Straits Cafe

This is astounding food. Innovative but not weird. The owner chef, Chris Yeo, has been had this restaurant (and now 3 others) for over 10 years ago and it is still one of my favorite mid range restaurants in SF. Had a wonderful spicy beef stew. ... more

This is astounding food. Innovative but not weird. The owner chef, Chris Yeo, has been had this restaurant (and now 3 others) for over 10 years ago and it is still one of my favorite mid range restaurants in SF. Had a wonderful spicy beef stew. Puts all the mediocre Thai Musumans I have had recently to shame, spicy, tendy, rich but not oily. Came with 2 sides of heavenly coconut milk infused polenta triangles. Had the eggplant sauteed with peppers, which my veggie loving mother loved. Had the Nasi Goreng, instead of steamed rice and that was also very, very good with bright little bits of colorful, fresh, chopped veggies. I am gushing but the food is REALLY good here. I hadn't been in 7 years.....service is much improved. It was a full house at 8 pm on a Saturday night but service was attentive and prompt. Much better than competitors in this price range. less

With the same money you spend, I would suggest you visit Palo Alto branch since decor & service is much better there than in SF. Indian bread w/ curry sauce and blackpepper mussels are two of my favorite starters. One also suggest if you like th ... more

With the same money you spend, I would suggest you visit Palo Alto branch since decor & service is much better there than in SF. Indian bread w/ curry sauce and blackpepper mussels are two of my favorite starters. One also suggest if you like the flavor of their blackpepper sauce, you can also try the crab with the same cooking method. The roast duck is really good and the fish dishes are all tasty. One must finish his/her meal with the excellent banana pudding and mango cake or you are not getting the full experience.
As for drinks, I highly recommend singapore sling and mangopolitan. Blue lagoon will be nice for someone who don't like the taste of alcohol. less

Without a doubt, this is the best singaporean/Malaysian restaurant in the country. (We have been to about a dozen in many states; if you have a "contender for the top prize, let me know. But chances are I've already eaten there, unless it's quite ... more

Without a doubt, this is the best singaporean/Malaysian restaurant in the country. (We have been to about a dozen in many states; if you have a "contender for the top prize, let me know. But chances are I've already eaten there, unless it's quite new.) It's not cheap, as such food would be in its native lands, but it's authentic to the max and presented in a magnificent manner.
Unlike many U.S. Malaysian restaurants, which typically stress the Chinese portion of the fascinating four-cuisine cultures of the area (Chinese, Malay, Indian and Nonya (which resulted from the liaisons of 15th century Chinese sailors will local Malay girls and who were ostracized by both cultures), Straits Cafe shows off excellent examples of the traditional foods of each culture. Murtabak, Kueh Pie Tee, Rendang, Hainan Chicken Rice ... it's all here and wonderfully done. If I had to choose a favorite, it would be My favorite is Yu Sang, the raw fish and vegetable salad served principally around Chinese New Year's. But simply, everything here is fabulous.
The owner, Chris Yeo, has also produced an exquisite cookbook (with Joyce Jue, "The Cooking of Singapore") if you'd like to try making some of the super-tasty dishes at home. My Malaysian-born wife is very impressed not only with the authenticity of Chris' cooking, but oalso with his recipes. This is the gold standard for restaurants exhibiting this extremely tasty "crossroads" cuisines. less

I always find myself returning for the bread with curry sauce. I tend to prefer the more "exotic" dishes on the menu. Good cocktails. This is a fun place to take people. There is sometimes a wait for a table but it usually isn't very long. more

I always find myself returning for the bread with curry sauce. I tend to prefer the more "exotic" dishes on the menu. Good cocktails. This is a fun place to take people. There is sometimes a wait for a table but it usually isn't very long.
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I've been eating at the Straits when in town for several years. I've gone with social groups, business groups, with a female friend and even alone. Not once was I disappointed. The banana-leaf wrapped fish is sort of a signature dish, but I prefer ... more

I've been eating at the Straits when in town for several years. I've gone with social groups, business groups, with a female friend and even alone. Not once was I disappointed. The banana-leaf wrapped fish is sort of a signature dish, but I prefer the more Indian/Chinese fusion dishes. The location isn't ideal, but it is a wonderful place. Try it. the chef-owner is also a really nice guy. less

Very pleasant atmosphere. I liked the soft lighting. Even though it was crowded, it wasn't noisy. The spring rolls were interesting, but not special. The lamb soup (kambing) was very tasty, but the waiter didn't serve it into our bowls and left us to ... more

Very pleasant atmosphere. I liked the soft lighting. Even though it was crowded, it wasn't noisy. The spring rolls were interesting, but not special. The lamb soup (kambing) was very tasty, but the waiter didn't serve it into our bowls and left us to help ourselves. The salmon wrapped in a banana leaf is highly recommended. The curry chicken was just OK. less