Lafayette's Kopitiam and Babu's Dream Cafe

For a year now, I've been walking and driving by Kopitiam next to Trader Joe's. For some reason, I looked at the signage and awning and assumed it was a Greek diner.


I was wrong. It serves Malaysian and Singaporean fare. When I told our waitress about my assumption, she confirmed that a lot of people thought that too and were surprised when they entered and read the menu (or saw the chopsticks).


During dinnertime on a weeknight, there were only four customers (our party of two included). The other party had read about the place on yelp and drove up from San Ramon to get their Singaporean fix. I felt like Jerry Seinfeld and wanted to tell Babu (the owner of Dream Cafe/Kopitiam) how to make changes to improve traffic and business. They really have to change the sign. It is confusing as hell.

Once someone randomly walks in and actually tastes the food, they will realize that they've stumbled upon a bonanza. All of the portions were reasonable-- as in enough to fill a stomach, not stuff it to the point of bursting. The five thin chicken lumpias ($5.25) and dipping sauce were incredible.

I had the chicken (organic) rice ($9.95). My dining companion had the Silken Cloud ($6.50), which is tofu topped with shredded lettuce, cucumber, and onions in a light sweet and sour sauce. Crushed peanuts and taro chips are the ying to the soft tofu's yang. Both entrees had the perfect balance of subtle richness in flavors. I want to try everything else on the menu in future visits. The roti will be next.


At the end of our meal, we were offered a couple of Malaysian peanut cookies. This place needs to market itself better or it will shut down, soon. And one more suggestion, it should sell alcohol, even if it's just beer.


CKY