What should I order at The Malaya?
The Malaya
Szechuan Eggplant
Repeatedly singled out as a standout for its great taste and bold flavors, with reviewers calling it a must-order item.
Salt and Pepper Prawns
Mentioned several times as a favorite for being addictive, flavorful, and one of the dishes people keep coming back for.
Black Pepper Beef
Recommended for its tender texture and robust, richly spiced flavor, with reviewers highlighting it as one of the meal standouts.
Chicken Satay Skewers
Praised as a recommended dish in the reviews, noted for being tasty and part of a well-loved spread of flavorful Malaysian dishes.
Salt and Pepper Scampi
Frequently highlighted as a top choice, including mentions that it should be ordered in advance and that it was a meal highlight.
Roti Canai
Recommended as part of the banquet and praised for pairing well with the rich sauces and curries.
Assam Prawns
Called out as a highlight in the banquet review for its vibrant flavor and strong showing among the seafood dishes.
Coconut Beef Rendang
Praised for tender beef and a very enjoyable flavor profile, making it a well-liked variation of rendang.
Crispy Lemak Duck
Recommended for being very good and part of an enjoyable overall dining experience.
Otak-Otak
Highlighted for its aromatic, spicy, and flavorful fish parcel preparation, making it a standout for lovers of bold South-East Asian flavors.
Nasi Goreng
Praised for being perfectly seasoned and savory, earning a spot among the restaurant’s standout dishes.
Char Kway Teow
Recommended for its smoky wok-tossed flavor and smooth, well-executed texture.
Sago Pudding
Mentioned as a comforting dessert with a creamy, subtly sweet finish that impressed reviewers.
Beef Malaya Curry
Called out as a favorite that reviewers “cannot get past,” suggesting it is a highly addictive and memorable curry.
Crab and Prawn Spring Rolls
Praised as delicious and memorable, with reviewers specifically recommending them as a standout starter.
Honey Prawns
Mentioned as being so good that the family ordered an extra one for the adults, showing strong enthusiasm for the dish.
Prawn Sambol
Noted for its bold flavor, though one reviewer felt it leaned heavily on shrimp paste; it was still mentioned among the restaurant’s authentic curry dishes.
Hours
| Monday | 12 to 2:30 PM, 5:30 to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12 to 2:30 PM, 5:30 to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 12 to 2:30 PM, 5:30 to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 12 to 2:30 PM, 5:30 to 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 12 to 2:30 PM, 5:30 to 9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 12 to 2:30 PM, 5:30 to 10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About The Malaya
Classic Malaysian cuisine in a contemporary space with a large balcony and harbour views.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Frequently asked questions
What is The Malaya known for?
The Malaya is best known for Malaysian food, especially beef rendang, laksa, and salt and pepper prawns. Reviewers also call out the rich curries, grilled skewers, and harbour-side setting, saying the food is full of flavor and the views of Darling Harbour add to the experience.
What dishes are most recommended at The Malaya?
Frequently recommended dishes include beef rendang, laksa, salt and pepper prawns or scampi, chicken satay skewers, crab and prawn spring rolls, and szechuan eggplant. Reviewers also mention roti with duck curry sauce, black pepper beef, and kapitan prawns as standouts, with many noting generous portions and well-balanced flavors.
What is the atmosphere like at The Malaya?
The Malaya has a bright, spacious, upscale feel with a balcony and water views, and reviewers describe the new city location as a premium, polished setting. It suits couples, groups, and work dinners, with a vibe that works well for lunch or dinner after work in the CBD.
Is The Malaya good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is A$40 to A$140, and reviewers say it is on the higher side but justified by the quality of the ingredients, presentation, and service. Set menus and banquet-style meals can be generous, with one group noting a seven-dish set menu left them very full.
Does The Malaya have good views and should I book ahead?
Yes, many reviewers mention balcony seating and views of Darling Harbour or George Street, especially for semi-private dining and warm-day outdoor meals. Reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner, and the restaurant also notes that reservations are required.
Is parking available at The Malaya?
Yes. Paid parking garage, Paid street parking is available.
Does The Malaya have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Malaya offers vegan options.
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