Seemor
Makan CafeB-Worth Trying
270 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TY
· Malaysian restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Cafe
· 4.4/5 Google (920 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Authentic-leaning Malaysian comfort food with cafeteria-style options at fair prices; great for quick hearty meals near Portobello, but consistency and cleanliness can vary.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Makan Cafe delivers reliable Malaysian comfort food with friendly, attentive service and impressive speed, making it a solid neighborhood choice near Portobello Market. Food quality is strong for signature dishes like nasi lemak and satay, though inconsistent execution—particularly with laksa and portion sizes—prevents higher marks. Recent cleanliness concerns and quality fluctuations, combined with dated decor, keep this in solid B- territory rather than approaching grade A standards.
Restaurant Summary
Steps from Portobello Road, this cafe hums with market energy and trays of Malaysian comfort food. Diners describe friendly, fast service and plates that hit the table in minutes, the kind of spot where someone says, "We popped in hungry and left happily stuffed." The room feels casual and a bit retro, and there is plenty of bustle on busy market days. The cooking leans classic and hearty rather than showy—the culinary approach is traditional Malaysian comfort: nasi lemak, fried noodles, roti canai, and satay with a choose-your-plate format. Many praise the value and homestyle flavors, though a few recent reviews flag inconsistent laksa and occasional portion variation; best experiences tend to be dine-in with cooked-to-order items. Families do well here thanks to simple, kid-friendly dishes like chicken satay with rice or chips, plain fried noodles, chips, and egg fried rice. Spice can be moderated by choosing milder items, and the relaxed setting is welcoming for kids. There is no dedicated kids menu, but the format makes it easy to build a plate they will actually eat.
At a Glance
- Fast, friendly service with quick turnarounds
- Strong value for London with generous portions
- Quality varies—laksa and roti canai receive mixed feedback
- Cleanliness and toilets mentioned as issues by a minority
- Convenient for Portobello Market with plenty of choice
What Sets It Apart
- market-side_malaysian_cafeteria
- value_priced_set_plates
- broad_selection_of_malaysian_snacks
What People Love
- That first spoon of fragrant nasi lemak with sambal heat
- Counter selection that feels like a Malaysian cafeteria
- Teh tarik and snacky sides like curry puffs and banana fritters
- Prices that make a full meal feel like a deal
- Staff who help first-timers order confidently
Points of Concern
- Laksa quality fluctuates—some bowls praised, others described as thin or salty
- Cleanliness and toilet maintenance mentioned by several reviewers, though not universal
- Inconsistency in portion sizes reported on a few visits
- A couple of reports of upset stomach; isolated but worth noting
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost£18-24 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For mild palates: Egg Fried Rice (£4.95) plus Chicken Satay with Rice (£10.50)
- For vegetarians: Mee Goreng Vegetarian (£11.00) or Laksa Vegetarian (£11.00)
- Snack sampler: Curry Puffs (£1.20 each), Vegetable Samosa (£2.00), Cekodok (£1.50)
Perfect For
- Quick, filling lunch during Portobello Market
- Casual meetups with friends who want hearty comfort food
- Solo diners seeking a fast, affordable meal
- Families wanting halal-friendly options and simple plates
Location Insights
Area: Bustling market corridor with locals and visitors, casual and lively daytime energy.
Safety: Generally safe and well-trafficked during market hours; typical busy-street cleanliness and crowding.
Nearby: Adjacent to Portobello Market stalls, vintage shops, cafes; heavy weekend footfall.
Notting HillA trendy and culturally rich area famous for its colorful Victorian townhouses, vintage markets, and bohemian atmosphere. The neighborhood offers a sophisticated dining scene with a mix of upscale restaurants, artisan cafes, and international cuisine.
PortobelloHome to the world-renowned Portobello Road Market, this micro-neighborhood is characterized by its antique shops, street art, and vibrant weekend market culture. The dining scene reflects its eclectic and cosmopolitan character.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–22:00
Tuesday09:00–22:00
Wednesday09:00–22:00
Thursday09:00–22:00
Friday09:00–22:00
Saturday09:00–22:00
Sunday09:00–22:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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