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    Serai

    4.1 (15 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Serai Reservations

    Order Serai Takeout or Delivery

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    Beef Chow Fun
    Katie K.

    Ordered through door dash for the drunken noodles and have ordered 3 times since already, lol. Amazingggg food, flavor, quality chicken, and spice. Best $12 ever spent. The crab Rangoons are AMAZING as well, which says a lot because I have tried at least 30 in the city. These are top 5. Lastly, beef chow fun was okay. It didn't have much flavor and the beef was tough/hard to bite through so not a fan of that.

    Jocelyn G.

    Finally found a place that sells typical Singaporean and Malaysian dishes! The staff here are super friendly and attentive. The food was pretty good, especially since there aren't that many Singaporean/malaysian restaurants in the city. I will say some of the dishes like rojak weren't exactly what I've had in Asia, but this is a good place to go to if you have any cravings.

    Roti
    Karen C.

    Serai is now at Kapitan. The shared space has plenty of seating. The staff is nice. I had their Roti Canai and Nasi Lamak. Both dishes were super flavorful and had such depth. They probably have the best Malaysian food in the city. I highly recommend you give them a try!

    A glass of iced Milo and a can of Milo
    Chris Kouju K.

    Was shocked at the low amount of reviews until I found out that this is the new address for Serai, which has accumulated a lot more reviews in their old yelp page. As mentioned, Serai now shares the same locale with Kapitan, since their merge around January 2025. A little confusing, since the staff offer you menus from both restaurants and a certain dish could have different prices. Anyway being Malaysian, I was super excited to try my first Malaysian restaurant in Chicago. For appetisers, we ordered rojak merah, a kind of salad with bite-sized pieces of chopped pineapple, jicama, cucumber, crushed peanuts, and green apple topped with a sweet and spicy sauce. This was really good - refreshing, a little bite from the sauce that usually pairs well together. I found the sauce however a little too much, too thick, even though I asked for the sauce to be set aside in a little bowl so I could control the amount. This unfortunately meant that the sauce overpowered the fruits etc. Another dish we ordered was chee cheong fun, a kind of rolled up rice noodle cut into chunks and topped with fried onions, sesame seeds, and a savory sweet gravy. I really missed this dish back home, especially the Teluk Intan version where my father grew up. I was deeply disappointed to find that the noodle rolls were too thick and not soft and delicate at all. I really don't mean to sound mean, but I found it inedible. Definitely not worth 10 dollars. Things finally looked up when the char kuay teow arrived--fried flat rice noodles with generous portions of shrimp, calamari, bean sprouts and spring onion. The noodles were a little soft and overcooked, but the flavour was delicious! Definitely a dish worthy of Malaysia. Kudos needs to go to whoever decorated the interior. While a little haphazard, the wall art and showcase of native crafts really lend a warm charm reminiscent of Malaysian hospitality. For drinks, we ordered iced Milo, a malt drink nearly every kid grew up with. It certainly hit the spot. Huge appreciation to our wait staff Flo for being so sweet and attentive to our needs! The new Serai is worth at least a visit. There are still a lot of other dishes I really want to try next time, such as the soft shell crab fried rice, a beefed-up elevated version of a Ramly burger (I remember how thin these roadside vendor burgers were!), and turmeric fried rice.

    We've been regulars at the old and new Serai locations for years. A few weeks ago we ordered our favorite dish - multiple orders of Roti Prata. The quantity thatwas delivered was less than half what it should be (has been over the years.. and we've ordered this maybe a hundred times so we know the quantity well). .. The order was delivered by the restaurants own delivery. While we've seen inconsistent quantity before but never before was it anywhere near this little so never called to complain... we ignored it becasue we liked the dish. Called to tell the restaurant about it this time and the person who answered the call was apologetic but had me email the restaurant's official email. Two emails and a month later theres still no response. The true quality of an establishment is seen in how they handle problems. Wont ignore it any longer, this restaurant is off our places to go to.

    Curry laksa (serai)
    Matthew H.

    It seems Serai closed and reopened, and now shares a location with Kapitan, so I guess this is a review for both restaurants. Interesting. Anyway, my friend and I came last Thursday for dinner -- really big (and no-frills) restaurant and it was not very busy. Our server was friendly and helpful with our questions, and service was prompt and efficient. We ordered the kaya toast and roti canai as appetisers. The kaya toast was yummy (and honestly a bit rare to find in the US), but I think the portion size was definitely a bit small for the price. Roti canai was yummy -- I loved how fluffy and flaky the roti was -- and the curry was delicious, if not a bit too salty. We also ordered the mee goreng, which was a bit more disappointing. The underlying flavour of ketchup was really just too strong and drowned out all the other (sweet or savoury) sauces. The noodles were also too soft / soggy, but I thought the other ingredients (veggies, tofu) were good. Finally we had the curry laksa (the serai recipe - apparently the toppings are different), which I would definitely recommend. The egg noodles were very well-cooked to a great chewiness, and I really liked the variety of tasty toppies it came with (loved the chicken and char siu, and the fish balls were soft and very flavourful). I wish there were more broth because the noodles did get dry very quickly. Overall a pretty good meal -- I'd be keen to come again :)

    Elizabeth A.

    Tried this South Asian spot recently and while the flavors were enjoyable, the portions felt a bit small for the price. The menu pricing also didn't fully match what we were charged, which was a little confusing. That said, the service was truly on point--warm, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish. With a bit more consistency on portions and pricing, this place has a lot of potential.

    Curry Vegetable: with green beans, potatoes, okra, eggplant, and a savory and delicious curry sauce.

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    Ask the Community - Serai

    Were you at a different location on the corner?

    Hi. Yes. We moved on Dec 29, 2024 from a different location. Our new address is 2142 n Clybourn Ave, Chicago IL 60614

    Are they BYOB?

    Not BYOB. Full bar and corkage fee

    Do you serve chili crab? Price?

    Chili crab are available at Kapitan. Based on market price of crab when you order. Range around $58 to $62 usually

    I am allergic to seafood and shellfish. Are there menu options that don't include any fish sauce etc?

    Yes. We have several dishes that can be done without fish sauce. The team will be able to help you.

    Gluten free options?

    This place is heavy on the noodle dishes, but does have rice on the menu.

    Are they Halal?

    The meat are sourced from halal sources. The restaurant itself is not halal.

    Are they opening for dining yet?

    We offer pickup and to go as per Chicago restaurant guidelines during Covid

    Hi, is this place serving zabihe halal meat?

    Yes it is. Sourced from restaurant depot

    Do you have Pinot Grigio or sauvignon blanc as wine options?

    Yes, we currently carry an Italian Pinot Grigio and a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

    Is this BYOB?

    No, we have a full bar and cocktails

    Is this place halal?

    We serve halal option

    Are there gluten free options?

    Yes, we have a gluten free menu

    Do you have vegan dishes on your menu?

    Yes, we do have a few vegan options, please inform the server and they will be able to suggest the items

    Is it going to be open this 31st December 2018 to 2nd Jan 2019? As we are going for vacation to Chicago and would love to try this and other places!. What time does 1st Jan close? Thanks!

    Thanks for reaching out and welcome to Chicago. We are closed on the 31st but will be open on the 1st and 2nd.

    Are all your meats halal? There is pork in the menu, do you use the same pan for pork and halal meats? Very disturbing and I would like an honest response. Thank you.

    Hi, Our chicken and lamb are certified halal. When at the restaurant, please inform your server your meals should be prepared halal and we will use different cooking… Read more

    Hi Victor - is there a grocer you suggest to pick up Malaysian staples like belacan?

    Hi Wendy. Our belacan is homemade. I think you might be able to get it at some of the Vietnamese market.

    Is the food halal?

    Hi Amy, We source our chicken from certified halal sources. Most of our dishes can also be made… Read more

    Do you have gluten free options?

    Hi Khloe, Yes, we do have multiple gluten free options. Feel free to check with the team when you… Read more

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    Mango Mango Dessert

    Mango Mango Dessert

    4.4
    (444 reviews)
    4.8 mi
    $$

    I love mangos and with a shop named Mango Mango, it's a requirement to check it out. This shop was…read morepacked and quite busy. It has a loud yet lively atmosphere. There was a line but fortunately the wait wasn't long and I saw a table open up just after I ordered. Food arrived quickly. I got the mango snowcloud and it was huge! It's definitely around a 2 or 3 people's serving size. Lushious cubes of ripe mangos sprinkled with mango popping boba surrounded the mountain of soft, pillowy, creamy, mango milk ice, which was topped with mango ice cream, further drizzled with mango sauce. It was decadent and refreshing, so tasty yet not overwhelmingly sweet. The flavors were so good!!! Highly recommend this and would be back to try other items on their menu.

    Mango Mango Dessert is a dessert shop that focuses on fresh fruit flavors, especially mango-based…read morecreations inspired by Hong Kong-style dessert shops. We walked into a casual and modern space that works well for stopping by after a meal or meeting up with friends for something sweet. The interior is bright and clean, with a relaxed energy that makes it easy to settle in for a dessert without feeling rushed. The menu has a wide range of options, from shaved ice and mango sago to cakes and other fruit desserts, making it easy to find something depending on your mood. The mango mille crepe cake is one of the highlights and a great representation of what the shop does well. We ordered a slice and found the cake made with thin layers of crepe stacked together with cream and fresh mango, creating a texture that feels light while still being satisfying. The layers are soft and delicate, and the mango adds a bright fruitiness that keeps the dessert from feeling overly heavy or too sweet. The balance between the creamy layers and the fresh mango flavor made it feel more refreshing than a traditional cake, especially with the mango being ripe and fragrant. It was also one of the better choices for sharing, as the slice was generous enough to pass around the table. Beyond the mille crepe cake, the menu has plenty of variety with options like mango shaved ice, mango sticky rice, and fruit-based drinks. We appreciated that the desserts are presented carefully, making the experience feel more like a sit-down dessert stop rather than just grabbing something quick. The shaved ice was light and fluffy, with a good amount of mango and toppings that added texture without overwhelming the base. The fruit-based drinks were also refreshing and served as a nice palate cleanser between the richer desserts. The shop can get busy, especially after dinner hours, but the line usually moves along at a steady pace. The staff handled the flow efficiently, and the turnover was fast enough that even with a small wait, we were seated quickly. The seating area is comfortable, and the energy of the room stays lively without becoming too loud. Mango Mango Dessert is a solid Chinatown dessert destination if you are looking for fruit-forward sweets with a lighter, refreshing style. The mango mille crepe cake is a must-try for first visits and one of the items that best captures the appeal of the menu, offering a dessert that feels both visually appealing and satisfying to eat.

    Photos
    Mango Man-Coco Sticky Smoothie
    Mango Man-Coco Sticky Smoothie
    Mango taiwanese shaved ice $14.99
    Mango taiwanese shaved ice $14.99
    Strawberry and mango sago

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    Strawberry and mango sago
    UFOUU

    UFOUU

    4.3
    (60 reviews)
    4.8 mi

    Cheesecake was fire, was fluffy and not too sweet. Very cute shop. A bit pricey for the portion,…read morebut it's Chicago.

    I recently tried UFOUU, the Chicago-based bakery known for their Japanese-style cheesecakes, and…read moreoverall it was a really a hit for me. I wish I was able to travel with one of their cheesecakes but they require refrigeration. Anyhow the cheesecake itself was delicious super light, fluffy, and honestly felt like biting into a cloud. I had the salted egg but they had several flavor options that I would've loved to try if slices were available. The texture is what really stands out, and the flavor was unique and interesting in a good way. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it taste like, but it was sweet, but not too sweet They only sale but I consider a personal size but it's definitely enough to share with two people, maybe even three depending on how much of a sweet tooth you have. My only downside like others is the price. Paying around $19-$20 for a small cheesecake felt a bit steep, especially since they don't offer slices. I really wish they had smaller portions available so you could try different flavors without committing to a full cake prize. They package it very well and they also serve you a cute little fork set and a knife for cutting which I think is contributes to the price. The shop itself is very cute with chic décor and a lot of Asian-inspired artwork, which adds to the overall vibe. Customer service was friendly. When I visit Chicago again I'd definitely go back the texture and taste alone make it worth it but I do hope they consider offering smaller portions in the future.

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    Matcha
    Matcha
    UFOUU
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    Mabu Generation

    Mabu Generation

    4.3
    (58 reviews)
    4.8 mi
    $$

    We came to Mabu Generation on a Sunday evening when the restaurant was not busy and was actually…read moreunusually quiet. One thing I personally did not like was that they require customers to pay first before the food comes out. For a sit-down restaurant, I prefer to eat first and pay after, especially when service is expected. The service was not very proactive during our visit. The food was okay, but nothing really stood out to me. For the price, I felt it was a little pricey compared to Taipei Cafe, and the overall experience did not feel worth it. Overall, the food was just alright, the service could be improved, and the pay-first system was not something I liked. I don't think I would come back.

    Decided to spontaneously eat here on a friday night while walking past and did not regret it…read more The restaurant wasnt overly crowded or loud and, the service was great while the food was even better. The taiwanese style popcorn chicken and pork cutlet were super juicy and tender with nicely crisp breading. The sausage had a pleasant sweetness to it and was served with garlic chips, which added a nice touch. Finally, the broth of the Sichuan noodles was packing with flavor: sweet, tangy, spicy, umami - truly hit all the spots without being too numbing to your mouth, if thats one of your concerns Would definitely return to try the other menu items, especially their hot sizzling plates and their dessert/drink offerings

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Ovaltine Condensed milk French toast
    Ovaltine Condensed milk French toast
    R07. Japanese Style Curry & Garlic Udon With Mashed PotatoTempura Shrimp

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    Te’amo Boba Bar

    Te’amo Boba Bar

    4.4
    (273 reviews)
    4.8 mi
    $$

    Are you guys ready for this review??…read more So my partner decided we are going to china town for lunch with his mom and sister. Family day in the city, DURING A SNOWSTORM!! We arrive, place is closed, will open in 10 mins. Perfect, we go to a near by shop and I spot some demon hunter Stanley cups!! I get them of course! We head to lunch, everything is great! As we are heading out, my partners sister spots Te'amo! I ask if she's ever had mochi donuts. She hasn't, so of course we must stop in because everyone needs to try them at least once!!! We order at the kiask and patiently wait for our order. We get our order and leave....leaving the bag with the Stanley's behind!!! We don't realize this until we are home (45 mins away)! I immediately call, no answer, call again, no answer. I decide to DM their instagram page and guess what??? THEY HAD THE CUPS!!! Here I was thinking $150 in cups were gone. But they had them!!! A miracle!! 10/10 stars!! Anyway! I highly recommend the brûlée ube milk tea and the ube mochi donuts!!

    We stopped in whilst visiting Chinatown. We have one in our town and like to visit it on occasion…read more We ordered 5 drinks on the kiosk and found a place to sit in the back corner. Our order was ready pretty quick and everyone seemed happy with their drinks. The drinks are so pretty! Te'amo is pretty small and the night we went it was really messy.

    Photos
    Te’amo Boba Bar
    Super cute, friendly, fast and amazing boba! Definitely a place to check out.
    Super cute, friendly, fast and amazing boba! Definitely a place to check out.
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    Ube Mochi Donut

    Serai - malaysian - Updated July 2026

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