The Malaya in Sydney is an institution, renowned for its vibrant Malaysian and Singaporean flavours. Established in the 1960s, it continues to impress with signature dishes like chicken and pork satay’s, char kway teow, and beef rendang, and all served with warm, attentive service that keeps diners returning.
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I’m catching up with friends I met years ago on a cruise, they’ve just returned from another one, so we decided to meet at this wonderful restaurant I hadn’t tried before. And it certainly didn’t disappoint!
Founded in 1963 by Wong Tai See, a Hong Kong born merchant seaman, The Malaya has relocated after 23 years at King Street Wharf to Grosvenor Place at 225 George Street, returning near to its original roots where it first opened its doors in Sydney.
For entree, it’s a tough choice between the chicken or pork satay, but we eventually go with the pork and wow, they’re delicious. The chilli satay sauce packs a punch, perfectly balanced by the side of acar pickles, soft, tangy, and pleasantly mild without that sharp, vinegary bite.
Once again, we struggle to choose between the chicken or beef rendang, but eventually settle on the beef, and what a great decision! The meat is wonderfully tender, and the rich, fragrant rendang sauce is absolutely outstanding.
The standout dish for me is the Char Kway Teow with chicken and prawns. It has that signature smoky flavour every great Char Kway Teow should have. The flat rice noodles have just the right bite, and the chicken and prawns were cooked to perfection.
The duck was tasty, though not my favourite dish of the day. What truly stood out, however, was the fragrant sauce, a beautiful blend of spicy coconut, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves that really elevated the flavours when spread across the duck. Once again, the side of acar pickles added a refreshing, tangy balance.
I can honestly highly recommend this restaurant, service is efficient and the food wonderfully delicious! I can’t wait to go back!
Matty Somewhere 
I had no idea it had been open since 1963-that’s amazing! Nor did I know it had relocated either. We used to love it when it first opened at King St Wharf and had many great dinners there.
Its so great! I need to go back so many more dishes to try!