Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, United Kingdom

Red Room

New York, USA

La Esquina Brasserie

Tokyo, Japan

Don-Don

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

- you book them just for the pool

Europe's most spectacular pool hotels

EAT & STAY

Summer in Europe

in Sweden

The Most Unique Spas

Beaches, Clubs, Hotels & Things to Do

Ibiza 

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

New Launch: August 2025

Zimbabwe

Mpala Jena Private Villas

for Your Next Long Haul Flight

Beauty Hacks

Luxury Travel on a Budget

How To:

for a Stress-Free Trip

Top 10 Travel Hacks

with 30% discount

Get Lounge Access

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Discover

10 things to do in Stockholm

Stockholm

Dog Friendly Dining

Eat & Do

Hidden gems in Marbella

Explore

Koh Samui

A Tropical Getaway

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Londonderry

Europe

United Kingdom

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Whitechapel High Street, London, Straits Times Kopitiam offers a delightful escape into Southeast Asian culinary traditions. This cozy café stands out with its authentic menu, warm ambiance, and friendly service, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers and cultural explorers alike. Whether you're craving a fragrant kopi or a hearty sandwich, this place promises a sensory journey that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Singapore and Malaysia.

Explore the menu and ambiance of Straits Times Kopitiam

Read reviews and see photos of Straits Times Kopitiam

82db652d-356c-457c-896b-0235d7c08785

So I'm gonna be totally honest - I love this little coffee shop/café. I mean - I really really love it! 

Reasons: Delicious selection of drinks, salads, sandwiches, bread types and cakes. Including fruit and crisps.

I happened upon here on one of my lunchtime walks and picked up a smoked salmon with cream cheese and rocket on onion bread. I took it to my office and oh my - it was so good. I went back a week later, then the next week where I also picked up a brownie - which is now in my top ten of brownies (I have a top ten - one or two my be my own creation!). So I told my boyfriend and we decided to drive there one Saturday (from Kent...!). I had the same, he had a chicken and mango salad on a seeded roll. We both had that brownie and a slice of pineapple cake. Yup - still amazing.

I just love it. Really friendly ladies behind the counter, everything is fresh and you see it put together in front you. Cakes are a mixture of brought in and made, but they have done extensive tasting on the brought in cakes. There are plenty of salad and sandwich options - oh, they also serve breakfast. They will adapt something to your tastes.

Love it!

64d99ace-5eec-42bd-9d22-66f508b4fdfd

I was a bit in a rush this morning and I stopped there on my way to the station. I ordered their superberries juice which was really good and I took some pastries made of apricot and pistachio. It was really good and the cafe itself looks nice and the menu which is pretty big it's really yummy! I hope I will find the time to come back !

1758b01e-575b-43c3-932b-7643a5ab8bb8

Across from the Whitechapel Gallery you'll find this adorable newly opened cafe. I have literally walked past here a thousand times as it's conveniently located a few feet from one entrance to Aldgate East station. Today I finally stopped in. 

The menu is huge, the blackboard spans the whole length of the wall with various breakfast and lunch options, especially sandwiches and wraps. The drinks menu is small and limited to a corner on the left side which tells me this is more of a place to eat than to drink. There is only one grinder with no label of where the beans are from, further indicating this is not trying to be an artisan coffee shop. The brownies they have on the counter look so tempeting but since my mission was to try their coffee I just order a flat white. 

There are two large tables in the back of the cafe and they offer free wifi (password is on the blackboard under the menu). With tons of space to spread out, this seems like it would be a great spot to work while having lunch. 

Since I live so close and pass by this place everyday I had high hopes it would become my new spot to grab coffee on my way to work. Though I may not be coming here for the coffee, I will come back for their pasteries.  Judging from their facebook page they seem to rotate their selection of baked goods and all of them look delicious.

8a5ff611-415c-4b3c-a97b-1841dcef9042

STK is a lovely cafe on Whitechapel High Street.  Whilst I was working nearby as a temp I divided my lunchtimes between this place and Exmouth Coffee Co, but I think food-wise this place wins hands down.

Make sure you say Hi to Janet - if she's not too busy making sandwiches -  she runs the place and she is lovely.  She remembered my name the second time I came in.  Impressive.

I was totally impressed with the range of interesting sandwiches (with lots of vegetarian options) that were on the board.  The one with emmental and onion jam is delicious.  You get a choice of bread for your sandwich too.  Olive bread is my favourite.

I'm not around the Whitechapel area much anymore, but one day I will come back and try the Milo Dinosaur.

d4cbc17c-bb57-4a85-8b88-b8d6e4d4a331

You'll find Strait Times Kopitiam, tucked among several other coffee shops along this trending East London stretch, but its fundamental South East Asian roots quickly set it apart; from the inspired menu to the two large dining tables made of real durian tree wood.

I tried the Flat White whilst a friend got the Cappuccino, and found them both amazing with a slight chocolatey edge to them. The sandwich contents are ordered in and they have a few varieties of bread to choose from, a toasted Cranberry Chicken on rosemary bread was delightful. 

I would also recommend their (alcohol-free) Mango Mojito for a refreshing beverage in the heat we're sure to expect soon in the summer.

d01ad1cc-3e7f-4596-a2c2-99b46396105c

Breakfast was tremendous and my Americano was excellent.  The panini style bagel with avocado and bacon was perfect - as was everything.  We got here and had almost the whole place to ourselves - around 9:00am.  Janet was personable and pleasant - so support this wonderful business and owner because we need more shoppes like this!

e31a4807-8d0a-4d0c-a8e1-2eedb9bd91d7

Super cute little cafe! The auntie Janet is very friendly and I enjoyed my milo dinosaur break here. The pastries and sandwiches in the menu looked delicious! I will have to stop in for lunch one of these days. Definitely much better ambiance than a sterile coffee/sandwich place that are plentiful around London.

2d023521-9d6c-42c3-a57a-21b7070a127e

What a great place. We were staying in White Chapel during our trip to see the Bills play, and Straits Times Kopitiam immediately became our group's stop every morning on the way to the tube. My favorite was the simple but amazing smoothie made with milk, avocado, and coconut sugar. I was so pleased to find something nutritious and filling that wasn't based on flour.

Oh, but don't worry - there were plenty of cakes, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and other "flour based" goodies for those looking for them! The service was great - the owner is so kind and focused on customer satisfaction. It only took her 2 days to begin to remember everyone's order and we were genuinely sad to say goodbye on our last day. Definitely worth frequenting!

05301232-6771-49b7-96d1-e35f17095af8

The name caught my attention when I was on my way to the white chapel. "kopitiam", a word that only Singaporeans and Malaysians will understand. After checking out the cakes at a few of the pretty cafes in the area, I decided to head to this place and see what they offer. Pleased with my decision! 

Ordered a matcha latte and pecan pie. Neither is a Singaporean dish but both are delicious and highly value for money! Being deprived of decent matcha latte in Berlin has made me very cautious of ordering it.  I like that the milk didn't overwhelm the matcha taste. And at 2.50 a cup, it is much cheaper than most other cafes. 

Although I am not certain, I think the pecan pie might contain palm sugar or something that reminds me of south east asian dessert. So it is perfect for me - the texture of a pie with a hint of home.

89511357-60de-4ff0-a9e5-295bac9beaf5

This is my favorite cafe in town! The auntie is so friendly and nice. We ordered two sandwiches, both are really amazing! The spread and stuffing just so matched to the bread. I will miss it so much when I leave London!

Straits Times Kopitiam: Authentic Southeast Asian Coffee & Delicious Sandwiches in Whitechapel, London

Nestled on Whitechapel High Street, Straits Times Kopitiam offers a delightful dining experience steeped in South East Asian flavors. With a diverse menu that caters to both quick bites and leisurely meals, this charming café is a must-visit for anyone in London.

Kick off your meal with delightful starters that set the tone for a flavorful journey. Options include:

– A refreshing blend packed with antioxidants.

 – Perfectly flaky with a nutty sweetness.

The main dishes are where the café truly shines, showcasing a variety of sandwiches and salads that reflect both creativity and quality.

 – Juicy chicken on rosemary bread, a flavor that lingers.

 – A perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Don’t forget to indulge in Straits Times Kopitiam's homemade desserts that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

 – Rich, chocolatey, and utterly unforgettable.

 – A light and flavorful treat that brings a tropical touch.

Quench your thirst with a selection of beverages that perfectly complement your meal.

 – Smooth with a subtle chocolatey undertone.

Be sure to ask about the daily specials that showcase seasonal ingredients and chef's creativity!

Savor authentic Malaysian flavors at Straits Times Kopitiam in London’s Whitechapel. Experience vibrant cuisine in a cozy setting—book your table now!

Straits Times Kopitiam - Authentic Malaysian Food in London

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Straits Times Kopitiam

a vibrant east london coffee spot with southeast asian charm

66a Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 7PL

cuisine types: coffee, cakeshop, sandwiches

a lively east london cafe with southeast asian roots

explore delicious southeast asian inspired menu items

Enjoy traditional Southeast Asian drinks like the flavorful Milo Dinosaur and aromatic Matcha Latte.

Savor a variety of sandwiches and wraps, including vegetarian options with flavorful fillings like emmental and onion jam.

Sample their freshly baked cakes, including brownies and pineapple cake, which many visitors rave about for their indulgent flavors.

Discover a cozy ambiance with friendly service, perfect for a quick coffee break or a relaxed lunch in Whitechapel.

exploring straits times kopitiam in london: a charming coffee and cake spot with Southeast Asian roots'}]}], [{

friendly atmosphere and Southeast Asian influence

Located at 66a Whitechapel High Street in London, Straits Times Kopitiam is celebrated for its authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly its unique coffee offerings and delicious cakes. Visitors often praise the friendly service and the cozy, inviting ambiance that reflects a Southeast Asian vibe.

The cafe is renowned for its diverse menu, including sandwiches, salads, and breakfast options, which are made with fresh ingredients. Its signature drinks, like the milo dinosaur and the mango mojito, stand out for their delightful flavors and refreshing qualities. Customers appreciate the extensive selection of baked goods, including both homemade and quality imported cakes, which make for a perfect sweet treat.

However, some might find the menu's focus on food rather than coffee a bit limiting if they're seeking a specialist coffee bar. Its space and atmosphere make it a great spot for casual meetings or a relaxed work session, with free Wi-Fi and ample seating.

Overall, Straits Times Kopitiam offers a vibrant blend of Southeast Asian flavors and a warm, friendly environment, making it a charming choice for those looking to explore diverse cuisines in London. Its affordability and authentic dishes make it a beloved local favorite, though its limited focus on coffee might not satisfy true coffee connoisseurs seeking a artisan experience.

Straits Times Kopitiam: Authentic Southeast Asian Coffee & Delicious Sandwiches in Whitechapel, London

Satyrio

Wrap it Up!

Pret A Manger