Kakikopi

The Malaysian Chinese dining tradition of kopitiam is given a contemporary spin at Kakikopi, overseen by Jasmine Kho of Mulu fame. The emphasis here is on affordable pan-Southeast Asian cuisine and the menu is brimming with the classics, from Filipino beef adobo with garlic vinegar rice and beef rendang to Malaysian Sarawak laksa and nasi lemak, and Singaporean bakcho mee pok to the ubiquitous Hainan chicken rice.

In all, it feels like Kho has hit her stride with Kakikopi, offering no-fuss Southeast Asian street food in an environment that is as welcoming as it is comfortable. The result is a menu that deserves repeat visits and the first addition to Xiaoyun Lu that's worth getting excited about in many years.