Mietta's Review
Almost next door to Timmy's Kitchen, this modern looking Malaysian cafe does standard dishes and the quality can be good. Pleasant for a quick noodle fix.

Other published opinions

Canberra Times Michael Brissenden, 26-03-08 Score: 13/20 "It's a little pricey, but Kopi Tiam is a cut above the normal suburban Asian restaurant"

Sydney Eats 2008 "Start with crispy whitebait with balsamic butter $9.50 or vegan satays $7.50, moving on to wokfried ling fillets with ginger sauce and warm vegies $15.90"

Canberra Times Bryan Martin, 22-11-06 " The food is authentic, exciting and value for money. Kopi Tiam is well and truly part of Manuka's culinary landscape."

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2007 Score: 12/20 "One of the first, cheaper, quality eateries to set up shop in fashionable Manuka, Abell's s a stayer, supplying consistently good Malaysian and Indonesian dishes that are big on flavour. Efficient staff squeeze between tables in a cosy space that's often full."

SMH Good Food Guide 2006 score 12/20 "Abell's Kopi Tiam was one of the first places in fashionable Manuka to offer mediump-riced, casual dining with a touch of panache - an approach that has won them a loyal following. It's a casual eatery - all bold colours and modest chairs - filled by a wok-load of journalists, politicians and the last few not in the city's main game. Staff are forever enthusiastic, if not always expert, as they squeeze between closely packed tables."

SMH GFG 2005 Score 12/20 "Far be it from us to condemn innovation or try to curb chef Abell Ong's penchant for devising new and intriguing dishes, but beware the fusion. We've just found over the years that if it's solidly good food you're after at Abell's, the more traditional-sounding Malaysian stuff is the go."

Sydney Cheap Eats 2005 "Abell's is still running hot, with its bright, cheerful ambience, pleasant service and good food."

Gourmet Restaurant Guide 2005 mentioned in Best Cheap Eats for Malaysian food

SMH GFG 2004,Score 12/20,'Abell Ong's small,colourful,crammed 'coffee shop' is a boisterous affair...graze a cheap and cheerful 40-plus-dish menu featuring good Nonya cuisine and its influences...Smiling staff are fast and friendly.'

Daily Telegraph Restaurant Guide 2004, Best Asian Restaurant ACT. 'Most regular menu items haven't changed since Abell's opened 5 years ago. The cheerful, casual attitude is offset by vibrant decor. Dine indoors or out.'

Canberra Times 7.2.02 good food bad service.