39 Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Classic Malaysian cuisine in a contemporary space with a large balcony and harbour views.
We went there for our Xmas team lunch, food is delicious and service is great. Love the open deck setting on the nice sunny day.
We recently dined at The Malaya and had an amazing experience! The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, making it the perfect place for a night out. We ordered the barbecue fish and Sichuan chicken, and both dishes were absolutely fantastic. The barbecue fish was perfectly cooked, with a smoky flavor that complemented the spices beautifully. It was tender and packed with flavor. The Sichuan chicken was a delightful mix of spicy and savory, with just the right amount of heat to make it memorable.
Great location and tremendous ambience. However, I found the food a little underwhelming overall. The seafood San choy bow was excellent, but other dishes not so. I expected better servings, and with one of the curries not so overpowering. The wine list was ok, although wine by the glass did not feature a big selection. One huge miss is I can't believe a restaurant of this reputation does not have a single bourbon on the menu..how is this possible 😳 Disappointed..sorry Colino1861 recommended to try ?
The food was exquisite, specially Coconut Beef Rendang, Otak Otak, So yummy 😋. Mixed Laksa was good as well. Also the bay view from the open windows gives an extra soothing feeling.
Went for dinner after ages and still good. There's a reason they've lasted this long. Food was delicious.Every dish was super tasty. Good sized portions and value for money too. Service was good. One of my favourite Sydney restaurants for sure.
I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Malaya, and it was a truly delightful experience. I ordered my favorites: Beef Rendang and Szechuan Eggplant, and they both exceeded my expectations once again. The rich, complex flavors of the Beef Rendang were impeccably balanced, showcasing tender meat that melted in your mouth. The Szechuan Eggplant brought just the right amount of heat, perfectly complementing the dish with its savory notes. The ambiance of the restaurant is also worth mentioning. Nestled near the water, my dining spot offered a tranquil view that enhanced the overall experience. The decor strikes a balance between elegance and comfort, making it an ideal setting for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings. I’ve always considered The Malaya my go-to destination for fine dining, and this visit reaffirmed that sentiment. Whether it's for a special occasion or a comforting meal on my rest day, I'll definitely be returning to enjoy these wonderful dishes again. Highly recommended for anyone looking to celebrate or simply treat themselves!
The Malaya is a cozy spot for Malaysian cuisine. The Beef Rendang was a standout dish—tender beef simmered in rich, flavorful spices that melt in your mouth. It's a must-try. The Nasi Goreng was another highlight—fried rice that was addictive and full of flavor, I couldn't stop eating it. The Chicken Satay skewers were decent but didn’t impress me. They were tender but lacked the punch I was expecting. Roti Canai was also just okay—not bad, but nothing special. The curry was really good though. As for drinks, the cocktails were a bit hit and miss. The Vain Jane didn’t quite work for me, but the Malayatini Lychee cocktail was refreshing and delicious. Overall, The Malaya offers a mixed experience with some truly excellent dishes. It’s worth visiting for the Beef Rendang and Nasi Goreng alone. The price range is moderate for the location, with most dishes priced between $20 and $35. Cocktails typically cost around $12 to $20. It offers good value for the quality of food, especially if you're keen on trying their standout dishes. The service at The Malaya is highly attentive and friendly. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. While the food arrives promptly, the restaurant can get busy during peak hours. Overall, the service adds to the pleasant dining experience.
Snappy service, great food, and a lovely atmosphere. The kitchen works like a machine, and dishes arrive fast. The Beef Rendang was amazing, as were the chicken and duck dishes. We’ll be back!
Great food and service. Rendang Beef was delicious Food
Terrible experience. Food is extremely salty. Ive been to many popular restaurants and am confident in recognising when a dish is excessively salty. When I politely mentioned that the two entrees we ordered were too salty and requested that the remaining dishes be made less salty, the manager came out and dismissed my feedback. He told me, We ve made and sold thousands of these dishes today without a single complaint about the salt level. Then he added, I understand you might have a soft palate, but all our curries are premade, so we can t adjust the seasoning. Excuse me? Salty curry, and you cant make it less salty? Ever heard of adding a bit of water or other adjustments? The lack of effort to address such a simple request was shocking.
Yummy.
I recently organised my work Christmas dinner for a party of 36 people at The Malaya. We booked the semi-private dining space on the balcony with water views of Darling Harbour. The Christmas Banquet $120 pp Entrees: Salt & Pepper Scampi, Beef salad & Satay Chicken Mains: Assam Prawns, Babi Kesam, Coconut Beef Rendang, Szechuan Eggplant, Roti Canai and Steamed rice. Desserts: Bite sized ice cream however the delivery didn t come on time so that was a little disappointing nevertheless we finished off with more cocktails. Open bar For me the highlights of the night were the stunning views with our own space. For food it ll have to be the Salt & Pepper Scampi, Assam Prawns, Szechuan Eggplant and for the cocktails: Malayantini and Chilli Margarita Overall, if you love spicy food you ll definitely get a kick from the delicious food here. The service staff were exceptional and engaging with the guests. So again a big thank you to Jo and her team for a wonderful evening.
Waiting time was too long and not worth $85 per person banquet
Excellent food, great views, very good service!
Amazing food. Hands down the best place for malaysian-nonya food in Australia. Whilst I gained an appetite, I lost my voice. The restaurant is very lively once it fills up. Food : 5/5
Only commendable dish off the banquet menu was the first dish
Its been a while since our last visit. Theyve updated the interior, very upscale with water views. The food was even better than last time (and it was great last time!). Highly recommended for food and great friendly, attentive service. Looking forward to our next visit already. Vegetarian options: The eggplant dish was amazing. We couldnt even tell it was eggplant! Parking: Paid parking garage a short stroll from the restaurant.
Fantastic food , I had the duck my wife had the prawns and we will be rolling out of here completely satisfied. And our waitress Mia could not be more helpful
Dinner for 3, and the seating is wearing away and peeling. Location sells though; a cool breeze dining experience on the water, on a warm night. Service was very good and fast, but the food was lacking for a $100+ pp meal. I get the feeling this one has morphed into a corporate restaurant and serves corporate quality food.
Great restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. My wife and I go here at least once a year for special occasions. Best Malaysian food I have tasted
So good. Service is amazing. Will be back. 5 stars all round. Not the coziest of atmospheres, but dont let that dissuade you. Food
Absolutely amazing service. Our waitress recommended that we have 2 servings of our curry choice- Rather than 3 and it was more than enough. Great price and al round lovely evening. Dietary restrictions: Good and knowledgeable about gluten free options
Disappointing policy at The Malaya Restaurant: a compulsory service charge is added for groups of 8 or more, which feels out of place in Australia, where tipping isn t customary. This forced additional charge detracts from the dining experience, especially at a restaurant of this reputation. Excellent service should be acknowledged by guests at their discretion, rather than through a mandatory fee. This policy makes it an unlikely choice for group dining.
Was Great experience with The Malaya .
Very noisy. Need to shout at the person beside you. Average food, have had better at smaller inexpensive local restaurants although prawns were well cooked and tasty. 8% surcharge for being a table of 8 is not appreciated. No flexibility in the set menu. The service was quick and the waitresses were efficient but did not look happy. Not a great night out.
Food delicious service excellent Wine was very expensive - we had one of the cheapest but was $74 a bottle - nice wine but that s ridiculous Food
We were a dinner party of 8 on Wednesday 20th Nov. The banquet meal was excellent, a nice variation of dishes & flavours. The restaurant was packed with a great atmosphere. Despite being busy we were very well looked after by Kylian who was attentive and helpful throughout our meal. Would have no hesitation in recommending The Malaya for a fantastic dining experience.
If you re looking for an affordable banquet menu with tasty dishes. There is a reason this place is still open after so many years. This is a great option! I have visited the Malaya a number of times. It is a location of choice for corporate lunches. It is always a safe choice with tasty and consistent dishes, good service and a good range of flavours. My go to dishes are all the prawn curries and the eggplant dish. Always have the eggplant. The banquets are affordable when compared to normal Sydney prices. The location is large and easily accommodated large groups. Service is good but can sometimes be a little rushed.
I can say its the best food Ive had in Sydney. I was able to appreciate the true value of Malaysian food. It was so delicious and the atmosphere was great, so I definitely want to visit again.
Excellent restaurant great service and nice views
4.5 stars! The food is fantastic! Full of spices, good portions, and great flavor. The drinks were wonderful and the view was nice. Only complaint: the roti wasnt flakey enough. It was too thick and too dense in the middle.
Every single dish was amazing! Beautiful restaurant with a great location and view! I was invited for a birthday dinner here, such a great night and dinner was perfect!
You can have a leisurely lunch while looking out at Darling Harbour. This time I chose the course. The chicken curry and eggplant included in the course were very delicious! Its a menu that can be ordered a la carte, so I definitely want you to try it.
very disappointing as they say it s halal food but yet, cook the bacon in The same wok in the same food station were and their is cross contamination
Im writing this review as a reoccurring customer of The Malaya, but unfortunately, my latest visit was a letdown. For the first time, I didnt enjoy my experience at this usually reliable restaurant. The service was subpar, with our table not being properly organized, leading to confusion and delays. But the real issue was the food - it was undercooked and raw in some parts. As a high-end restaurant in the city, I expect better quality control. Overall, I was very disappointed with my experience at The Malaya this time around. I hope they take steps to address these issues and return to their usual standards. Until then, Ill be hesitant to recommend or return.
Amazing place with great service and food. Best Szechuan Eggplant that I have ever had. Spent Friday afternoon enjoying the banquet menu which had heaps of food and very tasty and a great selection/variety. Service from staff was very hospitable, friendly and impeccable. Well done to all. Great location at King St Wharf. Definitely worth a try. Parking: Hard to park. Best to park in a paid parking station near by. Plenty to choose from. Kid-friendliness: If they like this cuisine then plenty of choices.
If you are one of the many people who have dietary requirements, don t bother going to the Malaya. They will make no effort at all and will be blunt bordering on rude in telling you. I have never been to a restaurant here in Australia or overseas that does not provide options. We will never go back to experience their poor attitude again. There are many other great restaurants in Sydney that are so much better than this place. Don t waste your time and money.
Wow! So glad I stumbled across this place Food and service were both exceptional Couldn t fault anything!!! Loved it Food : 5/5 |
Average at best , the service was rushed and borderline rude and the price really high. The dishes were very salty and spicy though they made modification for our party once we mentioned it . We had to ask twice about vegetarian menu and felt pushed into the banquet option because we were a group. Overall not a great experience and will not be back.
It was wonderful experience, all the staff super attentive, the food was amazing, definitely we ll be back again soon
This is my boss s favourite restaurant. It s definitely one of mine too. Highly recommend the kapitan Prawns, beef rendang, and the deep fried egg plant. Really good. This place is always full so reservations would be a must if you don t want to get disappointed. Nice layout with a view over cockle bay.
Nice place for formal dining
Food is good. I went with office colleagues like dish that were putting stuffing lettuce . Chicken and rice is good. Initially scared to eat . We generally eat basmati and sona masuri. All dishes ordered was good.
Its always one of my favourite places to go for a special occasion, never dissapoints. What happened, The Malaya? We went yesterday and the food was terrible...sigh! We have been going to your restaurant on and off for over 20 years, unfortunately never again. I have had better from a spice pack!
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 chefs 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. Its a must-visit for anyone looking to savor the authentic flavors of Malaysia in a beautiful and welcoming setting. Highly recommended!
Average food Quick service Overpriced food Food : 3/5
My wife and I had lunch at the Malaya on 25 June 2024. The coconut beef rendang was so delicious !!! Our waiters provided excellent customer service. One of our favourite Sydney restaurants that consistently meets our expectations !!!
We booked the semi-private dining space for a birthday lunch here with family (group of 15) for our babys 1st birthday back in March. The whole experience was great. The food was amazing, and well-catered to the various dietary requirements within our group. Views overlooking darling harbour were spectacular. The service was excellent (special thanks to our main waiter Carlos, as well as Camille). Highly recommend for special occasion dining.
I had a good lunch experience here few days back. The ambiance was inviting with its waterfront views. The food was delicious. The service was reasonably friendly. I do recommend trying this restaurant for sure.
Great food, awesome service, and atmosphere. Highly recommend. Thanks for the great experience.
Fantastic restaurant. Super flavourful food, on point service, water views. Enuf said.
Family friendly, we visited with 20 kids and 5 adults. The waitress was great, the service was amazing. They were kind with the kids. I want to back to that restaurant!!! Food
Ive been many times before and loved it, but my last visit was a disappointment. The food items were salty or very burnt. We had to send the otah otah back because it burnt like a piece of charcoal.
Went here for anniversary with my bf. The flavours are very overpowering and strong. The coconut beef rendang curry had a really strong lemon grass flavour even with rice which I don t know if i am a big fan of. The otak otak slighty salty (would hv been good pair with rice tho). Satay Chicken + pickle was perfect combo with the roti canai. The customer service was quite decent.
Vegetarian options: Amazing vegan options. We didnt feel like we were missing out. On the other hand, we had the best aubergine dish of our lives. Food
It was very noisy
have honestly made tastier food at home and I am by no means at all a chef , 2 entree s & 2 mains for $150 would be fairly reasonable if the food was of a decent standard but it was extremely disappointing, the decor of the restaurant doesn t leave much room for admiration and if you re unfortunate enough to be seated near the window and it rains outside then you re likely to get wet inside, make sense of that? the waiter was good at his job, but that s the most complimentary thing I can actually say, if I could give it less than one star I would save yourself a small fortune and a lot of disappointment and avoid this place
I visited The Malaya on Monday night after work with my mate Chris. With a spectacular view of the pier, the venue was perfect for our executive dinner. The Original Malaya Curry is a must have (Ive ordered it on both my visits). The beef is perfectly tender and the flavour of the curry is divine. Youre guaranteed to be slurping up every last drop. We also ordered the Mee Siam which was recommended by the waitress. It has a very unique sour and salty base which we both loved. It worked perfectly soaked into the kang kong. Chris commented that he enjoyed the combination of seafood in the dish and I promptly agreed. Beware for you white folk who cant handle much spice like me, you may need a few napkins to wipe your forehead down.
Delicious Malaysian food, lovely outlook. Vegetarian options: Vege options Food : 5/5 |
Great food and good atmosphere. Service was polite and friendly
Nice restaurant right in Darling Harbour. Food was great but curry was quite spicy. Recommend the tofu in a banana leaf
Excellent Malaysian food. You must have the satay, kapitan prawn and laksa!
The best Malaysian restaurant we ever come across in Australia. We walked in 5.45 pm asked the gentleman if we can book a table for 2 people. He was absolutely gentleman and said of course. Let me reserve a table for you but we open 6 oclock. We came from Melbourne and we were so excited to dine in. We ordered beef rendang and nasi goreng. Omg both were absolutely delicious. But my favourite was beef rendang. I said to my wife, you dont need teeth to chew this beef It was that soft. Thank you again guys. We might come back again before we fly to Melbourne
We had the banquet, everything was just amazing. We really enjoyed our dinning experience.
I like this place. Yumm
Great place. Some authentic flavours. But expensive for what u get. Not for everyday.
exceptional customer service prawn laksa amazing big big prawns taste so good kapitan prawn also so yummy so creamy not too strong flavor chicken skewer also very nice nasi goreng was ok beef rendeng was quite salty for me overall happy with their foods and services would love to come back try other dishes too
The Malaya is a taste sensation wrapped around fabulous, friendly, attentive and knowledgeable staff. The quality is wonderful and the venue and view are sublime. Well worth a visit!
Good place for some amazing food. There are multiple varieties you can enjoy. There is amazing soya otak which I really enjoyed as well as the salt and pepper cauliflower. The food was flavourful and a clear reflection of the Singaporean cuisine. Overall, a good place for some amazing food
Mixed Laksa, left me sweating and satisfied must try.
We love this place. The food is so good! The Szechuan eggplant delicious as is all the food. The servings are good size. We have had the banquet for 2 before but we couldn t finish it. The place was full and we still got our meal and drinks in great time. We didn t have to wait for a thing. Staff are so friendly. Totally recommend eating here. Dietary restrictions: They checked with us when we were seated if we had and dietary restrictions.
Apps were amazing. Laksa was bland.
One of the best Asian restaurants in Australia, not just Sydney. Very unique, great location, great food and the service is brilliant
Absolutely great experienced delicious food & great service & beautiful location. Specially Kim, her service was outstanding. Definitely we will be back again
Beat Malasian food I have had in a very long time!! Every dish was very different but all good!! Good value as well.
The food was okay however did feel like i have had better in other places. Wished they had more air conditioning or cooling inside the restaurant, as it was quite stuffy inside. We had lost our appetite due to the heat and humidity inside the restaurant. The servers were attentive. No complaints about the service.
lousy waiter
Ive been to The Malaya a few times, and I cant fault it. Both the food and service have been impeccable.
Brilliant food and service. Place was buzzing.
We dined here following a friend from NZs recommendation. This establishment used to be her favorite pre-Covid. We found it wonderful, This is a very popular place and at 6.00pm on a Tuesday night it was starting to get very busy. The Prawn Curry was very nice...it made me perspire!!! The perfect compliment was the Crown Lager and the little ice cream at the end.
I am not familiar with Malaysian restaurant in Sydney, It was blind pick which turned to be a surprisingly good one.
I had high expectations when I made a booking at The Mayala as I used to buy their Original Mayala Curry as takeaway regularly about 10 years ago but had never dined in. We arrived a little early and our table wasnt quite ready so we had to wait 5-10 minutes for the table. We were seated along the balcony which has a great view but it was super hot with no breeze or air conditioning. We ordered a couple of entrees, the original Mayala beef Curry and the crispy duck. I was so disappointed when the beef Curry arrived and I asked the waiter where the chilli sauce that I always used to get with the takeaway version. The sauce was a chilli vinaigrette and absolutely made the dish. The waiter came back asking if I wanted chilli in soy sauce or chilli paste; I opted for the chilli paste which was the same sauce and as it had a lot of fish sauce in the paste it changed the flavour of the dish. The crispy duck was flavourful but in no way crispy which was also disappointing. All in all my high expectations were shattered and what I was expecting to be an amazing night fell flat.
Food was provided under a fixed menu for Valentines Day (only a business meal alas). It was not strictly all Malay cuisine but very enjoyable nonetheless. Service was unobtrusive and courteous. Open kitchens are great, unless you are sitting next to it and then subject to a lot of traffic and associated noise- but this was not a deal breaker.
Very nice views but food was quite average to below average. We got the $75 Malaya set menu and half of it felt like it could have been done better at a local Chinese or Malaysian restaurant (notably the vegetables and Char kway teow). I think the spring rolls entree and black pepper prawns main were the highlight. They were yummy and slightly different compared to your average dishes. The spring roll was crunchy and moist with a nice spicy tinge. The black pepper prawns were super umami and the sauce was addictive. Other than this, the broccolini and snow peas were undercooked and the vegetables tasted super average and could have been better at a much cheaper Chinese/Malaysian restaurant. The curry chicken was quite dry and the Char kway teow was too salty and didnt have much other flavour other than salt and spice. Overall slightly disappointed given it has such a high rating.
Great and attentive service. Although it is understandably an open window restaurant, I wish there were cooling fans during summer at least while the blinds are still down because it was too hot and stuffy when we were there for the first hour for dinner.
Id go back! Delicious food and attentive service.
We were finally manage to get a seat where our last time they didn t allow us in. Roti canai is below par however the Singapore noodle was exceptional, the fried rice also really good. Apple mojito felt like lime juice. However we may go again as we want to try other dishes too
Very yummy food - I had the Kapitan Chicken Curry! Service was ok, not very attentive as I think they are understaffed.
The food tasted nice, not in any way special. Save for an accepted booking and an efficient marshalling to table, the service was not really noticeable. The atmosphere in the restaurant was interesting, the place was full, the view of the harbourside was nice.
Really enjoyed this place. Food is amazing and flavours equisite. Its a little bit noisy but the cuisine and the excellent service make up for that. My favourite dishes: beef randang, the fried rice, and the prawn scallop spring rolls.
Menu is a bit limited but everything else was great.
We had lunch today 10th January at The Malaya to celebrate my daughter s birthday and we were served by team member Pat. Our experience which was our first in your restaurant was enjoyable and worth our money. The food was spot on and Pat s attentive service was a delight, always a smile on her face. For sure it will not be our last time. Kudos to your team. We will spread the word! Cheers, Ron
This is the third time Savior has served us, His service is absolutely impeccable.He makes Malaya a beautiful place to dine in Thank you once again Food
Great Malaysian food!
AMAZING food. Very busy, popular place, but they will usually be able to fit you in. The views are great and at the right time of day can be very picturesque. Friendly accommodation staff
Chicken Kapitan was delicious. Nice views. Friendly, efficient service.
Came here to try the laksa and it was a great experience. The prawns were cooked just right and had the right level of bounce but still remaining soft in the mouth. The soup was also delicious and quite spicy but not good enough to completely finish. Wouldve been 5 stars if the prices werent double but I guess you pay for the atmosphere. Soup toppings were also a bit lacking since it was just prawns, rice noodles, a sparing amount of tofu and just a bit too much coriander and beansprouts compared to the noodles. The surprise delight was actually the otak otak which was super yum. Ive had these before in South East Asia for $2 instead of $20 but these ones felt so much more refined and Im actually a fan of them now. Overall great Malaysian food and Ill definitely be back to try their other dishes. Probably with a bigger group so I can try more things.
To be this good for this long in Sydney means you are doing a lot right. A fantastic place.
Delicious Malaysian in a delightful setting
As you walk in, you are greeted by the lovely aromas of Malaysia. The staff look after you well. I ordered the Assam Pork and I was warned that it is a spicy dish. I was happy to go with it. The last time I had something like this as good was in Campbell St. Penang at a Nonya restaurant. It blew my head off then and this did the same. It was delicious! Yes, I did ask for sliced cucumber. A wonderful experience which we can highly recommend!
What an absolute surprise. The drinks were really good, the beef rendang and the satay were great. Everything on the table was good except I don t remember all names of the dishes. The vibe was good. They could definitely do with bigger tables since the size of table for 4 was super tiny! I would definitely repeat this place ! Yum.
Fusion Asian food. Hit and miss with some dishes but their spicy dishes were quite flavorful and had the perfect hit of spice. Been rendang was ok - bit dry and possibly needed more tamarind and coconut. The fried eggplant was my standout dish though!
The food was great and the service excellent... Just a bit too noisy and no dessert menu
A group of 5 for Saturday lunch. Apart from the tofu and mushroom wrapped in banana leaf, which was quite nice, all other entrees and mains were beyond underwhelming.. you ll get better from take-out eateries. Service was appalling. The head waiter took our order; I ve never been served by more patronising and impatient wait staff.. busy or not, this kind of attitude is not on. Another waiter went between us and the bar three times seeking step-by-step instructions for the bartender who didn t know how to make a Virgin Mojito (the non-alcoholic version of one of the most popular cocktails in the world)! Seriously?!??!! Overall, absolutely nothing to write home about. Won t be returning.
Epic food! Been here a few times now and never disappointed!
Thanks so much to wonderful people at the Malaya restaurant, Darling Harbour. Great food, fabulous view, amazing staff. The manager spoke to us about my friends food allergy and easily substituted from the set menu, and came back to smilingly check on us several times. When I was a little too adventurous with the chilli, he again adjusted our next plates. Thank you. Delicious meal, the waitress could not have been more beautiful inside and out, and the value was there for that incredible view of vivid sailing past. Dietary restrictions: Dairy free accomodated
For meat eaters, a five star experience based on the coconut rendang beef curry I had last night. Fantastic. But for vegetarians, a two star experience because the only vegetable curry is bland and tasteless, a potato curry that my wife didn t eat. Why do top restaurants like this not make a better effort to cater for vegetarians? It means I won t be going back as regularly as I would if my wife could enjoy her food there too. The salt and pepper cauliflower starter was great, so the potential is there to do something tasty as a main. Service was superb and the location/atmosphere very nice, so that small thing - creating some tasty veggie mains - is the only real issue. Please fix!
Great experience right up until we were walking out of the restaurant. A Malaya staff member chased us out the front door asking if we d paid our bill, I said of course we have, he then walked off with no apology. I then walked back into the restaurant and told said person that I ve never been chased out of a restaurant in my life asking if I ve paid the bill, he apologised but the damage was already done as he did this in front of other diners arriving to the restaurant which was very embarrassing. I then called to ask a staff member what his name was, she told me it was Vivik and after I explained what happened she told me and I quote he was only doing his job . Here s a suggestion, maybe do your job by asking your staff if a customer has paid their bill as opposed to chasing them out of the restaurant, terrible customer service and I ll never come back, only wish I didn t tip. Vivik definitely needs training on how to treat customers and doesn t deserve to be a manager as managers don t hold themselves in this manner. Shame on you Vivik, you ve left a bad taste in my mouth at The Malaya, so much so I ll never return.
Marinated eggplant is a winner. I would suggest a bigger plate for the sharing food to avoid the mess on the table.
Good but not worth the money
Been a staple for my friends and for nearly 30 years . This is the best Malay restaurant in Sydney and also has a awesome wine list !
Among the menus we ordered, chicken and salmon skewers were the best. Chicken curry was very delicious also, but it was very very spicy. If asked and if could choose the spicy level in advance, it would be better. It was very crowded and noisy in the evening even though it was a weekday. However we liked the view of the harbor.
Food is unnecessarily and chemically spicy.
The vegetarian food was delicious and service was excellent.
Wow! What a treat the Malaya is! My partner & I had the $80 pp Banquet! Food was absolutely fantastic!! My partner who has travelled to Malaysia said it was the most authentic Malaysian food he has come across in Sydney! Highly recommend checking this place out, bookings are essential! Vegetarian options: Variety of vegetarian options available
We arrived early and the staff let us sit inside as it was quite cold. The food was delicious. I even asked them to make another dish that I could take home and they made it very quickly. It was busy, but service was great and fast.
Great Malaysian food! Good location, nice friendly staff and happy vibes with a great atmosphere. On a Wednesday night it was very busy but not over crowded. Staff were pumping out delicious cocktails behind the bar and service was well received. This place is busy on a weeknight for a reason. Food was fantastic, flavourful dishes, great variety and very traditional. San Choy Bow prawn and scallops was a great starter. Perfectly cut crisp lettuce bowls to fill with a yummy mix of seafood, seasoned rice and fresh flavours. Duck, duck, duck! I am a big fan and was not disappointed in the slightest. Duck Massaman curry was perfect. Generously sized duck legs with an incredibly rich and balanced curry sauce. Deep fried duck was just as good with crispy, crunchy skin and a beautiful, lighter coconut infused sauce. Came with a wonderful house made pickle that just blended perfectly with everything. Fried rice was on point with tasty chicken, shallots and egg. Not overcomplicated. Simple and tasty! The spicy chicken and vegetable stir fry was good too with nice fresh crisp green veggies and good quality chicken pieces. Had a nice kick of chilli but not over spicy. A great experience overall and definitely recommended!
Top Class Malaysian Food In Sydney
Excellent food... overcrowded when i was there.
A little bit spicy for me but was delicious and courteous staff. I am sure I saw the Geelong Cats there.
We had Malaya banquet,$75/person. All the dishes are delicious, but be careful if you have a sensitive stomach as chili is added to all of them. The staffs attentiveness was very good and the night view was wonderful
Nice spicy food, service was good and views over the water was nice
Food was amazing.....wow....no words to say...mind blowing...
What a delicious meal and awesome view. Will be back.
Awesome! Spicy!
Food was great, service exceptional (thanks Kyo!), prices great - this place exceeded our expectations. My friend and I had a booking which we were 30min late for but we were still accommodated on an extremely busy night. Our waiter Kyo was amazing! He was incredibly busy but literally ran around to accomodate us, customised our drinks on request and answered all our questions. He made our night even more enjoyable than it already was. Would highly recommend!
Delicious Malay food in a large restaurant with windows overlooking Darling Harbour.
Traditional Malaysian Food Restaurant. Great location with water views (Darling Harbour) ....Always busy and bustling, so I recommend making a reservation before coming.... Food is great and the taste is not far from what we can usually get in Malaysia. Kudos!
The atmosphere and service is fantastic. We are vegan, they have a limited range of dishes to choose from. They used to have a excellent vegan menu in the past. Vegetarian options: Vegetarian options are limited
Food & drinks are expensive for asian food. Some dishes should have been better for the price charged. Better value elsewhere. View was nice and service was very good.
What can I say - its a classic. Love it!
Best Malaysian food Ive ever had. And also one of my all-time top 5 restaurants! Highly recommen Sambol and Kaapitan Food
A friend recommended this restaurant and we were not disappointed. We had the Signature Banquet which was good value and although the individual portions were relatively small it was definitely enough to eat. No draught beer sadly and in my opinion the wine was too expensive. It is a popular restaurant and it was full on a Thursday night in winter. We had considered reserving but they wanted a credit card guarantee of $145. In the end we were lucky and we got there last free table at 19:15.
Great night with delicious food and drinks.
Very nice casual fine dining place, enjoyed all the food here
Celebrated my birthday with a few friends with their Signature Banquet. Was a wonderful atmosphere, all of us were well looked after. The service was effortless, drinks were brought quick, food was a series of dishes to be shared one after the other, they even set up the birthday cake for us. Loved the vibe! Vegetarian options: Szechuan Eggplant
Heard the view at night is beautiful but it s a shame the curtain wasn t up when we were there. Food is great especially the eggplants.
Great food and service. Busy Friday night atmosphere.
Good food, great service, best location
Very crowded and loud but the food is great and it s a good vibe with a group. The highlights were the coconut beef rendang and otak otak and the lemak duck.
Bern around for ages but they have successfully maintained the quality of the food and service.
Spectacular food, wonderful service and an exciting yet relaxing atmosphere with a view out to Darling Harbour. If you re looking for a delicious treat, a romantic dinner or a special occasion, The Malaya will fulfil your needs. The staff were friendly and attentive and looked after us. The menu had a varied assortment of tasty delights, including vegetarian. I just couldn t stop eating so ended up with a more than satisfied belly. One of the standouts of the night were the cocktails: they were fantastic! The mojito was certainly a mojito but had an X factor to it best I ve had. We had such an enjoyable evening! Vegetarian options: A few vegetarian options, including no eggs.
Beautiful food. Every dish was so tasty and unique.
OK place for a quick lunch. Laksa was good but restaurant fairly empty. Not a great range on menu.
WOW, met with some old friends while in town from qld and could not have been looked after in many place around the world like the staff & manager did for us. The food is soooo gooood. We will always come here again & again. Vegetarian options: Plenty of choices & management made a onion option to satisfy
<Three-line summary> 1. You are so kind. 2. The atmosphere is also very good. 3. It even tastes really good I was looking for a restaurant to eat before watching the 8:30 fireworks show at Darling Harbor, and it had a good Google rating, so I went in without a plan, but it was already fully booked. They said we would be able to enter in 45 minutes, so I said okay and waited, but the waiter said he was very grateful and had prepared a table for us that would be available in 2 minutes. We went in and ordered the most famous curry and eggplant dish, and the other waiters also responded. He was so kind and the food was really delicious!! When I left the restaurant, I thought without thinking that tipping is not required in Australia, so I clicked on the no-tip button, but personally, it was a restaurant where tipping 15% was not a waste of money! I really recommend it to other Australian travelers!! We cant guarantee the taste because everyones taste buds are different, but you wont regret the atmosphere and service! The price is really not expensive compared to Australian prices, so if you have the chance to come to Darling Harbor, be sure to go there
We had a group party at Malaya, the staff were very rude, did not listen to service requests despite repeated requests. One staff member responded very rudely to a request to take group pic, he said I can do one thing at a time . Terrible experience, poor customer service, rude and arrogant staff.
Great food and location. Highly recommended.
Food is incredible. My family have been eating their food for many years. Way back from Broadway days.
Thank you for a wonderful lunch! The Lemak fish is out of this world.
Amazing Malaysian food and beautiful views from the restaurant.
We had seven courses lunch today ,Chicken laksa was watered down tasteless over powered with tumric,, Singapore noodle looks like it was cooked by under10s kids dry no flavor and taste disgusting.Go to Laksa King much better.
This place is the best been coming here for years
We have been coming here for years on special occasions. Can t fault the food. Had the $85 signature menu. Generally the service is good but I felt we were rushed when we dined on Saturday night. The food experience was a bit disappointing as they kept on dumping the next menu dish in front of us when we hadn t even finished the previous dish! We hadn t even had our glass of wine delivered to the table yet and we were into the 3rd course on the menu. The Manager got stroppy when we sent the egg plant back with the waiter as we weren t ready for it. We ll come back again one day however
The food here is always very good. I can t say no to the Szechuan eggplant. Crispy, smooth, spicy, sweet. Heaven on a plate! Beef rendang is a standout as are the salt and pepper prawns. A window seat gives a great view of Darling Harbour which more than compensates for the underwhelming interior decor. Vegetarian options: Limited veg options. Dietary restrictions: Difficult menu for the gluten intolerant
The food tasted good and had a view of Dali Harbor. The staff are friendly, and it feels like there are a lot of locals who make reservations.
Nice ambient, food taste is good there are options for vegetarian.
Very nice atmosphere, competent & friendly service, great food!
It s quite loud inside, and the service is a bit slow, but the food comes out quick and all at once, and is very, very delicious.
A good Malaysian restaurent in Darling Harbour Sydney. We had a Malaya menu of 75$/ person. The quantity and quality were good, but please make sure if you can tolerate the spicy food, since some of them are actually very spicy. The restaurant was full and busy. Nice view on the harbour. The service was below average and they didnt take time to explain us the menu , which is a negative point specially for customers who are not familiar with the Malaysian food. Overall expensive for what you get as food and service
Great food. Great views. Amazing, fast service!
Awesome food, great service, great views BUT VERY NOISY!!
Great place to grab a traditional flavoured meal and catch up with friends. The banquet is excellent value at $85 per person. Thumbs up for flavour and atmosphere. Parking: Some street parking, parking stations have deals after 5pm weekdays Wheelchair accessibility: Modern fit out
We keep coming back. Love the food so much. Especially the eggplant
Good food with great ambiance
When i come the restaurant was super busy, i ordered otak otak , nasi goreng , chilli prawn, and chicken satay. Everything was super salty for me and the chilli prawn was overwhelming. However the service was so good they keep coming back and look after us.
The best restaurant, staff, food and service in Sydney. Incredible chicken laksa. Much fun
Brilliant food and great service. Have convinced a sceptic of the restaurant into getting her family there and she absolutely loved the food.
Great Malaysian food down near Darling Harbour. A simple meal for two was a delight. My partner knew this restaurant from years ago, in a different location. She was delighted that food was just as delicious in the newer (for us) spot. Two dishes with rice was plenty for us - a delightful contrast and filling to boot. Recommended!
Highly rate the service here. Food was amazing and would definitely go back
I went there after receiving a recommendation and it was a great experience. The staff were very attentive and the atmosphere and scenery of the restaurant were very nice. Most importantly, the food was delicious.
Set Menu at Malaya! Wonderful service. Sang chow baos were delicious and a personal favourite. Spring rolls were really flavourful. The curries were very nice but a bit too spicy for my liking. But the taste and juiciness of the prawns were divine! Wish this set menu came with dessert! But loved it very much!
There is no other word than excellent to describe this place. I have held many business and private events, had romantic dinners, and just dropped in - theres nothing these guys cant do. The food is simply amazing and the staff are sensational.
We just walked in and were fortunate to find a seat because the restaurant was packed. We had Chicken Satay Skewers, Roti Canai & Sauce, Mixed Laksa, Kwai Du, Beef Original Malaya Curry and a big bowl of rice to balance the curry. Every meal was wonderful especially the rich and flavorful laksa broth and curries. The flat noodles is my top pick. We had no room left over for a drink or dessert, as we had had in mind. We were so stuffed. The waiter was nice and attentive. Without a doubt, we will be back.
They make the divine signature curry. A must try.
Had lunch here for a corporate meeting and it was amazing. We had the set banquet, all the food was vibrant and bursting with traditional flavours. Service was impeccable, really great atmosphere and tranquil view of the harbour. Overall, great experience and I will definitely recommend to others.
Truly excellent! Went for my works Christmas party and despite them being very busy, the service was excellent, keeping our table topped up with water and food. Couldnt fault the banquet lunch in the slightest and will definitely be back and will bring my clients next time.
Really big place and great food. Great location near the water. Food was not over expensive. Spicy Margherita was spicy.
Great service and friendly staff. Food is good if you love chilli Food
Great place for a large group booking
A really great place for Asian food. The place has a great decor and atmosphere. The staff was friendly and the food was excellent. Had the Otak Otak (fish cake) and their original Malaysian curry with beef and roti canai. The fish cake was nicely spiced and had great texture. The curry was flavourful and the right amount of spiciness. The beef was tender and went well with the curry.
My first visit to Australia. My first evening meal. What a fabulous night. Regular and chili Margaritas. Fried rice, Chicken skewers , so many sides. The food was great. The staff was attentive. Great dining experience.
Vegetarian options: Salt pepper cauliflower Food
Food is fantastic! Definitely a Yes w.r.t food. Non-veg options are good. We tried cauliflower fried with pepper n chilli - definitely must try, Chicken satay - will recommend, schezwan eggplant in mains - its crispy but sweetish whereas I expected it would be spicy - will not recommend, Chicken Malaya traditional curry - a must try with white rice.. loved it! Limited options for vegetarian people Ambience was nice however the light wasnt sufficient to read menu. Service was quick
We had the banquet menu for lunch and ny fave were the salt n pepper prawns and beef rendang. I think the otak otak was tad too spicy for me, but the rest seemed to like it. The eggplant has a sweet glazed and nicely cooked.
Such a great Christmas lunch for our team stinking hot day, packed room as always but we were well looked after and the food was sublime. Thanks so much!
Good Beef Randang. Also Black Pepper Chicken.
Ive been to the Malaya so many times for work occasions and celebrations and the food just gets better and better. Always great value, with a delicious range of dishes and more than enough food for all. Highly recommended for a big group. Will be back again. Vegetarian options: Catered for our 2 vegans without fuss and they were thrilled.