I have a new favorite restaurant of 2011. I was at the four-star Le Bernardin last week for the first time, and it was fabulous. But that is not my new favorite restaurant. My new favorite restaurant is in a little alley in Chinatown, and it is New Malaysia Restaurant. A hidden gem of Malaysian cuisine. Flavorful and delicious dishes at great prices. I love this place so much I went three times last week. Each meal was a delight, and light on the wallet. If you like Malaysian cuisine, go immediately. If you never had Malaysian cuisine, go immediately.

You must order that most popular of Malaysian dishes, the roti canai ($2.95). It is perfect and great.

The best satay ($4.95) I've ever had is served here too. For sheer flavor it is a true winner. There might be more tender beef satays out there, but that peanut sauce smothered on these babies is so addictive, it had to request a restraining order against me to leave it alone.

The Penang Prawns Noodle Soup ($5.95) is absolutely fabulous! The soothing and flavorful soup, has the most aromatic and effervescent shrimp and fish flavor. I would slurp this soup daily. I did twice last week. It's a true joy to eat. Also, it's $5.95. Need I say more?

A dish with chicken, shrimp, and pork, inside fried taro was also really great. I loved the saltiness of the fried taro, it was a delicious complement to the medley of goodies inside it.

Asam Sting Ray Fish in Banana Leaf ($16.95), was unique and tasty. The sweet and sour sauce perked up my taste buds, and as I kept eating this dish, it got juicier and tastier with each bite. I never had sting ray before, and this was just proof that good things come to those who wait.

So for some of the best Malaysian food in NYC, head down to New Malaysia Restaurant, I guarantee you'll become addicted. It's better than heroin.

New Malaysia Restaurant
46-48 Bowery Chinatown Arcade #28 (bet. Bayard and Canal)
New York, NY 10013
212-964-0284