Nestled in the heart of the local community at 7 Furneaux St, Griffith ACT 2603, Abell's Kopi Tiam stands as a welcoming destination for those seeking a genuine taste of traditional coffee shop culture. The establishment captures the spirit of a classic Kopi Tiam, a term deeply rooted in Southeast Asian heritage, where the focus remains on the simple pleasure of a well-brewed cup of coffee paired with comforting, familiar dishes. Stepping into the space, guests are greeted by an atmosphere that prioritizes warmth and hospitality, making it an ideal spot for morning rituals, casual afternoon catch-ups, or a quiet moment of reflection away from the bustle of daily life.
The philosophy behind Abell's Kopi Tiam is centered on the idea that food and drink serve as the primary bridge between people. By maintaining a focus on quality ingredients and time-honored preparation methods, the kitchen ensures that every plate served reflects a commitment to consistency and flavor. The environment is designed to be unpretentious, allowing the quality of the offerings to take center stage. Whether you are a long-time resident of Griffith or a visitor exploring the local culinary landscape, the shop offers a consistent experience that feels both personal and grounded in community values.
The layout of the venue encourages a relaxed pace, inviting patrons to linger over their orders. It is a place where the aroma of freshly prepared beverages mingles with the quiet hum of conversation, creating a sensory experience that is both nostalgic and contemporary. By honoring the traditions of the Kopi Tiam model while adapting to the preferences of the local Griffith demographic, the establishment has carved out a unique niche for itself. It is not merely a place to eat and drink, but a communal hub that values the social fabric of the neighborhood.
What Makes Abell's Kopi Tiam Special
Authentic Cultural Atmosphere: The establishment successfully recreates the inviting and communal vibe of a traditional Kopi Tiam, providing a distinct cultural experience that stands out in the local Griffith area.
Commitment to Quality Preparation: Every item on the menu is prepared with a focus on traditional techniques, ensuring that the flavors remain true to their origins and satisfy those looking for an authentic culinary experience.
Community-Centric Location: Situated at 7 Furneaux St, the shop serves as a convenient and accessible gathering point for locals, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among regular patrons and newcomers alike.
Consistent and Reliable Service: The team at Abell's Kopi Tiam prides itself on maintaining a high standard of hospitality, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and valued from the moment they arrive until they depart.
Beyond the menu, the true strength of Abell's Kopi Tiam lies in its ability to foster a sense of ease. In an era where dining experiences are often rushed or overly complex, this venue offers a refreshing return to basics. The staff understands that the value of a local coffee shop is measured not just by the items on the menu, but by the consistency of the service and the comfort of the surroundings. By focusing on these fundamental aspects, the shop has become a reliable fixture for those who appreciate a straightforward, high-quality dining experience.
The interior design reflects this commitment to simplicity, utilizing a clean and functional aesthetic that allows the focus to remain on the interaction between the guests and their food. It is a space that respects the history of the Kopi Tiam concept while fitting seamlessly into the modern architectural landscape of Griffith. This balance is difficult to achieve, yet it is executed with a level of care that is evident in every detail of the operation. From the way the tables are arranged to the attentive nature of the service, everything is geared toward creating a seamless and enjoyable visit.
As the neighborhood continues to evolve, Abell's Kopi Tiam remains a steadfast presence, providing a reliable anchor for the community. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-executed food and drink. Whether you are stopping by for a quick refreshment or looking to spend a longer period of time enjoying the ambiance, the shop provides a consistent level of quality that is increasingly rare. The dedication to maintaining these standards is what keeps the local community returning, ensuring that the spirit of the Kopi Tiam continues to thrive in the heart of ACT.
A Welcoming Invitation
If you find yourself in the Griffith area, Abell's Kopi Tiam is well worth a visit for anyone who values a genuine and relaxed dining environment. The combination of a welcoming atmosphere, a focus on traditional preparation, and a prime location at 7 Furneaux St makes it a standout choice for your next coffee break or casual meal. We invite you to experience the unique charm of our shop firsthand and discover why it has become a cherished part of the local neighborhood. We look forward to serving you and contributing to your daily routine with our commitment to quality and community spirit.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great wine list
Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Menus
Photos
Reviews Abell's Kopi Tiam
annette maruskanic
30-05-2026
A very tasty three courses for four of us.
Excellent service. The food is very good. I had the chicken and potato curry, but the chicken had a bit of gristle. All of the other meals were superb. More
Joshua Soo
30-05-2026
Solid Malaysian fare! Love the mee goreng, braised pork and chilli basil. The service is prompt
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Jennifer Kellett
30-05-2026
My husband and I were introduced to Kopi Tiam several years ago by friends who used to live in Canberra but now live in Sydney. This Malaysian restaurant has become a rendezvous favourite whenever our friends return to Canberra for a visit and it is no surprise why. The menu is enticing and the food always fresh and delicious. The staff are attentive and friendly. The restaurant is cozy with both indoor and outdoor seating and in winter outdoor shelter and heating are provided. Highly recommend for a delicious, healthy meal and the banquet option is great value❣️🥢
May 2023 Yet another fabulous feast with great service with a smile!🥰
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Enrui Lim
30-05-2026
quite over priced, mee goreng was not authentic like what we have in southeast asia. beef rendang was good but overpriced, char keuy teow was the best out of what we ordered. tofu goreng was also good but sauce was too sweet.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Bahjat Alirani
30-05-2026
Portions were way too damn small for the prices they are charging. The food is good, but not the best. You can go to Dickson and get way better value for your food for cheaper too. I guess the price is justified for its location.
Service was friendly and efficient. And the restaurant is cozy. I liked that you can sit outside during winter because they have outdoor heaters and doonas.
Soniqbuoy
30-05-2026
if you're looking for a great Malaysian restaurant that provides great dishes that are full of flavour, well balanced and good texture, then Abel's Kopi Tiam is the place for you.
From the moment you arrive, you're warmly greeted and seated promptly. On busy occasions, and you haven't booked, you may be required to wait a while.
Staff keep an eye on your tea and rice levels and promptly ask you if you'd like refills. Lots to try and be tantalised about. The Teowchew braised pork has a wonderful flavour and aromatic scent, with a melt in your mouth tenderness. Double crispy duck is amazing, beef rendang is true to the Malaysian roots, and tofu goreng with satay sauce, and the aubergine and tofu with prawn sambal are delightfully amazing.
There are 3 Malaysian desserts - pulut hitam (black wild rice in coconut cream), sago pudding with gula Melaka (palm sugar) and kueh dadah (Pandan crepe filled with coconut that's hae been sweetened with palm sugar). There is a sticky date pudding also.
Worth repeat dining.
It's great for orders to go also.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Nasi Goreng, Char Kway Teow, Nyonya Coconut & Pandan Pancake, Braised Tofu and Spinach, Duck Green Curry, Sago Rice Pudding, Crispy Boneless Chicken, Chilli and Basil Chicken
Vegetarian options
There are plenty of vegetarian dishes on the menu to try. Stand out dishes is the tofu goreng, and aubergine and tofu with sambal.
Brett Saint
30-05-2026
Unbelievable. Loved all dishes I tried. Highly recommend the Mr Chen's Pork and Mushroom spring rolls with a beautiful sweet soy sauce. The Beef and Potato Curry Puffs and the Nasi Goreng and Roti were cooked to perfection and delicious. Highly recommend this place!
Fi Ola
30-05-2026
We thought we would give this place a go despite the reviews of average overpriced food. What a mistake! We sat down and wanted to test with one dish, keeping the menu to order more if it was good and worth the price. The waiter took our order and left. A little while later, the lady (appeared to be the owner) came to our table and said since we were three people, we would need to order more. Since we had been debating whether to eat here at all, we asked she cancel the order. She then said she wouldn't cancel the order as it was already being cooked. Lady, we aren't paying for more food when you wouldn't let us quality check or taste the first dish. I finally said we would get the one dish to go. She was extremely rude for a situation she had a part in, offered no solutions and the food was not even worth it. We paid almost $30 for this one small box of fried chicken in soy - greasy and just tasted like unfiltered soy sauce. Do not recommend - visit at your own risk.
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Victoria Teoh
30-05-2026
The food is overpriced!!!! We order the Roti $8 for 2 pieces and what we get is frozen roti not the fresh make. And when the waitress serve the roti don't even give cutlery 🙄 what let the customer eat with bare hand? … More
Kurt Eldridge
30-05-2026
I’ve traveled the world looking for the best spring roll, the pork and mushroom spring rolls are the winner. Beef Randang was amazing, I’ve never had beef so tender. More
Allan Cottrell
30-05-2026
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️✨
Location 🙂 (Good)
Ambience 🥰 (Very nice. Great touch with blankets for each outdoor chair. Nice … More
Cameron Dawson
30-05-2026
Fantastic Malaysian style dishes served at a reasonable price in Manuka. Everything was delicious and the staff were very friendly. More
Justan Knoff
30-05-2026
Nice food, great staff & service. Char kway teow was very mild. Needed a nice hit of chilli. Mr Chen's spring rolls were beautiful. So well made & very flavourful. … More
Coco
30-05-2026
Service is really good and welcoming. However I asked for no Tofu in my rice. They did not care for that . More
jessie Brown
30-05-2026
I’ve been going for over a decade and it has always been amazing. I have never been disappointed in their food. Highly recommend. More
john mitchell
30-05-2026
If you’re looking for somewhere which will give you a flavour infusion sending you all the way back to Malaysia. Then this is the place for you and you’ll be looked after by the most welcoming host..
Originally we were booked in at another restaurant a couple of doors away.. but their lack of customer service had us looking for another option for dinner and we hit the jackpot!
We three had…
a seafood laksa, a lamb curry with vegetables and a basil curry chicken all of which had huge flavours and intensities and we shared the generous serve of Jasmine Rice provided.
Our only criticism is If only there was a Savignon blanc available by the carafe option among the other wines, it would’ve been just perfect for us. Next time we are in Canberra we will be back, until then thank you for your hospitality and delicious meals.
Order type
Dine in
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Vegetarian options
Malaysian vegetarian options are there
Parking options
Paid street parking
Simone Vieira
30-05-2026
Vegan friendly options in the menu, good size portions, staff is very friendly and helpful, service is also good. We tried the vegan Mee Goreng and a Nasi Goreng, both were delicious.
Cool Name
30-05-2026
Yummy! Really nice! First time and will be back in the future! Tofu and mushroom soup is awesome! Just some meals are sweet not agree with me but still nice!
Stephen Claxton
30-05-2026
Tasty food, excellent service, we sat outside and it was warm and cosy.
Manu Nation
30-05-2026
Had dinner here around 8 on a Saturday night. Very friendly staff, great service, and the roast duck green curry and chef's special spring rolls were both excellent. Only a short wait for the food too. Not cheap, but high quality in all respects. More
Aaron Chuah
30-05-2026
Most authentic M'sian/S'porean kopi and teh with condensed milk that we've had in Cbr, and the empty mugs say it all. Great service and taste for their other dishes too.
caroline s
30-05-2026
It was a cold night in Canberra when we arrived. Surprisingly we sat out in their warm heated side curb tent. The surprises did not end there.
The spring rolls were some of the best I have ever had! Crisp outside, large, … More
Cathy Dearnley
30-05-2026
I'm editing my once very warm review to a luke warm one.
We've enjoyed the meals here for a while but had taken them home. Well food out of plastic containers isn't as nice so we've gone a couple of times to eat in. … More
Erin S.
30-05-2026
Loved the Eggplant & Tofu dish, and the calamari was tasty. Nasi Goreng was a bit bland. However it was rather expensive and they don't split the bill. Felt a little rushed with the staff packing up around us at 8.40pm, putting chairs up on tables etc. I get they were keen to go home though. More
Donna Meyer
30-05-2026
Small venue & very popular place. Probably best to book. Service was excellent - friendly and attentive.
Food was ok but over priced & relatively small portions, for what you are … More
Tim Quinn
30-05-2026
Fair service and setting but food is ordinary and pricey. I had chicken laksa which had zero flavour and tough as nails. Better places two doors up… More
Sabeena Lal
30-05-2026
I stumbled across this place during a work visit to Canberra. Too hungry, didn't take photos of the food. Amazing food, sensational service with special thanks to Ong and Andy for the suggestions and service. … More
Jeremy Riley
30-05-2026
Great food, nice ambience, family run and centrally located. I've eaten here often and it never disappoints. They keep favourites on a consistently high quality menu and have some great specials. It's medium-priced but portions are generous. Favourites are MeeGoreng and Nasi Goreng. More
Ian M
30-05-2026
Great Malaysian food and nice service. Went with friends who love the place - easy to see why. Excellent rendang. (Only dish of 6 we ordered that was less than great was Char Kway Teow which didn’t have that street food super hot wok taste, … More
Christine Casey (Xtine KC)
30-05-2026
Abell and his team are simply fantastic. I’ve been going to Kopi Tiam for over 20 years and the consistency of amazing food is to be commended. Always the “go to” place whether you’re wanting a full meal or perhaps something lighter . More
annette maruskanic
30-05-2026
A very tasty three courses for four of us.
Excellent service. The food is very good. I had the chicken and potato curry, but the chicken had a bit of gristle. All of the other meals were superb. More
Joshua Soo
30-05-2026
Solid Malaysian fare! Love the mee goreng, braised pork and chilli basil. The service is prompt
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Jennifer Kellett
30-05-2026
My husband and I were introduced to Kopi Tiam several years ago by friends who used to live in Canberra but now live in Sydney. This Malaysian restaurant has become a rendezvous favourite whenever our friends return to Canberra for a visit and it is no surprise why. The menu is enticing and the food always fresh and delicious. The staff are attentive and friendly. The restaurant is cozy with both indoor and outdoor seating and in winter outdoor shelter and heating are provided. Highly recommend for a delicious, healthy meal and the banquet option is great value❣️🥢
May 2023 Yet another fabulous feast with great service with a smile!🥰
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Enrui Lim
30-05-2026
quite over priced, mee goreng was not authentic like what we have in southeast asia. beef rendang was good but overpriced, char keuy teow was the best out of what we ordered. tofu goreng was also good but sauce was too sweet.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Bahjat Alirani
30-05-2026
Portions were way too damn small for the prices they are charging. The food is good, but not the best. You can go to Dickson and get way better value for your food for cheaper too. I guess the price is justified for its location.
Service was friendly and efficient. And the restaurant is cozy. I liked that you can sit outside during winter because they have outdoor heaters and doonas.
Soniqbuoy
30-05-2026
if you're looking for a great Malaysian restaurant that provides great dishes that are full of flavour, well balanced and good texture, then Abel's Kopi Tiam is the place for you.
From the moment you arrive, you're warmly greeted and seated promptly. On busy occasions, and you haven't booked, you may be required to wait a while.
Staff keep an eye on your tea and rice levels and promptly ask you if you'd like refills. Lots to try and be tantalised about. The Teowchew braised pork has a wonderful flavour and aromatic scent, with a melt in your mouth tenderness. Double crispy duck is amazing, beef rendang is true to the Malaysian roots, and tofu goreng with satay sauce, and the aubergine and tofu with prawn sambal are delightfully amazing.
There are 3 Malaysian desserts - pulut hitam (black wild rice in coconut cream), sago pudding with gula Melaka (palm sugar) and kueh dadah (Pandan crepe filled with coconut that's hae been sweetened with palm sugar). There is a sticky date pudding also.
Worth repeat dining.
It's great for orders to go also.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Nasi Goreng, Char Kway Teow, Nyonya Coconut & Pandan Pancake, Braised Tofu and Spinach, Duck Green Curry, Sago Rice Pudding, Crispy Boneless Chicken, Chilli and Basil Chicken
Vegetarian options
There are plenty of vegetarian dishes on the menu to try. Stand out dishes is the tofu goreng, and aubergine and tofu with sambal.
Brett Saint
30-05-2026
Unbelievable. Loved all dishes I tried. Highly recommend the Mr Chen's Pork and Mushroom spring rolls with a beautiful sweet soy sauce. The Beef and Potato Curry Puffs and the Nasi Goreng and Roti were cooked to perfection and delicious. Highly recommend this place!
Fi Ola
30-05-2026
We thought we would give this place a go despite the reviews of average overpriced food. What a mistake! We sat down and wanted to test with one dish, keeping the menu to order more if it was good and worth the price. The waiter took our order and left. A little while later, the lady (appeared to be the owner) came to our table and said since we were three people, we would need to order more. Since we had been debating whether to eat here at all, we asked she cancel the order. She then said she wouldn't cancel the order as it was already being cooked. Lady, we aren't paying for more food when you wouldn't let us quality check or taste the first dish. I finally said we would get the one dish to go. She was extremely rude for a situation she had a part in, offered no solutions and the food was not even worth it. We paid almost $30 for this one small box of fried chicken in soy - greasy and just tasted like unfiltered soy sauce. Do not recommend - visit at your own risk.
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Victoria Teoh
30-05-2026
The food is overpriced!!!! We order the Roti $8 for 2 pieces and what we get is frozen roti not the fresh make. And when the waitress serve the roti don't even give cutlery 🙄 what let the customer eat with bare hand?
The Nasi Goreng Prawn and Chicken.....all I can tasted is soy sauce! Is $24.90/serve, the prawn is frozen too! And is not prawn is a shrimp!!!
I am Malaysian, I know what is Malaysian food taste like!
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 1
Noise level
Moderate noise
Wait time
No wait
Kurt Eldridge
30-05-2026
I’ve traveled the world looking for the best spring roll, the pork and mushroom spring rolls are the winner. Beef Randang was amazing, I’ve never had beef so tender. More
Allan Cottrell
30-05-2026
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️✨
Location 🙂 (Good)
Ambience 🥰 (Very nice. Great touch with blankets for each outdoor chair. Nice … More
Cameron Dawson
30-05-2026
Fantastic Malaysian style dishes served at a reasonable price in Manuka. Everything was delicious and the staff were very friendly. More
Justan Knoff
30-05-2026
Nice food, great staff & service. Char kway teow was very mild. Needed a nice hit of chilli. Mr Chen's spring rolls were beautiful. So well made & very flavourful. … More
Coco
30-05-2026
Service is really good and welcoming. However I asked for no Tofu in my rice. They did not care for that . More
jessie Brown
30-05-2026
I’ve been going for over a decade and it has always been amazing. I have never been disappointed in their food. Highly recommend. More
john mitchell
30-05-2026
If you’re looking for somewhere which will give you a flavour infusion sending you all the way back to Malaysia. Then this is the place for you and you’ll be looked after by the most welcoming host..
Originally we were booked in at another restaurant a couple of doors away.. but their lack of customer service had us looking for another option for dinner and we hit the jackpot!
We three had…
a seafood laksa, a lamb curry with vegetables and a basil curry chicken all of which had huge flavours and intensities and we shared the generous serve of Jasmine Rice provided.
Our only criticism is If only there was a Savignon blanc available by the carafe option among the other wines, it would’ve been just perfect for us. Next time we are in Canberra we will be back, until then thank you for your hospitality and delicious meals.
Order type
Dine in
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Vegetarian options
Malaysian vegetarian options are there
Parking options
Paid street parking
Simone Vieira
30-05-2026
Vegan friendly options in the menu, good size portions, staff is very friendly and helpful, service is also good. We tried the vegan Mee Goreng and a Nasi Goreng, both were delicious.
Cool Name
30-05-2026
Yummy! Really nice! First time and will be back in the future! Tofu and mushroom soup is awesome! Just some meals are sweet not agree with me but still nice!
Stephen Claxton
30-05-2026
Tasty food, excellent service, we sat outside and it was warm and cosy.
Manu Nation
30-05-2026
Had dinner here around 8 on a Saturday night. Very friendly staff, great service, and the roast duck green curry and chef's special spring rolls were both excellent. Only a short wait for the food too. Not cheap, but high quality in all respects. More
Aaron Chuah
30-05-2026
Most authentic M'sian/S'porean kopi and teh with condensed milk that we've had in Cbr, and the empty mugs say it all. Great service and taste for their other dishes too.
caroline s
30-05-2026
It was a cold night in Canberra when we arrived. Surprisingly we sat out in their warm heated side curb tent. The surprises did not end there.
The spring rolls were some of the best I have ever had! Crisp outside, large, … More
Cathy Dearnley
30-05-2026
I'm editing my once very warm review to a luke warm one.
We've enjoyed the meals here for a while but had taken them home. Well food out of plastic containers isn't as nice so we've gone a couple of times to eat in. … More
Erin S.
30-05-2026
Loved the Eggplant & Tofu dish, and the calamari was tasty. Nasi Goreng was a bit bland. However it was rather expensive and they don't split the bill. Felt a little rushed with the staff packing up around us at 8.40pm, putting chairs up on tables etc. I get they were keen to go home though. More
Donna Meyer
30-05-2026
Small venue & very popular place. Probably best to book. Service was excellent - friendly and attentive.
Food was ok but over priced & relatively small portions, for what you are … More
Tim Quinn
30-05-2026
Fair service and setting but food is ordinary and pricey. I had chicken laksa which had zero flavour and tough as nails. Better places two doors up… More
Sabeena Lal
30-05-2026
I stumbled across this place during a work visit to Canberra. Too hungry, didn't take photos of the food. Amazing food, sensational service with special thanks to Ong and Andy for the suggestions and service. … More
Jeremy Riley
30-05-2026
Great food, nice ambience, family run and centrally located. I've eaten here often and it never disappoints. They keep favourites on a consistently high quality menu and have some great specials. It's medium-priced but portions are generous. Favourites are MeeGoreng and Nasi Goreng. More
Ian M
30-05-2026
Great Malaysian food and nice service. Went with friends who love the place - easy to see why. Excellent rendang. (Only dish of 6 we ordered that was less than great was Char Kway Teow which didn’t have that street food super hot wok taste, … More
Christine Casey (Xtine KC)
30-05-2026
Abell and his team are simply fantastic. I’ve been going to Kopi Tiam for over 20 years and the consistency of amazing food is to be commended. Always the “go to” place whether you’re wanting a full meal or perhaps something lighter . More
Reviews Abell's Kopi Tiam