Image: Nasi Lemak take-out.
Last Updated: March 2025
Overview:
Makan has a great location on the corner of 11th and Park in Columbia Heights with big windows on two sides that can open to the street. It also occupies a niche in the D.C. dining world with its focus on Malaysian cuisine.
Malaysian cuisine has the benefit of straddling across the region, south of Thailand, north of Indonesia and enveloping Singapore. Despite its exposure to the sea the cuisine at Makan is dominated by beef, pork and chicken options, though shrimp does pop up a few times. The signature dish is probably beef rendang, dry beef curry in a thick dark paste served with rice. The ayam goreng incorporates salted duck yolk, fresh curry leaves and twice-fried chicken (that is both brined for 24 hours, then confit-ed before the frying) that draws from Chinese and other neighboring cuisines. If it is on the menu, don’t skip the pineapple curry, which is not more complicated than it sounds but works in delightful ways. We also agree with Washingtonian that the curry mee is really good, with two different types of noodles in a thick soup with large disks of chicken sausage. For dessert, the choices are limited but Michelin makes a plug for the roti canai as being a flaky, crispy “twist” on French toast with pandan coconut cream.
The space is large and can sometimes result in looping servers missing a table for a pass or two. On the other hand, the kitchen seems primed and efficient. There is a large bar, but those seats can be reserved too. They also operate the Thirsty Crow bar downstairs that also serves dishes from Southeast Asia, but not the exact same menu as upstairs. As a result the drinks list is long, with at least one take on a N/A. The efficiency of the kitchen may mean food beats drinks to the table.
Chef/Owner James Wozniuk worked at Maketto and Spoken English before opening Makan (March, 2020!). He fell in love with the cuisine during a layover and credits the Malaysian community in the Washington area for giving him assistance and encouragement. His efforts also get the nod from the Malaysians stationed at the embassy here.
Also offered is a takeout-only option of a dinner of whole chicken caked in spices.
Other Guidance: Located at street level, no stairs for Makan. There are a few vegetarian dishes on the menu, vegan might be a harder row to hoe. GF can do well. It is a classic nice neighborhood spot, no need to dress up.
Summary:
Cuisine: Other Asian (Malaysian)
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights/Petworth
Address: 3400 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010
Website: https://www.makanrestaurantdc.com/
Reservations: Resy on Website
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Tom’s positive joint review of three places adapting to take-out world.
Washingtonian: Top 100 in 2024; 2023. Preview and Limpert put a plug in during a chat.
Michelin: Bib Gourmand
Take-out Photos:
