The Malaya — Restaurant in Sydney

There were a few service hiccups during our recent revisit to The Malaya at King Street Wharf. Our wine—the 2023 Salo Chardonnay ($111)—was poured into our sparkling water and we were warned off a vegetable dish with “even vegetarians don’t like it.” However staff were genuinely apologetic—sending out a an enjoyable and cuisine appropriate Assam Boy ($24) cocktail—and undercutting the kitchen’s menu came from a desire to please.

As for the lure, the beef rendang ($36) here is a solid if not extraordinary, exemplar with a rich and fragrant gravy and good quality hunks of tender beef. The preferred vegetable dish—kerabu vegetables ($28)—was enjoyably spicy, notable for its straw mushrooms flavour bombs. Other Sydney Malay restaurants have surpassed the roti ($15) served here. It was heavy and doughy against a pasty chicken curry. Skip it in favour of a generous beef salad ($25) where thin slices of beef drizzled with laksa oil mingle with springy fresh coriander coated lightly in lemongrass dressing. Barramundi ($40) is not usually a fish I order—all too often it’s floury and bland—but the barbecued version here, wrapped up in a well charred banana leaf, sure is a winner. It’s quite feisty on the heat levels with laksa chilli sambal, but hard to stop eating.

Do note this very longstanding restaurant (opened in 1963) under the third generation of the same family (Wong See) is about to make the jump to a new location. Quite soon you’ll find it with a slightly refreshed menu in the north...

The Malaya is a top-notch dining destination that offers an exceptional culinary journey through the rich flavors of Malaysian cuisine. Nestled in a prime location with stunning waterfront views, the restaurant provides a perfect setting for both casual and special dining occasions.

The menu at The Malaya is extensive and beautifully curated, featuring a variety of traditional Malaysian dishes that are packed with bold and authentic flavors. From the fragrant curries and stir-fries to the delectable satays and noodles, every dish is expertly prepared using high-quality ingredients. Signature dishes like the Laksa, Beef Rendang, and King Prawns are must-tries and truly highlight the chef's expertise.

The ambiance at The Malaya is elegant yet inviting, with tasteful decor and a relaxed atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience. The panoramic views of the harbor add an extra touch of charm, making it an ideal spot for enjoying a meal with friends, family, or a special someone.

Service at The Malaya is outstanding, with attentive and friendly staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to provide recommendations. The efficient and courteous service contributes to a seamless and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, The Malaya offers an unforgettable dining experience with its delicious Malaysian cuisine, stunning views, and impeccable service. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to savor the authentic flavors of Malaysia in a beautiful and welcoming setting. Highly...

I’ve been visiting The Malaya for over 20 years, and I must admit, I feel quite disappointed with the changes at the new venue. It seems to lack the warm atmosphere I’ve come to love, and the menu choices have noticeably diminished.

When I arrived, I was seated next to the kitchen, which wasn’t ideal. I kindly asked the maître d' if I could move to a window table for two, but I was told it was reserved. It’s puzzling how a table can be reserved when the restaurant was not fully occupied. Thankfully, I was able to switch to a different table away from the kitchen, but it was quite cool inside. I never expected to need a jacket for dinner!

On a positive note, our waiter was very attentive and provided excellent service throughout our meal. However, I couldn’t help but notice that the menu had significantly fewer options than before, and I was saddened to see that the beloved Opor Ayam was no longer available.

When the food arrived, I was disappointed to find that only two dishes were served at a good temperature. It seemed the chilly atmosphere affected the Nasi Goreng, as it got cold rather quickly. Rather than request a reheat, we opted to get the remaining dishes as takeaway so we could enjoy them hot at home.

Overall, it was a disappointing experience at what used to be our favorite Malaysian restaurant. I hope The Malaya can find its way back to the charm and warmth that made it special for...