie style coffee selections. I also appreciate the daily specials they have to offer too.
(5)Tom R.
This is a great surprise gem!
(4)Kevin R.
The closest to the food in had living in Singapore and Malaysia that I have found outside of those countries. Nasi Lemak was wonderful. Sambal was great. Coconut rice just tasted like Jasmin rice ... But I am being nit picky after what was a wonderful meal. Kitchen was slow but the 45 min wait was worth it.
(4)Sadiah K.
I came with my family for dinner. A friend recommended this place. Had high expectations and feeling quite disappointed. The rendang was too soupy, I had better laksa noodles and the martabak was just incredibly expensive and a very small portion. Just one visit for us. TOO Pricey.
(1)Nathan G.
This restaurant is spotlessly clean. Very good food and service. This is a great addition to the neighborhood. Had a fun day @ Platte Park Brewing followed by some chow here.
(4)Paul B.
As a Malaysian who drove 700 miles to Colorado with the intention of sampling the food at Makan restaurant, I can honestly say that I'm very disappointed. It was way understaffed and the owner looked like she had woken up on the wrong side of bed, every day, for the past 30 years. The food took AGES to come out and even then, it was expensive and nothing great. People who arrived later were served earlier and the owner would prepare take out orders before serving the customers she had who were waiting for more than an hour. I will never more come to such a poorly run restaurant and I highly discourage anyone from patronizing this place that they have the audacity to call a "restaurant". I honestly feel like I've been robbed. UPDATE: several hours after eating dinner (I didn't eat anything else during that time), I had really bad food poisoning. The health department should shut this goddamn place down.
(1)Ryan H.
Very fresh, authentic Malaysian cuisine!
(5)Leilani L.
I came here with a friend and we are both completely impressed with this place. We had never had Malaysian food before and this was some of the best food we've ever had in general. It was reasonably priced, flavorful, and the service was great. We'll definitely be back! They also have a great beer selection and a happy hour. 5/5 !!!
(5)Jenny P.
Felt like some Malaysian food so based on yelp reviews we chose to stop by Makan for an early dinner. Cute place. Greeted nicely as we entered by the host. He was pleasant and showed us to a table. A very, very uncomfortable table. I could hardly sit on the bench as It caused pain in my backside. Waiter/host took our order and everything seemed great. Menu read well and we were excited. The food started coming out and was the smallest portion they could get away with serving. Food was Just okay and not as wonderful as prior reviews had stated. I make better peanut sauce at home and the satay was as big as my pinky finger. Nasi goreng was unimaginative and bland. The roti was fine, not great. At this point we could still be in for a second visit until we started seeing how the chef/wife of the Host/waiter treating him so poorly for all to see. Small restaurant with an exposed kitchen you can see and hear everything. She is the reason we will not be back. She continually rang that damned bell at her husband when he was 5 feet away from her and then proceeded to berate him in front of their customers. A very mean person we will not give our business to again. She knew that we were watching so she started shooting us with bad looks. We feel sorry for the husband.
(1)Vivek S.
I am a Malaysian myself. Frankly speaking, the food here is nothing great. For the extremely long time that I had to wait to get my order, the food is definitely not authentic Malaysian food. It's a crowded Saturday night and there are only 3 waitresses running up and down the shop. The orders weren't done in sequence. Instead she kept shuffling the papers and prepared take out orders first! The (owner?) had an extremely angered/arrogant look on her face. I heard her muttering 'shit' while preparing food. This is bizarre and rarely found in Malaysian culture. I am terribly disappointed with my experience here. Rest assured I will never come back here again neither will I recommend the place to anyone else.
(1)Alice G.
TIME TO UPDATE! MAKAN IS GREAT! After three recent trials, Makan is quickly becoming one of my go to restaurants, and I seem to be rolling in here on Sunday nights often, sitting on the patio, chowing down.... Tonight we tried the Sunday Night Family Supper for 2 which included Satay (4), Curry Puffs (2), a full serving of chicken curry, Fried Rice, and a roti. OH MY GOD WAS THIS A GREAT CHOICE!!! We ate every morsel and it was a lot of food. Delicious! Cute, clean establishment on way South Pearl. Fabulous staff, friendly! Try the pulled black tea and watch them "pull" it! Delicious!On Our first visit do not go so well a few years ago: I had the sauteed water spinach with coconut rice, and the tabled ordered the spicy shrimp in tomato paste and the fried rice. We tried the spring rolls up front and they were super strong. The group was not happy. These items do not seem to be on the menu any more and everything we have had recently is excellent! Bravo!
(4)Gil A.
First visit to this small but inviting neighborhood restaurant. We had Beef Rendang and Chicken Curry, and enjoyed both. The Rendang is nice and spicy, the curry less so. We had both with coconut rice, which is delicious. Only gripe, more a grumble, because we're not in the 1% and love to eat, is that the portions are small for the price. But the food is delicious and authentic, and after dining and a lively conversation, we were not hungrily looking for a second supper location....
(4)John M.
Recommended by a friend who grew up in Singapore. What a unique jewell of a cafe. Waitstaff helps decipher the menu, as it is not clearly anything we had ever seen! What an amazing new adventure in eating. Go there. WQonderful!
(5)Kristi E.
First time here on a chilly September night. I was craving Asian flavors and my husband and I decided to try this place out (made a reservation on OpenTable). All I can say is: YOWZA! We loved it. First -- we started with the curry puffs, siu mai (steamed dumplings) and achar (spicy pickled vegetables). The puffs were light and flavorful, the dumplings were superb and we loved the tangy spice of the veggies. Even my husband, who is usually deeply suspicious of cauliflower, chowed down on the achar. I'm not sure he even noticed the cauliflower. For the main dish, I ordered the nasi lemak (coconut rice with fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, cucumber and sambal) with kari ayam (chicken curry). The server told me that the best way to eat it was to mix everything up together. It was fantastic. The sambal added just enough spice and tang, and the peanuts and anchovies gave a nice spicy crunch. Don't be afraid of the anchovies! They are not too fishy! My husband had the rendang daging (beef coconut stew) and I'm pretty sure he liked it, because it was gone in about three minutes! I tried a bite and the beef was incredibly tender and flavorful. The Malaysian pulled tea -- teh tarik -- was a nice treat. It's a lightly sweet hot tea that is poured back and forth to make a froth. Kind of like chai, but not so many spices. It was perfect on this chilly evening! Having never been to Malaysia, I can't judge the authenticity of the food; I just loved the flavors, and everything was very fresh. Service was upbeat and efficient, and the restaurant is clean and modern. I still have a little bit of nasi lemak left in a takeout container in my fridge. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have it for breakfast tomorrow.
(5)Kathleen R.
Stopped in on a Monday on my walk home to find out it is happy hour all night long (cool!). I was the only patron in the joint (that makes me nervous for the staying power of places) but didn't make me nervous to eat there. I had two glasses of red wine, Popiah appetizer & Laksa. I enjoyed all of them. For the Laksa however I would stick to vermicelli noodles as opposed to egg or a mix. The egg noodles kind of overtook the soup. My final bill was under $20 and I was full and happy. The owner (I think she was the owner) was very kind and attentive. All in all it was a very pleasant dining experience and definitely plan on going back!
(4)Dave T.
You've heard it before "I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place." Well its been a while but I remember vividly how good the food was and how home grown this place was. Nice mild curry flavors and unique dishes that will make you happy. I should be going there more often. Malaysia....its different. DT
(5)Riza H. C.
Still 2 stars in my books.... Despite my "friendly reminder" to my lovely Singaporean friends, they still wanted to go to Makan Malaysian Cafe... well, on that faithful day of Wednesday July 11th 2012 for dinner. Time was about 18:00hrs ish. When we arrived, we were seated promptly. There are like 2 other couples dining in. We were given the menu. My friend A.W decided to have the Teh Tarik Halia ($3.25), both N and I decide to have water as part of our beverage. The items that my friends ordered were : * Popiah $4.50 for 2 Popiahs * Curry Puffs ($4.50/2 pieces) * Nasi Lemak ($9.95) * Sambal Eggplant ($9.95) As for me I opt for the Roti Telur ($7.95) with Dhal. YES, our food came out promptly. We were surprised by the outcome of the Popiah. Its more the "FRESH" kind, rather than Fried Kind of Popiah, we are used to. Even the Popiah looks so pale. The dipping sauce that comes with this "Fresh" Popiah is sweet and spicy soy sauce with chopped peanuts. The dipping sauce alone reminds me of a "touch" of somekind of Hoisin sauce. The Sambal Eggplant, was slightly sweet rather than spicy. YES, it contain Belacan as part of the ingredients to cook this dish. Nothing stellar, nothing "WOW" about this dish either... I am A-OKAY with the Roti Telur, I guess that was the highlight of my Dinner that evening. But the Dhal was DEFINITELY a letdown due to "watered" down Dhal, so I ask our server if I could have the Chicken Curry ($2.50) as a side, for my Dinner. Still, the portions are too tiny for my personal tastebud. Still hungry... *Sad Face* After our dinner, even my friends told me, they experienced better in terms of the amount of food, and for the pricing is a little bit higher. They can understand the reasons why. Karen, I really really want to support your business. I hope and wish Makan Malaysian Cafe, the success of your business venture for the long run. Coz running a restaurant Is Definitely NOT an easy task. There are DEFINITELY room for improvement in terms of portion and pricing for Makan Malaysian Cafe. Perhaps my standards of Malaysian Cuisine is DEFINITELY High. @111/2012
(2)Aditya N.
Closest thing to an Indonesian restaurant in Denver. Awesome location with a cute little decor. i wish they would get chairs though instead of stools. Try eating on a stool for 1 hours and see how your back and tummy feels afterwards. besides that, me and my wife come here for the roti canai, beef rendang and kankung balacan. yummy.
(4)Eric C.
*This review should have been written in 2012 - July/Aug* While consulting in Denver in 2012, I was rather surprised to find this place in Denver. Having been duped by another restaurant in the area for serving 'frozen' roti canai, I wasn't expecting much when I first arrived. My first visit wasn't that great, the roti canai was not up to normal standards but it was definitely made on premise. Since it had just opened at that time, I decided to write to the owner and she invited me back to try again. She acknowledge that she had a not so great batch but promised to 'correct' it on my return. I did return the next day and I was really happy that I did because the roti canai she then made was pretty good (so were the other curry dishes that I ordered) I do like this place because it has items on the menu that you don't get at other Malaysian restaurants. I travel coast to coast for work and always make it a point to eat at Malaysian restaurants and this is by far the ONLY one I've come across that offers Malaysian style desserts cakes. Its a huge risk because people might not like the taste or texture but I applaud her for serving it. (and also because I did enjoy the dessert items as they were 'true' to taste). Most M'sian restaurants have a tendency to list other dishes that are not traditionally Malaysian to safe guard themselves just in case their patrons can order something they might be familiar with. This location which doesn't, is still around after 1.5 years, shows that they're still holding strong (on top of the fact that I think people in Denver are pretty open and adventurous enough to take on very different kinds of dishes that contain fermented shrimp and anchovies ).
(5)Yih-Yoon L.
We came here for dinner and ordered Roti Canai, Beef Satay, Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang Side, and sambal Eggplant. I have tried malaysian food from California, NY, and other cities in US, this is so far the best tasting and most authentic Malaysian food that I have ever had. The beef satay is so good and very authentic tasting, very comparable to what I used to have in Malaysia. Nasi Lemak and Sambal egg plant are also very tasty. The ingredients are all very authentic. all in all, the dishes feel like home to me.
(5)J E.
I've never tried Malaysian food before, so I don't know quite what to say about the food. I had a lunch special with beef rendang and a curry puff. While it was very tasty, the service was pretty slow.
(3)Eric V.
This place was great! The space is light and modern, the food was fantastic, and our server was incredibly helpful. Loved my Beef Rendang, and my wife loved her noodle dish. We just wish we could have tried more dishes! Will definitely be back.
(5)Jen W.
We stopped in here and realized they were closing in 20 minutes however we were still warmly welcomed and as there were a few other tables just getting their food we felt a little less guilty about it. We were looking for a quiet place to chat and a quick bite to snack on - both of our needs were met. We had the dumplings and wontons with a sweet chili sauce-both were very tasty and served quickly. I would have liked to explore the menu more but panicked due to our time restriction so went with a go to. Hope to be more adventurous on a future visit. Staff was very nice and accommodating. Street parking which is par for the course on S. Pearl St.
(3)Josh P.
Was looking to try something new, and man, am I happy we stopped in here. This was my first time trying Malaysion food, and it was so good! Got the Laksa, which is a soup with noodles in spicy coconut shrimp-based broth, with fish, tofu, bean sprouts and cilantro, and a mix of egg noodles and vermicelli. It was unbelievably good. It blows pho out of the water, and the spices were perfect. There was a fairly generous amount of tofu and fish in the bowl, and we left feeling really full! Definitely plan to come back here again soon!
(5)Eric J.
This was my second time here, the food is good and the atmosphere fun. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)Gary S.
We would not go back again.It was an ok experience. We went for restaurant week.The waitress was good. The owner seems to have taken on too much.It is a small operation. It seemed a little rushed. The food was ok.They were a little stingy on the sauces. The desserts were not tasty. Maybe it is an acquired taste. The portions were the right size.i dont predict it being open forever.
(2)michele b.
I had to write a follow-up to give props for an updated menu that has a couple more vegetarian items (especially the Nasi Goreng). Also, Makan now has a liquor license, so light libations are available. A nice little neighborhood find!
(4)Josh B.
Among the many cuisines that I miss from living in more cosmopolitan places like NY and San Francisco, Malaysian/Singaporean food ranks pretty high. We've been meaning to check out Makan for years, and we finally got our chance on a warm Friday night. We ate early (6:30) and had the place to ourselves except for a couple of guys who stopped in for a beer. The restaurant is very attractive, immaculate, and smells great. The staff couldn't be nicer, and the food's great, although toned down too much for my taste. The best part of our meal was watching the chef prepare roti, always fun to watch. We ordered several orders of roti canai, roti telur, lamb murtabak, and laksa. This was way too much food for us, considering that my six year old ate maybe 2 bites of food, but we were excited to eat one of our favorite cuisines after a long drought. The roti were perfect, up there with any I've eaten anywhere. My only complaint is that the sauces were a 1 on a spicy scale from 1 to 100. I understand that not everyone wants real Malaysian heat, but no one even asked us. At least provide some hot sauces for us to add at the table. The only disappointment was the laksa, which was completely under seasoned. The tofu was an odd addition too. I've never had laksa that didn't taste of fish, and the fish balls in Makan's version didn't provide much flavor. The broth wasn't salty or flavorful enough, and I wouldn't order that again, but I will be back. $48 isn't cheap for Malaysian street food, but we did have enough to bring home.
(4)Marv F.
Happy to find this little jewel of a cafe on a cold winter night! We wanted an authentic ethnic food, and found it here. Ordered a variety of appetizers, entrees and dessert and loved them all! The gal running the place was very friendly, helpful and fast.
(4)Holly G.
We tried Makan a few weeks ago, and had a pleasant experience. The service was friendly and fast, and the atmosphere was sweet and simple. It was our first time trying Malaysian food, and I wasn't overly impressed. I ordered a vegetarian eggplant dish, and it had kind of a fishy taste to it. I did love the small dessert cake at the end of the meal. We will go back to try another dish... perhaps it's an acquired taste.
(3)Vi C.
So great! The food, the service, the decor was all amazing! It is a new favorite!
(5)Mark T.
Have you eaten yet? No, wait - I'm not trying to get in your business. See, the sentence I just uttered is in fact a popular greeting in many parts of the world - for example, in the Malay language, one might say "Sudah makan kah?" or something akin. Well, looky there - that ties in rather nicely with the subject of this review, the South Pearl Street gem Makan Malaysian Cafe. An extension of Wee Bites (the catering service run by the ever-cheery owner, who hails from the southern regional capital Johor Bahru), Makan has flavors for every palate. Sip a bracing Teh Halia (frothy black tea with ginger) or an Aussie-style "flat white" coffee (with oodles of steamed milk) while you gaze longingly at the menu before you. Don't those Curry Puffs (flaky pastries stuffed with the chicken-potato concoction called Kari Ayam) look appetizing? Or for you folks who like your starters rolled up, why not try the sausage-egg-and-veggie crepes known as Popiah, sided with a bowl of zesty Sambal Belacan (chili and dried shrimp sauce)? Why yes, they do indeed have the chicken and/or beef skewers called Satay here as well - thanks for asking! Ready for more? How about Roti Telur - layered flatbread (a bit similar to the Indian bread known as Paratha) stuffed with a fresh egg, then griddled and served with either chicken or lentil curry? Maybe the spicy rice noodle dish Mee Siam, brimming with beansprouts and plump shrimp, is more your speed? But we can't forget about the seafood soup called Laksa, whose rich coconut broth may inspire you to make sounds as-yet-unheard in everyday parlance. And those are just a few options to consider. Then, why not cap things off with a selection from their fantastic dessert offerings, all of which are made on the premises? I really, really like Kuih Lapis, with its individually-steamed pale pink and green layers of rice flour and coconut milk. But there are also pineapple tarts, or pandan-leaf-flavored crepes, or even the coconut-dusted rice balls called Onde-Onde, filled with Gula Melaka (dark palm sugar) to appease you. So let me get this straight... after all that, you still haven't eaten? Well, I'll bet I can guess where you're heading in a moment! And who knows, you may also soon find me there. Makan? Whoopee!
(4)Russell N.
Delicious! It is a small intimate spot with Malaysian food that is all hand prepared. The Curry Puff was phenomenal, the Chicken Satay had a peanut sauce like no other, and the Teh Halia was so refreshing. Those that are looking for an Salty Fat Americanized version of what they are used to will be disappointed. Those that are looking for a flavorful and fresh bite will be very satisfied.
(5)Lucy L.
We enjoyed Beef Rendang and Mee Siam!
(4)Georgia C.
Love the atmosphere. Great food! The eggplant dish is the best!
(5)Ron F.
Having lived in Malaysia for six years I can honestly say that Makan Malaysia serves excellent, authentic Malaysian food. With it's limited menu, Makan is closer to a food stall than a full blown restaurant, and this is a good thing. Service is not rushed (typical in Southeast Asia), ingredients are fresh, the tastes are wonderful blends that tantalize taste buds. This is a unique restaurant for those who crave something besides the usual Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese.
(5)Eric C.
Visited for the first time last night. The food is great and so is everyone who works there. We'll be back soon!
(4)Joanne Z.
As someone who grew up in Southeast Asia, this food was 100% authentic! The curry puffs were perfect, as were the poh piah. The Chicken and Beef Satay were delicious and made exactly like they do it in Asia. The Mee Siam tasted just like the stuff I grew up eating and the Kueh Lapis and Kueh Dada were expertly made and tasted divine. The wait staff was friendly and attentive, we went with both our kids, ages 7 & 8, and it was a great atmosphere for them. Portion sizes were rather small, but that is also very much like it is in Asia.
(5)Delia H.
Went there for our first time and tried the popiah, beef rendang and roti canai with chicken curry. All great. The popiah was different from those we've had in Penang (Malaysia) and Singapore, though those were different from each other as well. Makan's version came with a terrific dipping sauce. The beef rendang was superb, we don't agree with a previous reviewer that it was beef stew, missing in the spices that make it rendang. Also, the chicken curry that came with the roti was terrific, though the roti was a little uncooked in the middle, but delicious nonetheless especially when sopping up the curry. The only thing missing was ice cold beer, perhaps a Tiger beer (no alcohol; yes, Malaysia is Muslim but beer is common to find with meals there). We plan on going back and working our way through the menu.
(4)Misha M.
I will not return to this place. I went here on a Wednesday around 7 and it was fairly empty -- my husband and I were the only people in there aside from a couple off in the corner. We started with the Siu Mai - 3 tiny little dumplings. They were good, but literally just 3 bites total. I guess that's all you can expect for $3.75 though so not sure what other reviewers are complaining about. I then ordered the Mee Siam ($10.95) for my entree and did not like it. The menu described the dish as "spicy and tangy stir-fried vermicelli with shrimp, tofu and green onion, topped with shredded omelet, bean sprouts and a wedge of lime for dressing". There was a very unpleasant order and taste to the dish -- like rotten fish or something equally unpleasant. I actually love seafood, and fish sauce and all those things alike, but this dish was really not for me. I did like the thin rice noodles though, but I couldn't eat much of it due to the unpleasant aroma and whatever the sauce was. I asked for hot sauce and more lime in attempts to doctor the dish up to my liking, but there really wasn't anything you could do to improve it other than starting from scratch and adding less of whatever that horrible taste was (maybe shrimp paste or something fermented?). My husband got the Char Kueh Tiao (10.95) which was flat rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, a hint of chili, Chinese sausage, shrimp, egg, bean sprouts and chives. This dish tasted better than mine. Overall small portions which is fine with me -- I don't need to leave a restaurant needing to unbutton my pants, so not sure what everyone else was complaining about, but I see no reason to return here. Oh and they have good tea here, but no alcohol whatsoever.
(2)Jennifer W.
I grew up in Indonesia and was thrilled to find these guys at the Cherry Creek farmers market (when they were Wee Bites). The kuih dadar and kuih lapis are exactly as I remember them tasting from years ago (very authentic!). Not all my friends loved them, but I grew up eating these and I'm a huge fan!
(4)Florence N.
We were about to get a burger across the street today, but I like to support new small restaurants and love Asian food. The food was good, but the service was slow, but very friendly. I think the price was really too high. We had 8 shrimp in the main dish, one appetizer, a tea/coke for $27. I just felt the size was a bit small and was really surprised how quickly that added up. I would still consider returning to support a new small restaurant.
(3)Ria K.
I fell in love with Malaysian food while in NYC and it killed me that there was none in sight in Denver.. My god... finally I found this place and it is literally amazing.. I love the people there and the place.. I will go here again and again... Ok you should try Canai Roti anyway.. also you can try Teh Tarik if you like taste of Indian tea with milk... I love it.. Only problem.. is parking is on street.. but don't worry you have more than enough space...
(5)Vi C.
So great! The food, the service, the decor was all amazing! It is a new favorite!
(5)Tyler H.
The cafe has a clean open design with great aesthetics and plenty of street parking. Loved the flavor profiles- had beef skewers with peanut sauce and pickled veggies in sesame seeds. The booth was comfortable but the opposite seat was a backless stool so not sure if that would work for everybody comfort wise. This is a good first date or girlfriends-brunch place. Will be back to try some of the curries and flatbreads.
(4)Kathleen R.
Stopped in on a Monday on my walk home to find out it is happy hour all night long (cool!). I was the only patron in the joint (that makes me nervous for the staying power of places) but didn't make me nervous to eat there. I had two glasses of red wine, Popiah appetizer & Laksa. I enjoyed all of them. For the Laksa however I would stick to vermicelli noodles as opposed to egg or a mix. The egg noodles kind of overtook the soup. My final bill was under $20 and I was full and happy. The owner (I think she was the owner) was very kind and attentive. All in all it was a very pleasant dining experience and definitely plan on going back!
(4)Dave T.
You've heard it before "I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place." Well its been a while but I remember vividly how good the food was and how home grown this place was. Nice mild curry flavors and unique dishes that will make you happy. I should be going there more often. Malaysia....its different. DT
(5)Riza H. C.
Still 2 stars in my books.... Despite my "friendly reminder" to my lovely Singaporean friends, they still wanted to go to Makan Malaysian Cafe... well, on that faithful day of Wednesday July 11th 2012 for dinner. Time was about 18:00hrs ish. When we arrived, we were seated promptly. There are like 2 other couples dining in. We were given the menu. My friend A.W decided to have the Teh Tarik Halia ($3.25), both N and I decide to have water as part of our beverage. The items that my friends ordered were : * Popiah $4.50 for 2 Popiahs * Curry Puffs ($4.50/2 pieces) * Nasi Lemak ($9.95) * Sambal Eggplant ($9.95) As for me I opt for the Roti Telur ($7.95) with Dhal. YES, our food came out promptly. We were surprised by the outcome of the Popiah. Its more the "FRESH" kind, rather than Fried Kind of Popiah, we are used to. Even the Popiah looks so pale. The dipping sauce that comes with this "Fresh" Popiah is sweet and spicy soy sauce with chopped peanuts. The dipping sauce alone reminds me of a "touch" of somekind of Hoisin sauce. The Sambal Eggplant, was slightly sweet rather than spicy. YES, it contain Belacan as part of the ingredients to cook this dish. Nothing stellar, nothing "WOW" about this dish either... I am A-OKAY with the Roti Telur, I guess that was the highlight of my Dinner that evening. But the Dhal was DEFINITELY a letdown due to "watered" down Dhal, so I ask our server if I could have the Chicken Curry ($2.50) as a side, for my Dinner. Still, the portions are too tiny for my personal tastebud. Still hungry... *Sad Face* After our dinner, even my friends told me, they experienced better in terms of the amount of food, and for the pricing is a little bit higher. They can understand the reasons why. Karen, I really really want to support your business. I hope and wish Makan Malaysian Cafe, the success of your business venture for the long run. Coz running a restaurant Is Definitely NOT an easy task. There are DEFINITELY room for improvement in terms of portion and pricing for Makan Malaysian Cafe. Perhaps my standards of Malaysian Cuisine is DEFINITELY High. @111/2012
(2)Aditya N.
Closest thing to an Indonesian restaurant in Denver. Awesome location with a cute little decor. i wish they would get chairs though instead of stools. Try eating on a stool for 1 hours and see how your back and tummy feels afterwards. besides that, me and my wife come here for the roti canai, beef rendang and kankung balacan. yummy.
(4)Helene K.
Ok, here comes a blissful little review about Makan. Gonna tell you upfront: have not been to Malaysia yet and haven't really had Malaysian food before. So, there's nothing to compare Makan to at this moment. I've heard differing opinions about Makan from friends, colleagues. One is that the price is too much for too little food. I can see that being an argument; however, the way I see the situation, is that there aren't other Malaysian restaurants in Denver to compete with. Makan can charge a premium on their food if they'd like. Also, I felt the portions were just right for me -- no supersizing needed. I went to Makan on a Thursday night; the place was empty when I arrived, but then...suddenly...the crowds started arriving after me. I guess I'm a people magnet in that way. Since my friend was raving about Makan to me, I figured I'd try one thing off of each part of the menu. Why not do a tasting hm? First, I had the popiah: unique soy sauce dip and the popiah was just the right texture. No crispy 'spring roll' skin here; just good, rice papery flavor encasing a flavor party. My entree was the roti with the vegetarian curry. I love using my hands for foods like this; roti is to curry as naan is to curry as pita is to hummus. There. The roti was eggy, easy to pull apart. I could have had a second helping of roti, but I opted instead for a side of coconut rice, which was probably the best value on the menu (big bowl of coconut rice = $2 roughly). I had a pulled milk tea and some of the glutinous rice balls for dessert. Hell, I love glutinous rice balls. Be careful though; these can squirt out too quickly. I suppose what makes some people complain about Makan would be the layout, the ambience: the place is crisp and clean, but gives off the vibe of casual dining. So customers expect the 'casual dining' pricing. If customers were looking for something faahncier, they'd want that atmosphere to pair with the prices. I only have one complaint: the hours. Please be open more during the day! Mondays and Tuesdays they are off...and usually I'm in the South Pearl neighborhood one of those days. Sigh. Well, I'll be back.
(4)Ray R.
Expect the unexpected from this unassuming neighborhood eatery on the less popular side of S Pearl. Samantha does a great job making you fee at home and the open kitchen leaves everything in plain sight to see them making your dish using fresh ingredients. Fantastic happy hour that includes some well known wines. My last dish was the eggplant with coconut rice which i will recommend to anyone. It was so good it took me by surprise. This is exactly the type of restaurant you want to support. Independent, creative, and embedded in a great Denver neighborhood. Don't expect fancy, but the price point reflects that...affordable.
(4)Jasper B.
Everything I had was very tasty. Went in during happy hour and got a couple beers at $3 a piece, a discounted app sampler, and an entree for a total of about $25. Waitress was friendly and helpful with recommendations. I will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu.
(4)Eric C.
*This review should have been written in 2012 - July/Aug* While consulting in Denver in 2012, I was rather surprised to find this place in Denver. Having been duped by another restaurant in the area for serving 'frozen' roti canai, I wasn't expecting much when I first arrived. My first visit wasn't that great, the roti canai was not up to normal standards but it was definitely made on premise. Since it had just opened at that time, I decided to write to the owner and she invited me back to try again. She acknowledge that she had a not so great batch but promised to 'correct' it on my return. I did return the next day and I was really happy that I did because the roti canai she then made was pretty good (so were the other curry dishes that I ordered) I do like this place because it has items on the menu that you don't get at other Malaysian restaurants. I travel coast to coast for work and always make it a point to eat at Malaysian restaurants and this is by far the ONLY one I've come across that offers Malaysian style desserts cakes. Its a huge risk because people might not like the taste or texture but I applaud her for serving it. (and also because I did enjoy the dessert items as they were 'true' to taste). Most M'sian restaurants have a tendency to list other dishes that are not traditionally Malaysian to safe guard themselves just in case their patrons can order something they might be familiar with. This location which doesn't, is still around after 1.5 years, shows that they're still holding strong (on top of the fact that I think people in Denver are pretty open and adventurous enough to take on very different kinds of dishes that contain fermented shrimp and anchovies ).
(5)J E.
I've never tried Malaysian food before, so I don't know quite what to say about the food. I had a lunch special with beef rendang and a curry puff. While it was very tasty, the service was pretty slow.
(3)Eric V.
This place was great! The space is light and modern, the food was fantastic, and our server was incredibly helpful. Loved my Beef Rendang, and my wife loved her noodle dish. We just wish we could have tried more dishes! Will definitely be back.
(5)Yih-Yoon L.
We came here for dinner and ordered Roti Canai, Beef Satay, Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang Side, and sambal Eggplant. I have tried malaysian food from California, NY, and other cities in US, this is so far the best tasting and most authentic Malaysian food that I have ever had. The beef satay is so good and very authentic tasting, very comparable to what I used to have in Malaysia. Nasi Lemak and Sambal egg plant are also very tasty. The ingredients are all very authentic. all in all, the dishes feel like home to me.
(5)Russell N.
Delicious! It is a small intimate spot with Malaysian food that is all hand prepared. The Curry Puff was phenomenal, the Chicken Satay had a peanut sauce like no other, and the Teh Halia was so refreshing. Those that are looking for an Salty Fat Americanized version of what they are used to will be disappointed. Those that are looking for a flavorful and fresh bite will be very satisfied.
(5)Lucy L.
We enjoyed Beef Rendang and Mee Siam!
(4)Georgia C.
Love the atmosphere. Great food! The eggplant dish is the best!
(5)Leilani L.
I came here with a friend and we are both completely impressed with this place. We had never had Malaysian food before and this was some of the best food we've ever had in general. It was reasonably priced, flavorful, and the service was great. We'll definitely be back! They also have a great beer selection and a happy hour. 5/5 !!!
(5)Jenny P.
Felt like some Malaysian food so based on yelp reviews we chose to stop by Makan for an early dinner. Cute place. Greeted nicely as we entered by the host. He was pleasant and showed us to a table. A very, very uncomfortable table. I could hardly sit on the bench as It caused pain in my backside. Waiter/host took our order and everything seemed great. Menu read well and we were excited. The food started coming out and was the smallest portion they could get away with serving. Food was Just okay and not as wonderful as prior reviews had stated. I make better peanut sauce at home and the satay was as big as my pinky finger. Nasi goreng was unimaginative and bland. The roti was fine, not great. At this point we could still be in for a second visit until we started seeing how the chef/wife of the Host/waiter treating him so poorly for all to see. Small restaurant with an exposed kitchen you can see and hear everything. She is the reason we will not be back. She continually rang that damned bell at her husband when he was 5 feet away from her and then proceeded to berate him in front of their customers. A very mean person we will not give our business to again. She knew that we were watching so she started shooting us with bad looks. We feel sorry for the husband.
(1)Vivek S.
I am a Malaysian myself. Frankly speaking, the food here is nothing great. For the extremely long time that I had to wait to get my order, the food is definitely not authentic Malaysian food. It's a crowded Saturday night and there are only 3 waitresses running up and down the shop. The orders weren't done in sequence. Instead she kept shuffling the papers and prepared take out orders first! The (owner?) had an extremely angered/arrogant look on her face. I heard her muttering 'shit' while preparing food. This is bizarre and rarely found in Malaysian culture. I am terribly disappointed with my experience here. Rest assured I will never come back here again neither will I recommend the place to anyone else.
(1)Alice G.
TIME TO UPDATE! MAKAN IS GREAT! After three recent trials, Makan is quickly becoming one of my go to restaurants, and I seem to be rolling in here on Sunday nights often, sitting on the patio, chowing down.... Tonight we tried the Sunday Night Family Supper for 2 which included Satay (4), Curry Puffs (2), a full serving of chicken curry, Fried Rice, and a roti. OH MY GOD WAS THIS A GREAT CHOICE!!! We ate every morsel and it was a lot of food. Delicious! Cute, clean establishment on way South Pearl. Fabulous staff, friendly! Try the pulled black tea and watch them "pull" it! Delicious!On Our first visit do not go so well a few years ago: I had the sauteed water spinach with coconut rice, and the tabled ordered the spicy shrimp in tomato paste and the fried rice. We tried the spring rolls up front and they were super strong. The group was not happy. These items do not seem to be on the menu any more and everything we have had recently is excellent! Bravo!
(4)Gil A.
First visit to this small but inviting neighborhood restaurant. We had Beef Rendang and Chicken Curry, and enjoyed both. The Rendang is nice and spicy, the curry less so. We had both with coconut rice, which is delicious. Only gripe, more a grumble, because we're not in the 1% and love to eat, is that the portions are small for the price. But the food is delicious and authentic, and after dining and a lively conversation, we were not hungrily looking for a second supper location....
(4)John M.
Recommended by a friend who grew up in Singapore. What a unique jewell of a cafe. Waitstaff helps decipher the menu, as it is not clearly anything we had ever seen! What an amazing new adventure in eating. Go there. WQonderful!
(5)Kristi E.
First time here on a chilly September night. I was craving Asian flavors and my husband and I decided to try this place out (made a reservation on OpenTable). All I can say is: YOWZA! We loved it. First -- we started with the curry puffs, siu mai (steamed dumplings) and achar (spicy pickled vegetables). The puffs were light and flavorful, the dumplings were superb and we loved the tangy spice of the veggies. Even my husband, who is usually deeply suspicious of cauliflower, chowed down on the achar. I'm not sure he even noticed the cauliflower. For the main dish, I ordered the nasi lemak (coconut rice with fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, cucumber and sambal) with kari ayam (chicken curry). The server told me that the best way to eat it was to mix everything up together. It was fantastic. The sambal added just enough spice and tang, and the peanuts and anchovies gave a nice spicy crunch. Don't be afraid of the anchovies! They are not too fishy! My husband had the rendang daging (beef coconut stew) and I'm pretty sure he liked it, because it was gone in about three minutes! I tried a bite and the beef was incredibly tender and flavorful. The Malaysian pulled tea -- teh tarik -- was a nice treat. It's a lightly sweet hot tea that is poured back and forth to make a froth. Kind of like chai, but not so many spices. It was perfect on this chilly evening! Having never been to Malaysia, I can't judge the authenticity of the food; I just loved the flavors, and everything was very fresh. Service was upbeat and efficient, and the restaurant is clean and modern. I still have a little bit of nasi lemak left in a takeout container in my fridge. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have it for breakfast tomorrow.
(5)Ryan V.
My boyfriend and I went there for the first time last week. The food was delicious. I had the Kari Ayama and he had the Mee Siam with coconut rice. We both would have those dishes again. We also ordered the Curry Puff as an app, however it was over looked on the ticket and we ended up not receiving them until we had already finished our main course. However, they were yummy. We will definitely be coming back to try a new dish!
(4)Hope A.
This is such a great neighborhood gem. The service here is excellent- probably the best I have had in Denver. The dishes were all really flavorful and the portions I thought were great for an upscale restaurant. The menu is somewhat limited.
(5)Holly G.
We tried Makan a few weeks ago, and had a pleasant experience. The service was friendly and fast, and the atmosphere was sweet and simple. It was our first time trying Malaysian food, and I wasn't overly impressed. I ordered a vegetarian eggplant dish, and it had kind of a fishy taste to it. I did love the small dessert cake at the end of the meal. We will go back to try another dish... perhaps it's an acquired taste.
(3)Eric C.
Visited for the first time last night. The food is great and so is everyone who works there. We'll be back soon!
(4)Joanne Z.
As someone who grew up in Southeast Asia, this food was 100% authentic! The curry puffs were perfect, as were the poh piah. The Chicken and Beef Satay were delicious and made exactly like they do it in Asia. The Mee Siam tasted just like the stuff I grew up eating and the Kueh Lapis and Kueh Dada were expertly made and tasted divine. The wait staff was friendly and attentive, we went with both our kids, ages 7 & 8, and it was a great atmosphere for them. Portion sizes were rather small, but that is also very much like it is in Asia.
(5)Delia H.
Went there for our first time and tried the popiah, beef rendang and roti canai with chicken curry. All great. The popiah was different from those we've had in Penang (Malaysia) and Singapore, though those were different from each other as well. Makan's version came with a terrific dipping sauce. The beef rendang was superb, we don't agree with a previous reviewer that it was beef stew, missing in the spices that make it rendang. Also, the chicken curry that came with the roti was terrific, though the roti was a little uncooked in the middle, but delicious nonetheless especially when sopping up the curry. The only thing missing was ice cold beer, perhaps a Tiger beer (no alcohol; yes, Malaysia is Muslim but beer is common to find with meals there). We plan on going back and working our way through the menu.
(4)Bethany W.
The chicken puffs were fantastic! My husband and I wanted lots more of them. I had the Laksa, and my husband had the Mee Siam. Neither of us were head over heals for our main dishes, but they did have some unique flavors going on. I think next time we'll opt for more curry. The ambiance is light and airy, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I'd say that overall this restaurant is worth checking out.
(4)Rachelle S.
A friend recommended this place, so my husband and I went last night and loved it! We started with roti prata-homemade (similar to Indian paratha) with chicken curry. It was fantastic. We also ordered the siu mai (very good little dumplings with carrot and chinese sausage), teh tarik and teh tarik with ginger (both hot) very good teas that we shared. For main courses, we shared laksa (spicy coconut broth, vermicelli noodle, fish balls, tofu) soup and an anchovy dish. All so very good! We were full and happy. We will be back to try weekend breakfast roti prata with egg and curry. The curry is mild-not overpowered by coconut; the flavors are unique; the service is wonderful. Karen the owner was there, very friendly, answered all our questions and made sure we were content at each step of our meal. Highly recommend! Go with a few people, order several dishes to share, get the teas and enjoy. Next time, we will try dessert, khui lapsa, looked yummy.
(4)Salima D.
Authentic Malaysian food. Great atmosphere and service. The teh tarik was good not to heavy. Loved the curry puffs and the chicken curry. Great selection.
(5)Mike L.
I went with a buddy of mine whose Malaysian. The owner who did most of the cooking was really nice and came out and talked to us a bit. The food was all good and tasty. However, the prices were a little steep in my friends opinion. I know that it's in a high rent district so I understand, but it seems like a place like this belongs on Havana or Federal where the prices can be a bit lower due to lower lease/rent. With that said go and give it a try it's a nice change from most other places in the Pearl St. district area.
(3)Florence N.
We were about to get a burger across the street today, but I like to support new small restaurants and love Asian food. The food was good, but the service was slow, but very friendly. I think the price was really too high. We had 8 shrimp in the main dish, one appetizer, a tea/coke for $27. I just felt the size was a bit small and was really surprised how quickly that added up. I would still consider returning to support a new small restaurant.
(3)Ria K.
I fell in love with Malaysian food while in NYC and it killed me that there was none in sight in Denver.. My god... finally I found this place and it is literally amazing.. I love the people there and the place.. I will go here again and again... Ok you should try Canai Roti anyway.. also you can try Teh Tarik if you like taste of Indian tea with milk... I love it.. Only problem.. is parking is on street.. but don't worry you have more than enough space...
(5)Misha M.
I will not return to this place. I went here on a Wednesday around 7 and it was fairly empty -- my husband and I were the only people in there aside from a couple off in the corner. We started with the Siu Mai - 3 tiny little dumplings. They were good, but literally just 3 bites total. I guess that's all you can expect for $3.75 though so not sure what other reviewers are complaining about. I then ordered the Mee Siam ($10.95) for my entree and did not like it. The menu described the dish as "spicy and tangy stir-fried vermicelli with shrimp, tofu and green onion, topped with shredded omelet, bean sprouts and a wedge of lime for dressing". There was a very unpleasant order and taste to the dish -- like rotten fish or something equally unpleasant. I actually love seafood, and fish sauce and all those things alike, but this dish was really not for me. I did like the thin rice noodles though, but I couldn't eat much of it due to the unpleasant aroma and whatever the sauce was. I asked for hot sauce and more lime in attempts to doctor the dish up to my liking, but there really wasn't anything you could do to improve it other than starting from scratch and adding less of whatever that horrible taste was (maybe shrimp paste or something fermented?). My husband got the Char Kueh Tiao (10.95) which was flat rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, a hint of chili, Chinese sausage, shrimp, egg, bean sprouts and chives. This dish tasted better than mine. Overall small portions which is fine with me -- I don't need to leave a restaurant needing to unbutton my pants, so not sure what everyone else was complaining about, but I see no reason to return here. Oh and they have good tea here, but no alcohol whatsoever.
(2)Jim M.
Really good food. The service is a little slow, but they just opened so that is understandable. We had a nice dinner. I recommend the Mee Siam, very tasty.
(4)Jennifer W.
I grew up in Indonesia and was thrilled to find these guys at the Cherry Creek farmers market (when they were Wee Bites). The kuih dadar and kuih lapis are exactly as I remember them tasting from years ago (very authentic!). Not all my friends loved them, but I grew up eating these and I'm a huge fan!
(4)Ron F.
Having lived in Malaysia for six years I can honestly say that Makan Malaysia serves excellent, authentic Malaysian food. With it's limited menu, Makan is closer to a food stall than a full blown restaurant, and this is a good thing. Service is not rushed (typical in Southeast Asia), ingredients are fresh, the tastes are wonderful blends that tantalize taste buds. This is a unique restaurant for those who crave something besides the usual Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese.
(5)Val P.
Although the food is quite similar to the food found in Malaysia, and the place was cozy and the young server was sweet, the owner was horrible. I took a friend and her son there, and as I've lived in Malaysia and speak the language and am familiar with the food, they asked that I order for them. I ordered 3 entrees and 2 appetizers. The server came back to let me know that they couldn't leave out the egg and meat in one entree (the Char Kue Teow which is a noodle dish). I explained for the second time that I'm vegetarian and would pay more for them to just use vegetables and leave out the eggs. The owner then raised her voice from across the room and said "We just can't make the char kue teow that way. It won't taste the same." So I asked the server (who was standing by our table) if she could just tell her that I didn't really mind if it didn't taste right (to the owner) but that I'm vegetarian (3rd explanation) and would just like it with vegetables." The server walked over to the owner and explained it to her, and the owner once again stands right where she is and explains to me from across the room that she's unable to cook it that way as it "won't taste good"!!! What an idiot!! There were 3 other tables that were occupied and everyone was looking at us by that time, and it was a very embarrassing experience. Had we not had an eager child with us, I would have just paid for our drinks and left. Unfortunately, the little guy was fascinated by the names of the food, and had already decided what he wanted for dessert and I wasn't going to spoil it for him. So I ordered a roti canai which is much cheaper than the char kuey teow and had a very unpleasant meal. The food itself was OK, not great but not bad either, however we will not be returning to that place. It's not the responsibility of the chef or owner of a restaurant to decide if the customer will like something based on what they think it will taste like. It's just their responsibility to cook what's ordered. Obviously if I asked for a cupful of chilli paste or 5 tbsp of salt to be added to the meal then they can give me their opinion. But asking them to leave out the meat and eggs shouldn't be rocket science to follow. Will NEVER be returning there again.
(1)Nicole D.
This little gem...wow! I am biased because I am a lover of Malaysian, Indonesian and any other type of food from this part of the world so if you are not a food adventurer such as myself, this may be outside of your comfort zone. My husband and I ordered take-out, which is a good test for a new restaurant as it shows me how well 1)the food travels and 2) the food tastes because it's not always about presentation. Anyone who's eaten at a food cart on the streets of Thailand will testify to that! We shared three things: Popiah - sort of like a spring roll but way sexier Murtabak - flatbread filled with meat, cabbage, egg and red onion served with two dipping sauces Kari Ayam - chicken curry for you not Malaysian speaking folks Wow!!! First, there was plenty of food for the two of us. In fact, we ate it all because it was so good despite being totally stuffed. Second, the flavors are what really makes me love this part of the world so much. They have such amazing flavors! Really indescribable so sorry for not providing you more data. Just go and have some, experience a whole new world of taste right here in little ol Denver! I'm not going to tell you about each dish. They were all amazing. Done.
(5)Chisholm T.
This place is legit! If you have never been to Malaysia, come here and you will know their culture and flavors. Their food here is made FRESH and tastes exactly like the food I ate when I went to Malaysia. I also have a good friend who is from Malaysia, lives in Denver now, and he comes here all the time and that's how you know it's worth coming to!!! I think it became his home-away-from-home. The staff is also very kind and happy to serve you. I will definitely be coming back here.
(5)Shaye R.
Really enjoyed the food. Unique flavors. Super friendly staff. I think would be a regular there if only I lived in Denver.
(4)Sarah S.
Divinely tasty, beautiful presentation, friendly waitstaff, affordable prices, simple and stylish decor - this is my new favorite spot! Great for a date, solo or with friends. Make sure to try the pulled tea - it is exquisitely flavorful. Ask for side plates and share your dishes family-style, while you're at it.
(5)Meg I.
Small restaurant with cute, simple decor. Server was attentive but not overbearing. I had the Kari Ayam (Curry Chicken) and it was fantastic! Just spicy enough with lots of flavor. Portion is good for one but don't expect leftovers. Will definitely be vising Makan again soon!
(5)steve c.
Simple, elegant, delicious, beautiful, and -- unlike the rest of yupped-out Old South Pearl -- affordably priced. I had the lunch special of Chicken Curry, Curry Puff, rice, veggies and a drink for less than $10. My lunch mate had the Lamb Special that is wrapped in paper thin pastry and served with two types of curry sauce. We also had the Pineapple Bites and Coconut Crepes for dessert. Every bite a treat! I love the simplicity, it's a relief when Old South Pearl can be so full of itself. I'M HOOKED!
(5)Mr K.
Meh! First, the restaurant does look clean and well attended. It is trying too hard to be trendy, only ends up with uncomfortable chairs and tiny tables. We ordered the Satay, beef rendang, and roti. The Satay was good, but the peanut sauce is very watery. The rendang was well marinated, but there is no hint of sweetness as expected. Instead it was overwhelmed with spices. We love the spices - but without the sweetness, it simply is not rendang. The Roti was the highlight of the meal. The curry sauce was great. Too bad the roti is uncooked in the center. Overall, I think we caught them on a bad night. It happens. We will be stopping by again. Until then, it's a meh.
(3)Brenda L.
MAKAN = eat in Malay. I tried the roti prata/canai with 2 dipping sauces (curry chicken sauce & dhal curry), a curry (kari ayam with chicken, potato & coconut milk), the curry with vermicelli noodles (laksa) & the potato curry puffs CONS -service is timely but the food takes a long time to come out because there are only 2 people in the kitchen. People who ordered after my table got served their food before me and people who were sitting in the restaurant well before us were also waiting for their food for a long time. I think they need to hire more chefs -short on menus- I wanted to keep a menu to myself to look @ while I waited for the food but the server had to take it away because they didn't have enough (the restaurant is really small so I'm surprised they just didn't make more menus) -you'll leave the place smelling like food because it has an open kitchen that's really close to the dining quarters, the smell of raw fish sauce will be in the air and will be evaporating from the pan -worst roti I have had. Roti is my all time favorite Malaysian dish and I've had it plenty of times before. It is usually greasier and more gluttonous and is also usually served with a coconut curry. The sauce they had for this roti was more cinnamon/spice-ish rather than coconuty. The roti itself tasted like the dough used for the potato curry puffs -lanterns had bugs in it -they don't take American Express PROS -they have specials each day. Sunday was family meal day so they offer preset meals/plans for slightly discounted prices (we calculated how much we'd save if we went with the family meal vs. ordering a la carte and it was only a couple of dollars) -they have happy hour -fresh flowers on the table -cute decor (but everything's from IKEA including the plates, forks, chairs, lanterns) -friendly servers -several dessert and coffee options -educational menu about Malaysian cuisine and a map for those who don't know where Malaysia is This is the only Malaysian restaurant I've tried in Denver so I don't know if better ones exist. I've only eaten at Malaysian restaurants in the bay area so I don't know how to judge this place accurately. All I know is that the food was ok okay but I've had more satisfactory Malaysian food before.
(3)Jennifer T.
So happy to have finally gotten here! Four of us shared the medium sized Sunday family style dinner & really enjoyed it. Three starters & four entrees came out in perfect succession. The servers were attentive & worked with us through the set menu & a nut allergy in our party. Will be back here for sure!
(4)Andrea G.
I have enjoyed every dish I've tried here. The roti telur and curry puffs are excellent. The nasi lemak is my favorite and the authentic desserts are spot on. I also enjoyed the Aussie style coffee selections. I also appreciate the daily specials they have to offer too.
(5)Tom R.
This is a great surprise gem!
(4)Kevin R.
The closest to the food in had living in Singapore and Malaysia that I have found outside of those countries. Nasi Lemak was wonderful. Sambal was great. Coconut rice just tasted like Jasmin rice ... But I am being nit picky after what was a wonderful meal. Kitchen was slow but the 45 min wait was worth it.
(4)Sadiah K.
I came with my family for dinner. A friend recommended this place. Had high expectations and feeling quite disappointed. The rendang was too soupy, I had better laksa noodles and the martabak was just incredibly expensive and a very small portion. Just one visit for us. TOO Pricey.
(1)Nathan G.
This restaurant is spotlessly clean. Very good food and service. This is a great addition to the neighborhood. Had a fun day @ Platte Park Brewing followed by some chow here.
(4)Paul B.
As a Malaysian who drove 700 miles to Colorado with the intention of sampling the food at Makan restaurant, I can honestly say that I'm very disappointed. It was way understaffed and the owner looked like she had woken up on the wrong side of bed, every day, for the past 30 years. The food took AGES to come out and even then, it was expensive and nothing great. People who arrived later were served earlier and the owner would prepare take out orders before serving the customers she had who were waiting for more than an hour. I will never more come to such a poorly run restaurant and I highly discourage anyone from patronizing this place that they have the audacity to call a "restaurant". I honestly feel like I've been robbed. UPDATE: several hours after eating dinner (I didn't eat anything else during that time), I had really bad food poisoning. The health department should shut this goddamn place down.
(1)Ryan H.
Very fresh, authentic Malaysian cuisine!
(5)Taylor M.
Such fantastic food! Started with the mini laksa bowl and it was to die for! It comes with tofu which was unlike any tofu I've ever had. It also comes with a couple fish balls. Even though i didn't like the fish ball much, this dish still made my number one spot at makan because of the broth of this dish. Wow! Next we had the chicken martabak, which is a crispy pastry type dish that's seasoned delishiously! We finished with their slow cooked beef stew with coconut rice which left us so full and loving this place! You can't go wrong with this menu!
(5)Frances G.
I was so pleasantly surprised with this adorable spot crammed into all the cuteness on South Pearl in Platte Park. The menu is pretty solid with a ton of interesting choices the recall Thai cuisine, but also Asian dishes I have never encountered before. Like, my entree, Char Kueh Tiao: Flat rice noodles stir fried with soy sauce, a hint of chili, Chinese sausage, shrimp, egg, bean sprouts and chives. First off - Chinese sausage is delicious with a complex, almost smoky, flavor. And along with the hint of chili...even more yummy. Similar to Pad Sew Ew, but with just a different kick of spices and protein. Their happy hour selection is also pretty enticing with an array of shared plates of small Indian inspired bites. Mini Laksa Bowl and Roti Prata/Canai to name a few. To top it off - wines are $1 off and beer is $3 per bottle. Not a bad deal. Not a bad deal, indeed! In conclusion - I am thinking I am a fan of Malaysian food.
(4)Jen W.
We stopped in here and realized they were closing in 20 minutes however we were still warmly welcomed and as there were a few other tables just getting their food we felt a little less guilty about it. We were looking for a quiet place to chat and a quick bite to snack on - both of our needs were met. We had the dumplings and wontons with a sweet chili sauce-both were very tasty and served quickly. I would have liked to explore the menu more but panicked due to our time restriction so went with a go to. Hope to be more adventurous on a future visit. Staff was very nice and accommodating. Street parking which is par for the course on S. Pearl St.
(3)Josh P.
Was looking to try something new, and man, am I happy we stopped in here. This was my first time trying Malaysion food, and it was so good! Got the Laksa, which is a soup with noodles in spicy coconut shrimp-based broth, with fish, tofu, bean sprouts and cilantro, and a mix of egg noodles and vermicelli. It was unbelievably good. It blows pho out of the water, and the spices were perfect. There was a fairly generous amount of tofu and fish in the bowl, and we left feeling really full! Definitely plan to come back here again soon!
(5)Eric J.
This was my second time here, the food is good and the atmosphere fun. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)Gary S.
We would not go back again.It was an ok experience. We went for restaurant week.The waitress was good. The owner seems to have taken on too much.It is a small operation. It seemed a little rushed. The food was ok.They were a little stingy on the sauces. The desserts were not tasty. Maybe it is an acquired taste. The portions were the right size.i dont predict it being open forever.
(2)michele b.
I had to write a follow-up to give props for an updated menu that has a couple more vegetarian items (especially the Nasi Goreng). Also, Makan now has a liquor license, so light libations are available. A nice little neighborhood find!
(4)Josh B.
Among the many cuisines that I miss from living in more cosmopolitan places like NY and San Francisco, Malaysian/Singaporean food ranks pretty high. We've been meaning to check out Makan for years, and we finally got our chance on a warm Friday night. We ate early (6:30) and had the place to ourselves except for a couple of guys who stopped in for a beer. The restaurant is very attractive, immaculate, and smells great. The staff couldn't be nicer, and the food's great, although toned down too much for my taste. The best part of our meal was watching the chef prepare roti, always fun to watch. We ordered several orders of roti canai, roti telur, lamb murtabak, and laksa. This was way too much food for us, considering that my six year old ate maybe 2 bites of food, but we were excited to eat one of our favorite cuisines after a long drought. The roti were perfect, up there with any I've eaten anywhere. My only complaint is that the sauces were a 1 on a spicy scale from 1 to 100. I understand that not everyone wants real Malaysian heat, but no one even asked us. At least provide some hot sauces for us to add at the table. The only disappointment was the laksa, which was completely under seasoned. The tofu was an odd addition too. I've never had laksa that didn't taste of fish, and the fish balls in Makan's version didn't provide much flavor. The broth wasn't salty or flavorful enough, and I wouldn't order that again, but I will be back. $48 isn't cheap for Malaysian street food, but we did have enough to bring home.
(4)Marv F.
Happy to find this little jewel of a cafe on a cold winter night! We wanted an authentic ethnic food, and found it here. Ordered a variety of appetizers, entrees and dessert and loved them all! The gal running the place was very friendly, helpful and fast.
(4)Mark T.
Have you eaten yet? No, wait - I'm not trying to get in your business. See, the sentence I just uttered is in fact a popular greeting in many parts of the world - for example, in the Malay language, one might say "Sudah makan kah?" or something akin. Well, looky there - that ties in rather nicely with the subject of this review, the South Pearl Street gem Makan Malaysian Cafe. An extension of Wee Bites (the catering service run by the ever-cheery owner, who hails from the southern regional capital Johor Bahru), Makan has flavors for every palate. Sip a bracing Teh Halia (frothy black tea with ginger) or an Aussie-style "flat white" coffee (with oodles of steamed milk) while you gaze longingly at the menu before you. Don't those Curry Puffs (flaky pastries stuffed with the chicken-potato concoction called Kari Ayam) look appetizing? Or for you folks who like your starters rolled up, why not try the sausage-egg-and-veggie crepes known as Popiah, sided with a bowl of zesty Sambal Belacan (chili and dried shrimp sauce)? Why yes, they do indeed have the chicken and/or beef skewers called Satay here as well - thanks for asking! Ready for more? How about Roti Telur - layered flatbread (a bit similar to the Indian bread known as Paratha) stuffed with a fresh egg, then griddled and served with either chicken or lentil curry? Maybe the spicy rice noodle dish Mee Siam, brimming with beansprouts and plump shrimp, is more your speed? But we can't forget about the seafood soup called Laksa, whose rich coconut broth may inspire you to make sounds as-yet-unheard in everyday parlance. And those are just a few options to consider. Then, why not cap things off with a selection from their fantastic dessert offerings, all of which are made on the premises? I really, really like Kuih Lapis, with its individually-steamed pale pink and green layers of rice flour and coconut milk. But there are also pineapple tarts, or pandan-leaf-flavored crepes, or even the coconut-dusted rice balls called Onde-Onde, filled with Gula Melaka (dark palm sugar) to appease you. So let me get this straight... after all that, you still haven't eaten? Well, I'll bet I can guess where you're heading in a moment! And who knows, you may also soon find me there. Makan? Whoopee!
(4)A B.
Delicious! We ordered the tasting menu, which included 4(or 5?) fixed courses for 2 people--$60 total. The first course consisted of small bites satay and meat and veggie filled pastries, followed by a noodle bowl and a rice bowl, then roti canai, then two curry dishes (one shrimp, one chicken.) All extremely flavorful and aromatic with a perfect amount of spice. The roti wasn't the thinnest we've had, but still delicious. We had to take our dessert to go since we had a concert to get to, but those small bites were also delicious and interesting. The ambiance is very sweet and light with few tables and an open kitchen where we could see the chefs bustling to keep up with the orders. The service was pleasant but a bit slow, which we probably would not have noticed if we hadn't somewhere to go. The fixed tasting menu was filling--reasonably priced for the amount of food, and enough for 2 (one big eater, one moderate eater) to share easily, though my spouse did order his own separate roti canai. A wonderful experience and we will return.
(4)Mr K.
Meh! First, the restaurant does look clean and well attended. It is trying too hard to be trendy, only ends up with uncomfortable chairs and tiny tables. We ordered the Satay, beef rendang, and roti. The Satay was good, but the peanut sauce is very watery. The rendang was well marinated, but there is no hint of sweetness as expected. Instead it was overwhelmed with spices. We love the spices - but without the sweetness, it simply is not rendang. The Roti was the highlight of the meal. The curry sauce was great. Too bad the roti is uncooked in the center. Overall, I think we caught them on a bad night. It happens. We will be stopping by again. Until then, it's a meh.
(3)Nicole D.
This little gem...wow! I am biased because I am a lover of Malaysian, Indonesian and any other type of food from this part of the world so if you are not a food adventurer such as myself, this may be outside of your comfort zone. My husband and I ordered take-out, which is a good test for a new restaurant as it shows me how well 1)the food travels and 2) the food tastes because it's not always about presentation. Anyone who's eaten at a food cart on the streets of Thailand will testify to that! We shared three things: Popiah - sort of like a spring roll but way sexier Murtabak - flatbread filled with meat, cabbage, egg and red onion served with two dipping sauces Kari Ayam - chicken curry for you not Malaysian speaking folks Wow!!! First, there was plenty of food for the two of us. In fact, we ate it all because it was so good despite being totally stuffed. Second, the flavors are what really makes me love this part of the world so much. They have such amazing flavors! Really indescribable so sorry for not providing you more data. Just go and have some, experience a whole new world of taste right here in little ol Denver! I'm not going to tell you about each dish. They were all amazing. Done.
(5)Brenda L.
MAKAN = eat in Malay. I tried the roti prata/canai with 2 dipping sauces (curry chicken sauce & dhal curry), a curry (kari ayam with chicken, potato & coconut milk), the curry with vermicelli noodles (laksa) & the potato curry puffs CONS -service is timely but the food takes a long time to come out because there are only 2 people in the kitchen. People who ordered after my table got served their food before me and people who were sitting in the restaurant well before us were also waiting for their food for a long time. I think they need to hire more chefs -short on menus- I wanted to keep a menu to myself to look @ while I waited for the food but the server had to take it away because they didn't have enough (the restaurant is really small so I'm surprised they just didn't make more menus) -you'll leave the place smelling like food because it has an open kitchen that's really close to the dining quarters, the smell of raw fish sauce will be in the air and will be evaporating from the pan -worst roti I have had. Roti is my all time favorite Malaysian dish and I've had it plenty of times before. It is usually greasier and more gluttonous and is also usually served with a coconut curry. The sauce they had for this roti was more cinnamon/spice-ish rather than coconuty. The roti itself tasted like the dough used for the potato curry puffs -lanterns had bugs in it -they don't take American Express PROS -they have specials each day. Sunday was family meal day so they offer preset meals/plans for slightly discounted prices (we calculated how much we'd save if we went with the family meal vs. ordering a la carte and it was only a couple of dollars) -they have happy hour -fresh flowers on the table -cute decor (but everything's from IKEA including the plates, forks, chairs, lanterns) -friendly servers -several dessert and coffee options -educational menu about Malaysian cuisine and a map for those who don't know where Malaysia is This is the only Malaysian restaurant I've tried in Denver so I don't know if better ones exist. I've only eaten at Malaysian restaurants in the bay area so I don't know how to judge this place accurately. All I know is that the food was ok okay but I've had more satisfactory Malaysian food before.
(3)Jennifer T.
So happy to have finally gotten here! Four of us shared the medium sized Sunday family style dinner & really enjoyed it. Three starters & four entrees came out in perfect succession. The servers were attentive & worked with us through the set menu & a nut allergy in our party. Will be back here for sure!
(4)Frances G.
I was so pleasantly surprised with this adorable spot crammed into all the cuteness on South Pearl in Platte Park. The menu is pretty solid with a ton of interesting choices the recall Thai cuisine, but also Asian dishes I have never encountered before. Like, my entree, Char Kueh Tiao: Flat rice noodles stir fried with soy sauce, a hint of chili, Chinese sausage, shrimp, egg, bean sprouts and chives. First off - Chinese sausage is delicious with a complex, almost smoky, flavor. And along with the hint of chili...even more yummy. Similar to Pad Sew Ew, but with just a different kick of spices and protein. Their happy hour selection is also pretty enticing with an array of shared plates of small Indian inspired bites. Mini Laksa Bowl and Roti Prata/Canai to name a few. To top it off - wines are $1 off and beer is $3 per bottle. Not a bad deal. Not a bad deal, indeed! In conclusion - I am thinking I am a fan of Malaysian food.
(4)Andrea G.
I have enjoyed every dish I've tried here. The roti telur and curry puffs are excellent. The nasi lemak is my favorite and the authentic desserts are spot on. I also enjoyed the Aussie style coffee selections. I also appreciate the daily specials they have to offer too.
(5)Tom R.
This is a great surprise gem!
(4)Kevin R.
The closest to the food in had living in Singapore and Malaysia that I have found outside of those countries. Nasi Lemak was wonderful. Sambal was great. Coconut rice just tasted like Jasmin rice ... But I am being nit picky after what was a wonderful meal. Kitchen was slow but the 45 min wait was worth it.
(4)Sadiah K.
I came with my family for dinner. A friend recommended this place. Had high expectations and feeling quite disappointed. The rendang was too soupy, I had better laksa noodles and the martabak was just incredibly expensive and a very small portion. Just one visit for us. TOO Pricey.
(1)Nathan G.
This restaurant is spotlessly clean. Very good food and service. This is a great addition to the neighborhood. Had a fun day @ Platte Park Brewing followed by some chow here.
(4)Vivek S.
I am a Malaysian myself. Frankly speaking, the food here is nothing great. For the extremely long time that I had to wait to get my order, the food is definitely not authentic Malaysian food. It's a crowded Saturday night and there are only 3 waitresses running up and down the shop. The orders weren't done in sequence. Instead she kept shuffling the papers and prepared take out orders first! The (owner?) had an extremely angered/arrogant look on her face. I heard her muttering 'shit' while preparing food. This is bizarre and rarely found in Malaysian culture. I am terribly disappointed with my experience here. Rest assured I will never come back here again neither will I recommend the place to anyone else.
(1)Alice G.
TIME TO UPDATE! MAKAN IS GREAT! After three recent trials, Makan is quickly becoming one of my go to restaurants, and I seem to be rolling in here on Sunday nights often, sitting on the patio, chowing down.... Tonight we tried the Sunday Night Family Supper for 2 which included Satay (4), Curry Puffs (2), a full serving of chicken curry, Fried Rice, and a roti. OH MY GOD WAS THIS A GREAT CHOICE!!! We ate every morsel and it was a lot of food. Delicious! Cute, clean establishment on way South Pearl. Fabulous staff, friendly! Try the pulled black tea and watch them "pull" it! Delicious!On Our first visit do not go so well a few years ago: I had the sauteed water spinach with coconut rice, and the tabled ordered the spicy shrimp in tomato paste and the fried rice. We tried the spring rolls up front and they were super strong. The group was not happy. These items do not seem to be on the menu any more and everything we have had recently is excellent! Bravo!
(4)Gil A.
First visit to this small but inviting neighborhood restaurant. We had Beef Rendang and Chicken Curry, and enjoyed both. The Rendang is nice and spicy, the curry less so. We had both with coconut rice, which is delicious. Only gripe, more a grumble, because we're not in the 1% and love to eat, is that the portions are small for the price. But the food is delicious and authentic, and after dining and a lively conversation, we were not hungrily looking for a second supper location....
(4)John M.
Recommended by a friend who grew up in Singapore. What a unique jewell of a cafe. Waitstaff helps decipher the menu, as it is not clearly anything we had ever seen! What an amazing new adventure in eating. Go there. WQonderful!
(5)J E.
I've never tried Malaysian food before, so I don't know quite what to say about the food. I had a lunch special with beef rendang and a curry puff. While it was very tasty, the service was pretty slow.
(3)Eric V.
This place was great! The space is light and modern, the food was fantastic, and our server was incredibly helpful. Loved my Beef Rendang, and my wife loved her noodle dish. We just wish we could have tried more dishes! Will definitely be back.
(5)Kristi E.
First time here on a chilly September night. I was craving Asian flavors and my husband and I decided to try this place out (made a reservation on OpenTable). All I can say is: YOWZA! We loved it. First -- we started with the curry puffs, siu mai (steamed dumplings) and achar (spicy pickled vegetables). The puffs were light and flavorful, the dumplings were superb and we loved the tangy spice of the veggies. Even my husband, who is usually deeply suspicious of cauliflower, chowed down on the achar. I'm not sure he even noticed the cauliflower. For the main dish, I ordered the nasi lemak (coconut rice with fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, cucumber and sambal) with kari ayam (chicken curry). The server told me that the best way to eat it was to mix everything up together. It was fantastic. The sambal added just enough spice and tang, and the peanuts and anchovies gave a nice spicy crunch. Don't be afraid of the anchovies! They are not too fishy! My husband had the rendang daging (beef coconut stew) and I'm pretty sure he liked it, because it was gone in about three minutes! I tried a bite and the beef was incredibly tender and flavorful. The Malaysian pulled tea -- teh tarik -- was a nice treat. It's a lightly sweet hot tea that is poured back and forth to make a froth. Kind of like chai, but not so many spices. It was perfect on this chilly evening! Having never been to Malaysia, I can't judge the authenticity of the food; I just loved the flavors, and everything was very fresh. Service was upbeat and efficient, and the restaurant is clean and modern. I still have a little bit of nasi lemak left in a takeout container in my fridge. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have it for breakfast tomorrow.
(5)Kathleen R.
Stopped in on a Monday on my walk home to find out it is happy hour all night long (cool!). I was the only patron in the joint (that makes me nervous for the staying power of places) but didn't make me nervous to eat there. I had two glasses of red wine, Popiah appetizer & Laksa. I enjoyed all of them. For the Laksa however I would stick to vermicelli noodles as opposed to egg or a mix. The egg noodles kind of overtook the soup. My final bill was under $20 and I was full and happy. The owner (I think she was the owner) was very kind and attentive. All in all it was a very pleasant dining experience and definitely plan on going back!
(4)Dave T.
You've heard it before "I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place." Well its been a while but I remember vividly how good the food was and how home grown this place was. Nice mild curry flavors and unique dishes that will make you happy. I should be going there more often. Malaysia....its different. DT
(5)Haythem K.
Friendly staff, great food. Loved it.
(5)Riza H. C.
Still 2 stars in my books.... Despite my "friendly reminder" to my lovely Singaporean friends, they still wanted to go to Makan Malaysian Cafe... well, on that faithful day of Wednesday July 11th 2012 for dinner. Time was about 18:00hrs ish. When we arrived, we were seated promptly. There are like 2 other couples dining in. We were given the menu. My friend A.W decided to have the Teh Tarik Halia ($3.25), both N and I decide to have water as part of our beverage. The items that my friends ordered were : * Popiah $4.50 for 2 Popiahs * Curry Puffs ($4.50/2 pieces) * Nasi Lemak ($9.95) * Sambal Eggplant ($9.95) As for me I opt for the Roti Telur ($7.95) with Dhal. YES, our food came out promptly. We were surprised by the outcome of the Popiah. Its more the "FRESH" kind, rather than Fried Kind of Popiah, we are used to. Even the Popiah looks so pale. The dipping sauce that comes with this "Fresh" Popiah is sweet and spicy soy sauce with chopped peanuts. The dipping sauce alone reminds me of a "touch" of somekind of Hoisin sauce. The Sambal Eggplant, was slightly sweet rather than spicy. YES, it contain Belacan as part of the ingredients to cook this dish. Nothing stellar, nothing "WOW" about this dish either... I am A-OKAY with the Roti Telur, I guess that was the highlight of my Dinner that evening. But the Dhal was DEFINITELY a letdown due to "watered" down Dhal, so I ask our server if I could have the Chicken Curry ($2.50) as a side, for my Dinner. Still, the portions are too tiny for my personal tastebud. Still hungry... *Sad Face* After our dinner, even my friends told me, they experienced better in terms of the amount of food, and for the pricing is a little bit higher. They can understand the reasons why. Karen, I really really want to support your business. I hope and wish Makan Malaysian Cafe, the success of your business venture for the long run. Coz running a restaurant Is Definitely NOT an easy task. There are DEFINITELY room for improvement in terms of portion and pricing for Makan Malaysian Cafe. Perhaps my standards of Malaysian Cuisine is DEFINITELY High. @111/2012
(2)Aditya N.
Closest thing to an Indonesian restaurant in Denver. Awesome location with a cute little decor. i wish they would get chairs though instead of stools. Try eating on a stool for 1 hours and see how your back and tummy feels afterwards. besides that, me and my wife come here for the roti canai, beef rendang and kankung balacan. yummy.
(4)Josh P.
Was looking to try something new, and man, am I happy we stopped in here. This was my first time trying Malaysion food, and it was so good! Got the Laksa, which is a soup with noodles in spicy coconut shrimp-based broth, with fish, tofu, bean sprouts and cilantro, and a mix of egg noodles and vermicelli. It was unbelievably good. It blows pho out of the water, and the spices were perfect. There was a fairly generous amount of tofu and fish in the bowl, and we left feeling really full! Definitely plan to come back here again soon!
(5)Eric J.
This was my second time here, the food is good and the atmosphere fun. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)Helene K.
Ok, here comes a blissful little review about Makan. Gonna tell you upfront: have not been to Malaysia yet and haven't really had Malaysian food before. So, there's nothing to compare Makan to at this moment. I've heard differing opinions about Makan from friends, colleagues. One is that the price is too much for too little food. I can see that being an argument; however, the way I see the situation, is that there aren't other Malaysian restaurants in Denver to compete with. Makan can charge a premium on their food if they'd like. Also, I felt the portions were just right for me -- no supersizing needed. I went to Makan on a Thursday night; the place was empty when I arrived, but then...suddenly...the crowds started arriving after me. I guess I'm a people magnet in that way. Since my friend was raving about Makan to me, I figured I'd try one thing off of each part of the menu. Why not do a tasting hm? First, I had the popiah: unique soy sauce dip and the popiah was just the right texture. No crispy 'spring roll' skin here; just good, rice papery flavor encasing a flavor party. My entree was the roti with the vegetarian curry. I love using my hands for foods like this; roti is to curry as naan is to curry as pita is to hummus. There. The roti was eggy, easy to pull apart. I could have had a second helping of roti, but I opted instead for a side of coconut rice, which was probably the best value on the menu (big bowl of coconut rice = $2 roughly). I had a pulled milk tea and some of the glutinous rice balls for dessert. Hell, I love glutinous rice balls. Be careful though; these can squirt out too quickly. I suppose what makes some people complain about Makan would be the layout, the ambience: the place is crisp and clean, but gives off the vibe of casual dining. So customers expect the 'casual dining' pricing. If customers were looking for something faahncier, they'd want that atmosphere to pair with the prices. I only have one complaint: the hours. Please be open more during the day! Mondays and Tuesdays they are off...and usually I'm in the South Pearl neighborhood one of those days. Sigh. Well, I'll be back.
(4)Tyler H.
The cafe has a clean open design with great aesthetics and plenty of street parking. Loved the flavor profiles- had beef skewers with peanut sauce and pickled veggies in sesame seeds. The booth was comfortable but the opposite seat was a backless stool so not sure if that would work for everybody comfort wise. This is a good first date or girlfriends-brunch place. Will be back to try some of the curries and flatbreads.
(4)Ray R.
Expect the unexpected from this unassuming neighborhood eatery on the less popular side of S Pearl. Samantha does a great job making you fee at home and the open kitchen leaves everything in plain sight to see them making your dish using fresh ingredients. Fantastic happy hour that includes some well known wines. My last dish was the eggplant with coconut rice which i will recommend to anyone. It was so good it took me by surprise. This is exactly the type of restaurant you want to support. Independent, creative, and embedded in a great Denver neighborhood. Don't expect fancy, but the price point reflects that...affordable.
(4)Jasper B.
Everything I had was very tasty. Went in during happy hour and got a couple beers at $3 a piece, a discounted app sampler, and an entree for a total of about $25. Waitress was friendly and helpful with recommendations. I will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu.
(4)Eric C.
*This review should have been written in 2012 - July/Aug* While consulting in Denver in 2012, I was rather surprised to find this place in Denver. Having been duped by another restaurant in the area for serving 'frozen' roti canai, I wasn't expecting much when I first arrived. My first visit wasn't that great, the roti canai was not up to normal standards but it was definitely made on premise. Since it had just opened at that time, I decided to write to the owner and she invited me back to try again. She acknowledge that she had a not so great batch but promised to 'correct' it on my return. I did return the next day and I was really happy that I did because the roti canai she then made was pretty good (so were the other curry dishes that I ordered) I do like this place because it has items on the menu that you don't get at other Malaysian restaurants. I travel coast to coast for work and always make it a point to eat at Malaysian restaurants and this is by far the ONLY one I've come across that offers Malaysian style desserts cakes. Its a huge risk because people might not like the taste or texture but I applaud her for serving it. (and also because I did enjoy the dessert items as they were 'true' to taste). Most M'sian restaurants have a tendency to list other dishes that are not traditionally Malaysian to safe guard themselves just in case their patrons can order something they might be familiar with. This location which doesn't, is still around after 1.5 years, shows that they're still holding strong (on top of the fact that I think people in Denver are pretty open and adventurous enough to take on very different kinds of dishes that contain fermented shrimp and anchovies ).
(5)Yih-Yoon L.
We came here for dinner and ordered Roti Canai, Beef Satay, Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang Side, and sambal Eggplant. I have tried malaysian food from California, NY, and other cities in US, this is so far the best tasting and most authentic Malaysian food that I have ever had. The beef satay is so good and very authentic tasting, very comparable to what I used to have in Malaysia. Nasi Lemak and Sambal egg plant are also very tasty. The ingredients are all very authentic. all in all, the dishes feel like home to me.
(5)Jen W.
We stopped in here and realized they were closing in 20 minutes however we were still warmly welcomed and as there were a few other tables just getting their food we felt a little less guilty about it. We were looking for a quiet place to chat and a quick bite to snack on - both of our needs were met. We had the dumplings and wontons with a sweet chili sauce-both were very tasty and served quickly. I would have liked to explore the menu more but panicked due to our time restriction so went with a go to. Hope to be more adventurous on a future visit. Staff was very nice and accommodating. Street parking which is par for the course on S. Pearl St.
(3)Gary S.
We would not go back again.It was an ok experience. We went for restaurant week.The waitress was good. The owner seems to have taken on too much.It is a small operation. It seemed a little rushed. The food was ok.They were a little stingy on the sauces. The desserts were not tasty. Maybe it is an acquired taste. The portions were the right size.i dont predict it being open forever.
(2)michele b.
I had to write a follow-up to give props for an updated menu that has a couple more vegetarian items (especially the Nasi Goreng). Also, Makan now has a liquor license, so light libations are available. A nice little neighborhood find!
(4)Josh B.
Among the many cuisines that I miss from living in more cosmopolitan places like NY and San Francisco, Malaysian/Singaporean food ranks pretty high. We've been meaning to check out Makan for years, and we finally got our chance on a warm Friday night. We ate early (6:30) and had the place to ourselves except for a couple of guys who stopped in for a beer. The restaurant is very attractive, immaculate, and smells great. The staff couldn't be nicer, and the food's great, although toned down too much for my taste. The best part of our meal was watching the chef prepare roti, always fun to watch. We ordered several orders of roti canai, roti telur, lamb murtabak, and laksa. This was way too much food for us, considering that my six year old ate maybe 2 bites of food, but we were excited to eat one of our favorite cuisines after a long drought. The roti were perfect, up there with any I've eaten anywhere. My only complaint is that the sauces were a 1 on a spicy scale from 1 to 100. I understand that not everyone wants real Malaysian heat, but no one even asked us. At least provide some hot sauces for us to add at the table. The only disappointment was the laksa, which was completely under seasoned. The tofu was an odd addition too. I've never had laksa that didn't taste of fish, and the fish balls in Makan's version didn't provide much flavor. The broth wasn't salty or flavorful enough, and I wouldn't order that again, but I will be back. $48 isn't cheap for Malaysian street food, but we did have enough to bring home.
(4)Marv F.
Happy to find this little jewel of a cafe on a cold winter night! We wanted an authentic ethnic food, and found it here. Ordered a variety of appetizers, entrees and dessert and loved them all! The gal running the place was very friendly, helpful and fast.
(4)Chisholm T.
This place is legit! If you have never been to Malaysia, come here and you will know their culture and flavors. Their food here is made FRESH and tastes exactly like the food I ate when I went to Malaysia. I also have a good friend who is from Malaysia, lives in Denver now, and he comes here all the time and that's how you know it's worth coming to!!! I think it became his home-away-from-home. The staff is also very kind and happy to serve you. I will definitely be coming back here.
(5)Salima D.
Authentic Malaysian food. Great atmosphere and service. The teh tarik was good not to heavy. Loved the curry puffs and the chicken curry. Great selection.
(5)Mike L.
I went with a buddy of mine whose Malaysian. The owner who did most of the cooking was really nice and came out and talked to us a bit. The food was all good and tasty. However, the prices were a little steep in my friends opinion. I know that it's in a high rent district so I understand, but it seems like a place like this belongs on Havana or Federal where the prices can be a bit lower due to lower lease/rent. With that said go and give it a try it's a nice change from most other places in the Pearl St. district area.
(3)Florence N.
We were about to get a burger across the street today, but I like to support new small restaurants and love Asian food. The food was good, but the service was slow, but very friendly. I think the price was really too high. We had 8 shrimp in the main dish, one appetizer, a tea/coke for $27. I just felt the size was a bit small and was really surprised how quickly that added up. I would still consider returning to support a new small restaurant.
(3)Ria K.
I fell in love with Malaysian food while in NYC and it killed me that there was none in sight in Denver.. My god... finally I found this place and it is literally amazing.. I love the people there and the place.. I will go here again and again... Ok you should try Canai Roti anyway.. also you can try Teh Tarik if you like taste of Indian tea with milk... I love it.. Only problem.. is parking is on street.. but don't worry you have more than enough space...
(5)Hans O.
Cozy and very relaxed medium-sized café, bright green painted walls, few wooden tables, and couple big tables that could easily sit eight to ten people, cute china and smaller plates, nice usage of old bottle as water bottles, and fun watching the cook food in the open kitchen space. Food: *Kaya Toast: tasteless. *Roti Prata: not cooked properly, probably because their stove is not hot enough; crispy on the edges, but majority of it was still doughy and raw. *Mee Siam: this was probably the best dish we've tried; flavor was good, overall textures were fine, a bit soupy for me, but overall, not bad. *Beef Rendang: felt like eating beef stew, missing spices that makes rendang stand out from beef stew, beef cut was right, but not tender enough, nor had the roundup creamy texture... *Sambal Kangkung: belacan taste/smell were mild, wish it was bolder; kangkung (ong choy) was overcooked, and it was overly sweet. Same stove issue... *Ikan Bilis: anchovies were soggy instead of crispy. Sambal was tasty, but again, overly sweet. Overall, nothing really stands out. Service was nice, but really slow, maybe because they have just opened this restaurant.
(2)Ryan V.
My boyfriend and I went there for the first time last week. The food was delicious. I had the Kari Ayama and he had the Mee Siam with coconut rice. We both would have those dishes again. We also ordered the Curry Puff as an app, however it was over looked on the ticket and we ended up not receiving them until we had already finished our main course. However, they were yummy. We will definitely be coming back to try a new dish!
(4)Hope A.
This is such a great neighborhood gem. The service here is excellent- probably the best I have had in Denver. The dishes were all really flavorful and the portions I thought were great for an upscale restaurant. The menu is somewhat limited.
(5)Holly G.
We tried Makan a few weeks ago, and had a pleasant experience. The service was friendly and fast, and the atmosphere was sweet and simple. It was our first time trying Malaysian food, and I wasn't overly impressed. I ordered a vegetarian eggplant dish, and it had kind of a fishy taste to it. I did love the small dessert cake at the end of the meal. We will go back to try another dish... perhaps it's an acquired taste.
(3)Vi C.
So great! The food, the service, the decor was all amazing! It is a new favorite!
(5)Rachelle S.
A friend recommended this place, so my husband and I went last night and loved it! We started with roti prata-homemade (similar to Indian paratha) with chicken curry. It was fantastic. We also ordered the siu mai (very good little dumplings with carrot and chinese sausage), teh tarik and teh tarik with ginger (both hot) very good teas that we shared. For main courses, we shared laksa (spicy coconut broth, vermicelli noodle, fish balls, tofu) soup and an anchovy dish. All so very good! We were full and happy. We will be back to try weekend breakfast roti prata with egg and curry. The curry is mild-not overpowered by coconut; the flavors are unique; the service is wonderful. Karen the owner was there, very friendly, answered all our questions and made sure we were content at each step of our meal. Highly recommend! Go with a few people, order several dishes to share, get the teas and enjoy. Next time, we will try dessert, khui lapsa, looked yummy.
(4)Misha M.
I will not return to this place. I went here on a Wednesday around 7 and it was fairly empty -- my husband and I were the only people in there aside from a couple off in the corner. We started with the Siu Mai - 3 tiny little dumplings. They were good, but literally just 3 bites total. I guess that's all you can expect for $3.75 though so not sure what other reviewers are complaining about. I then ordered the Mee Siam ($10.95) for my entree and did not like it. The menu described the dish as "spicy and tangy stir-fried vermicelli with shrimp, tofu and green onion, topped with shredded omelet, bean sprouts and a wedge of lime for dressing". There was a very unpleasant order and taste to the dish -- like rotten fish or something equally unpleasant. I actually love seafood, and fish sauce and all those things alike, but this dish was really not for me. I did like the thin rice noodles though, but I couldn't eat much of it due to the unpleasant aroma and whatever the sauce was. I asked for hot sauce and more lime in attempts to doctor the dish up to my liking, but there really wasn't anything you could do to improve it other than starting from scratch and adding less of whatever that horrible taste was (maybe shrimp paste or something fermented?). My husband got the Char Kueh Tiao (10.95) which was flat rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, a hint of chili, Chinese sausage, shrimp, egg, bean sprouts and chives. This dish tasted better than mine. Overall small portions which is fine with me -- I don't need to leave a restaurant needing to unbutton my pants, so not sure what everyone else was complaining about, but I see no reason to return here. Oh and they have good tea here, but no alcohol whatsoever.
(2)Jim M.
Really good food. The service is a little slow, but they just opened so that is understandable. We had a nice dinner. I recommend the Mee Siam, very tasty.
(4)Jennifer W.
I grew up in Indonesia and was thrilled to find these guys at the Cherry Creek farmers market (when they were Wee Bites). The kuih dadar and kuih lapis are exactly as I remember them tasting from years ago (very authentic!). Not all my friends loved them, but I grew up eating these and I'm a huge fan!
(4)Ron F.
Having lived in Malaysia for six years I can honestly say that Makan Malaysia serves excellent, authentic Malaysian food. With it's limited menu, Makan is closer to a food stall than a full blown restaurant, and this is a good thing. Service is not rushed (typical in Southeast Asia), ingredients are fresh, the tastes are wonderful blends that tantalize taste buds. This is a unique restaurant for those who crave something besides the usual Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese.
(5)Eric C.
Visited for the first time last night. The food is great and so is everyone who works there. We'll be back soon!
(4)Joanne Z.
As someone who grew up in Southeast Asia, this food was 100% authentic! The curry puffs were perfect, as were the poh piah. The Chicken and Beef Satay were delicious and made exactly like they do it in Asia. The Mee Siam tasted just like the stuff I grew up eating and the Kueh Lapis and Kueh Dada were expertly made and tasted divine. The wait staff was friendly and attentive, we went with both our kids, ages 7 & 8, and it was a great atmosphere for them. Portion sizes were rather small, but that is also very much like it is in Asia.
(5)Delia H.
Went there for our first time and tried the popiah, beef rendang and roti canai with chicken curry. All great. The popiah was different from those we've had in Penang (Malaysia) and Singapore, though those were different from each other as well. Makan's version came with a terrific dipping sauce. The beef rendang was superb, we don't agree with a previous reviewer that it was beef stew, missing in the spices that make it rendang. Also, the chicken curry that came with the roti was terrific, though the roti was a little uncooked in the middle, but delicious nonetheless especially when sopping up the curry. The only thing missing was ice cold beer, perhaps a Tiger beer (no alcohol; yes, Malaysia is Muslim but beer is common to find with meals there). We plan on going back and working our way through the menu.
(4)Bethany W.
The chicken puffs were fantastic! My husband and I wanted lots more of them. I had the Laksa, and my husband had the Mee Siam. Neither of us were head over heals for our main dishes, but they did have some unique flavors going on. I think next time we'll opt for more curry. The ambiance is light and airy, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I'd say that overall this restaurant is worth checking out.
(4)Meg I.
Small restaurant with cute, simple decor. Server was attentive but not overbearing. I had the Kari Ayam (Curry Chicken) and it was fantastic! Just spicy enough with lots of flavor. Portion is good for one but don't expect leftovers. Will definitely be vising Makan again soon!
(5)steve c.
Simple, elegant, delicious, beautiful, and -- unlike the rest of yupped-out Old South Pearl -- affordably priced. I had the lunch special of Chicken Curry, Curry Puff, rice, veggies and a drink for less than $10. My lunch mate had the Lamb Special that is wrapped in paper thin pastry and served with two types of curry sauce. We also had the Pineapple Bites and Coconut Crepes for dessert. Every bite a treat! I love the simplicity, it's a relief when Old South Pearl can be so full of itself. I'M HOOKED!
(5)Georgia C.
Love the atmosphere. Great food! The eggplant dish is the best!
(5)Mark T.
Have you eaten yet? No, wait - I'm not trying to get in your business. See, the sentence I just uttered is in fact a popular greeting in many parts of the world - for example, in the Malay language, one might say "Sudah makan kah?" or something akin. Well, looky there - that ties in rather nicely with the subject of this review, the South Pearl Street gem Makan Malaysian Cafe. An extension of Wee Bites (the catering service run by the ever-cheery owner, who hails from the southern regional capital Johor Bahru), Makan has flavors for every palate. Sip a bracing Teh Halia (frothy black tea with ginger) or an Aussie-style "flat white" coffee (with oodles of steamed milk) while you gaze longingly at the menu before you. Don't those Curry Puffs (flaky pastries stuffed with the chicken-potato concoction called Kari Ayam) look appetizing? Or for you folks who like your starters rolled up, why not try the sausage-egg-and-veggie crepes known as Popiah, sided with a bowl of zesty Sambal Belacan (chili and dried shrimp sauce)? Why yes, they do indeed have the chicken and/or beef skewers called Satay here as well - thanks for asking! Ready for more? How about Roti Telur - layered flatbread (a bit similar to the Indian bread known as Paratha) stuffed with a fresh egg, then griddled and served with either chicken or lentil curry? Maybe the spicy rice noodle dish Mee Siam, brimming with beansprouts and plump shrimp, is more your speed? But we can't forget about the seafood soup called Laksa, whose rich coconut broth may inspire you to make sounds as-yet-unheard in everyday parlance. And those are just a few options to consider. Then, why not cap things off with a selection from their fantastic dessert offerings, all of which are made on the premises? I really, really like Kuih Lapis, with its individually-steamed pale pink and green layers of rice flour and coconut milk. But there are also pineapple tarts, or pandan-leaf-flavored crepes, or even the coconut-dusted rice balls called Onde-Onde, filled with Gula Melaka (dark palm sugar) to appease you. So let me get this straight... after all that, you still haven't eaten? Well, I'll bet I can guess where you're heading in a moment! And who knows, you may also soon find me there. Makan? Whoopee!
(4)Russell N.
Delicious! It is a small intimate spot with Malaysian food that is all hand prepared. The Curry Puff was phenomenal, the Chicken Satay had a peanut sauce like no other, and the Teh Halia was so refreshing. Those that are looking for an Salty Fat Americanized version of what they are used to will be disappointed. Those that are looking for a flavorful and fresh bite will be very satisfied.
(5)Lucy L.
We enjoyed Beef Rendang and Mee Siam!
(4)Val P.
Although the food is quite similar to the food found in Malaysia, and the place was cozy and the young server was sweet, the owner was horrible. I took a friend and her son there, and as I've lived in Malaysia and speak the language and am familiar with the food, they asked that I order for them. I ordered 3 entrees and 2 appetizers. The server came back to let me know that they couldn't leave out the egg and meat in one entree (the Char Kue Teow which is a noodle dish). I explained for the second time that I'm vegetarian and would pay more for them to just use vegetables and leave out the eggs. The owner then raised her voice from across the room and said "We just can't make the char kue teow that way. It won't taste the same." So I asked the server (who was standing by our table) if she could just tell her that I didn't really mind if it didn't taste right (to the owner) but that I'm vegetarian (3rd explanation) and would just like it with vegetables." The server walked over to the owner and explained it to her, and the owner once again stands right where she is and explains to me from across the room that she's unable to cook it that way as it "won't taste good"!!! What an idiot!! There were 3 other tables that were occupied and everyone was looking at us by that time, and it was a very embarrassing experience. Had we not had an eager child with us, I would have just paid for our drinks and left. Unfortunately, the little guy was fascinated by the names of the food, and had already decided what he wanted for dessert and I wasn't going to spoil it for him. So I ordered a roti canai which is much cheaper than the char kuey teow and had a very unpleasant meal. The food itself was OK, not great but not bad either, however we will not be returning to that place. It's not the responsibility of the chef or owner of a restaurant to decide if the customer will like something based on what they think it will taste like. It's just their responsibility to cook what's ordered. Obviously if I asked for a cupful of chilli paste or 5 tbsp of salt to be added to the meal then they can give me their opinion. But asking them to leave out the meat and eggs shouldn't be rocket science to follow. Will NEVER be returning there again.
(1)Sarah S.
Divinely tasty, beautiful presentation, friendly waitstaff, affordable prices, simple and stylish decor - this is my new favorite spot! Great for a date, solo or with friends. Make sure to try the pulled tea - it is exquisitely flavorful. Ask for side plates and share your dishes family-style, while you're at it.
(5)Chris M.
Excellent food and service. Looking forward to going back to try it again.
(4)Shaye R.
Really enjoyed the food. Unique flavors. Super friendly staff. I think would be a regular there if only I lived in Denver.
(4)A B.
Delicious! We ordered the tasting menu, which included 4(or 5?) fixed courses for 2 people--$60 total. The first course consisted of small bites satay and meat and veggie filled pastries, followed by a noodle bowl and a rice bowl, then roti canai, then two curry dishes (one shrimp, one chicken.) All extremely flavorful and aromatic with a perfect amount of spice. The roti wasn't the thinnest we've had, but still delicious. We had to take our dessert to go since we had a concert to get to, but those small bites were also delicious and interesting. The ambiance is very sweet and light with few tables and an open kitchen where we could see the chefs bustling to keep up with the orders. The service was pleasant but a bit slow, which we probably would not have noticed if we hadn't somewhere to go. The fixed tasting menu was filling--reasonably priced for the amount of food, and enough for 2 (one big eater, one moderate eater) to share easily, though my spouse did order his own separate roti canai. A wonderful experience and we will return.
(4)Andee H.
I ate here with a friend and I have to say it was pretty delicious. First off it has a very laid back, but modern feel. Clean lines, wooden tables, water at your table, and a light open space. My friend also said the restrooms were clean and nice. Our waitress was kind, attentive, and answered all of our questions. I ordered a dish with tofu, egg, noodles, and bean sprouts. It was a perfect portion for me and it was extremely satisfying. I am intrigued about other things on the menu. I wish there was a few more veggie options, but they were very accommodating when I asked about omitting the shrimp from the Mee Siam dish. The only thing that I found strange was the gentleman who appeared at our table a number of times (I felt a bit hovered upon) I wondered where our waitress went? Other than that is was a lovely meal.
(4)Chris M.
Excellent food and service. Looking forward to going back to try it again.
(4)Andee H.
I ate here with a friend and I have to say it was pretty delicious. First off it has a very laid back, but modern feel. Clean lines, wooden tables, water at your table, and a light open space. My friend also said the restrooms were clean and nice. Our waitress was kind, attentive, and answered all of our questions. I ordered a dish with tofu, egg, noodles, and bean sprouts. It was a perfect portion for me and it was extremely satisfying. I am intrigued about other things on the menu. I wish there was a few more veggie options, but they were very accommodating when I asked about omitting the shrimp from the Mee Siam dish. The only thing that I found strange was the gentleman who appeared at our table a number of times (I felt a bit hovered upon) I wondered where our waitress went? Other than that is was a lovely meal.
(4)Hans O.
Cozy and very relaxed medium-sized café, bright green painted walls, few wooden tables, and couple big tables that could easily sit eight to ten people, cute china and smaller plates, nice usage of old bottle as water bottles, and fun watching the cook food in the open kitchen space. Food: *Kaya Toast: tasteless. *Roti Prata: not cooked properly, probably because their stove is not hot enough; crispy on the edges, but majority of it was still doughy and raw. *Mee Siam: this was probably the best dish we've tried; flavor was good, overall textures were fine, a bit soupy for me, but overall, not bad. *Beef Rendang: felt like eating beef stew, missing spices that makes rendang stand out from beef stew, beef cut was right, but not tender enough, nor had the roundup creamy texture... *Sambal Kangkung: belacan taste/smell were mild, wish it was bolder; kangkung (ong choy) was overcooked, and it was overly sweet. Same stove issue... *Ikan Bilis: anchovies were soggy instead of crispy. Sambal was tasty, but again, overly sweet. Overall, nothing really stands out. Service was nice, but really slow, maybe because they have just opened this restaurant.
(2)Paul B.
As a Malaysian who drove 700 miles to Colorado with the intention of sampling the food at Makan restaurant, I can honestly say that I'm very disappointed. It was way understaffed and the owner looked like she had woken up on the wrong side of bed, every day, for the past 30 years. The food took AGES to come out and even then, it was expensive and nothing great. People who arrived later were served earlier and the owner would prepare take out orders before serving the customers she had who were waiting for more than an hour. I will never more come to such a poorly run restaurant and I highly discourage anyone from patronizing this place that they have the audacity to call a "restaurant". I honestly feel like I've been robbed. UPDATE: several hours after eating dinner (I didn't eat anything else during that time), I had really bad food poisoning. The health department should shut this goddamn place down.
(1)Ryan H.
Very fresh, authentic Malaysian cuisine!
(5)Taylor M.
Such fantastic food! Started with the mini laksa bowl and it was to die for! It comes with tofu which was unlike any tofu I've ever had. It also comes with a couple fish balls. Even though i didn't like the fish ball much, this dish still made my number one spot at makan because of the broth of this dish. Wow! Next we had the chicken martabak, which is a crispy pastry type dish that's seasoned delishiously! We finished with their slow cooked beef stew with coconut rice which left us so full and loving this place! You can't go wrong with this menu!
(5)Leilani L.
I came here with a friend and we are both completely impressed with this place. We had never had Malaysian food before and this was some of the best food we've ever had in general. It was reasonably priced, flavorful, and the service was great. We'll definitely be back! They also have a great beer selection and a happy hour. 5/5 !!!
(5)Jenny P.
Felt like some Malaysian food so based on yelp reviews we chose to stop by Makan for an early dinner. Cute place. Greeted nicely as we entered by the host. He was pleasant and showed us to a table. A very, very uncomfortable table. I could hardly sit on the bench as It caused pain in my backside. Waiter/host took our order and everything seemed great. Menu read well and we were excited. The food started coming out and was the smallest portion they could get away with serving. Food was Just okay and not as wonderful as prior reviews had stated. I make better peanut sauce at home and the satay was as big as my pinky finger. Nasi goreng was unimaginative and bland. The roti was fine, not great. At this point we could still be in for a second visit until we started seeing how the chef/wife of the Host/waiter treating him so poorly for all to see. Small restaurant with an exposed kitchen you can see and hear everything. She is the reason we will not be back. She continually rang that damned bell at her husband when he was 5 feet away from her and then proceeded to berate him in front of their customers. A very mean person we will not give our business to again. She knew that we were watching so she started shooting us with bad looks. We feel sorry for the husband.
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