Who we are
Ong Lai Kopitiam is more than just a café!
it’s a celebration of Malaysia’s vibrant street food culture, right in the heart of Canary Wharf. Our journey began with a simple passion: sharing the rich flavors of Malaysian cuisine with the world.
It all started with Eat Lah, our humble street food stall that quickly became a local favorite, known for its authentic dishes and warm hospitality. Through bustling food markets, catering events, and pop-ups across London, we discovered the joy of bringing people together over great food. But we always dreamed of creating a space where we could offer more — a place where the comforting aroma of freshly brewed kopi and the golden crust of a perfectly baked egg tart could transport you straight to the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
After years of perfecting recipes and building our community, that dream became Ong Lai Kopitiam. Inspired by Malaysia’s traditional kopitiams — lively coffee shops where friends and families gather — our café blends time-honored classics with a modern twist. From iconic dishes like kolo mee and nasi kerabu to beloved snacks like roti boy and karipap, every bite tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and passion.
But Ong Lai Kopitiam is more than just food. It’s about creating moments — whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast before work, catching up with friends over teh tarik, or discovering a new favorite pastry.
We’ve poured our hearts into every detail, from the menu to the atmosphere, to bring you a taste of home, no matter where you’re from.
So come in, take a seat, and join us on this journey.
We can’t wait to share the flavors of Malaysia with you.