Mr. Chee (Shilin / Zhishan Station)

Mr. Chee Kopitiam (池先生) is one of Taipei's most beloved Malaysian restaurants, established in 2014 and now firmly recognised as one of the city's go-to destinations for authentic Malaysian and Singaporean kopitiam cuisine. The Shilin branch, located on Zhishan Road near Zhishan MRT Station in the Shilin District, is the brand's premium outlet — and notably, carries a Muslim-friendly certification, making it one of the most accessible Malaysian dining options for halal-conscious visitors to Taipei's north.

The name kopitiam — a portmanteau of the Malay word for coffee (kopi) and the Hokkien word for shop (tiam) — evokes the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Malaysian coffeeshop, and that spirit is precisely what Mr. Chee delivers. For Malaysians, Singaporeans, and Southeast Asians living in or visiting Taipei, it offers a taste of home; for Taiwanese diners and international travellers unfamiliar with the cuisine, it is a vivid, flavour-packed introduction to one of Asia's most diverse and exciting food cultures — a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Javanese culinary influences expressed through bold spices, fragrant rice, and rich, deeply layered broths.

The menu is an impressive sweep of Malaysian classics. The Nasi Lemak — fragrant coconut rice served with sambal, fried egg, anchovies, and your choice of protein — is a perennial favourite, best ordered with fried chicken and sambal squid. Laksa, with its intoxicating coconut milk broth swirling with lemongrass, galangal, and chilli, is another must. Char Kway Teow, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Nasi Goreng Kampung, and an array of curry dishes round out a menu that balances heat, sweetness, and aromatic depth with skill. Traditional kopitiam beverages like Teh Tarik — the iconic Malaysian pulled milk tea — complete the experience perfectly. The Shilin branch, positioned near the National Palace Museum and the verdant surrounds of Zhishan, makes it a particularly convenient and rewarding dining stop for visitors exploring this part of Taipei.