The Malaya – Sydney
Beef rendang - 25.00
Okay. I lied.
I lied. I lied to my friends that I actually liked the food at The Malaya when I don’t. I told them it is okay, when I obviously trying not to be too contradictory. I feel ashamed of myself. What has happened to me?!
The problem is not me, the problem is the whole fine dining experience that people have high expectations and people want to hear and read good things about the food and the restaurant. After the meal at The Malaya, I actually don’t think much of the food, I was neutral. No, actually I was boiling with anger. I was so angry that I had to have some Gelatissimo ice cream to cool myself down after the meal!
It was meant to be a night for the Merivale $33 specials at Ash St Cellar with her, her and him. The “no booking” policy, just show up and be told to wait 25 mins for a table is not the right ingredient for a good night out. We left and head down to King Street Wharf for alternatives. “All you can eat mussels” at Bungalow 8 on a “tight arse Tuesday” seems like a good idea – ONLY if we knew we have to book in advance.
Totally deflated, run out of options and we are getting desperate. We peek through the window at every single Restaurants on Lime Street – Steersons, Kobe Jones, Wagamama, Spice Room – The Malaya. Spice Room? Never heard of it, and looks empty, so we decided is worth a try. The door is locked! With a sign indicating the entrance is via The Malaya main restaurant. We walk into The Malaya only to be told the Spice room is part of the restaurant, just a special room for special occasions. Since we already there, what the heck, the brain is overruled by the empty tummy. So we sit down.
Roti Canai and Curry Chicken Sauce - 12.00
The restaurant is actually quite full, mostly businessmen in suits. The open planned kitchen stretched along the dining area on one side, with at least 15 staffs working away frantically. There are set menus cater for 2 to 4 people, but we decided to go a la carte and share.
Roti canai is the first to arrive. The roti is quartered into 4 pieces and comes with a bowl of curry chicken dipping sauce. The roti is pan fried till crisp but not airy. The curry sauce is mild and inviting. We are happy to share but one quarter each is just not enough.
Chicken satay sticks - 18.00
The Chicken Satay is probably one of the dishes that stay true to its authenticity, especially the peanut satay sauce. The chicken is very tender and marinated well with turmeric and other spices. The peanut sauce is bold, aromatic and with a hint of Sambal Chilli.
“My mum is gonna faint if she finds out four satay sticks for $18.00!”, Ms C&C music factory in distress.
Popiah - 13.00
When the so-called Popiah arrives, me and Ms C&C music factory give each other the disapproval look. The popiah at Malaya is definitely not how it should be. Popiah literally means “thin wafer/biscuit”, but the version at this restaurant resembles a Vietnamese rice paper roll, stuffed with bean sprouts and drenched with mysterious sickening sweet chilli sauce.
“My mum is gonna kill me if she finds out $13 for two popiah,” Ms C&C music factory whines again.
Kwai Du - 22.00
I love my Kwai Du (Char Kuey Teow) and Malaya does a pretty decent version of it. The “breath of the wok” (Wok Hei) shines through with the slippery rice noodle and plump fresh prawns. Unfortunately it is a little under flavoured and in need of more soy sauce.
“My mum is gonna have heart attack if she finds out the kwai du costs $22!”, Ms C&C music factory is eating everything with her mum on her mind.
Szechuan chicken - 25.00
The Szechuan Chicken seems to be everyone’s favorite. The tender chicken is lightly coated in corn starch then stir fried with dry chillies, shallots and cashew nuts for the crunch. The dish is mild as I would prefer it to be “szechuan” hot, and with a rather weird sweetness to it.
Kapitan King Prawn - 29.00
The Kapitan King Prawn was a mistake from the kitchen, as we ordered fish for this dish. The coconut milk in the curry is bit overpowering and drowning the lightly battered deep-fried king prawns into soggy sea monsters.
Chilli Kang Kung - 18.00
I was hoping that at least I can taste the flavor from my hometown of this simple Chilli Kang Kung dish. How wrong I am. I can hardly taste any belachan in this dish – in fact, I don’t think there is any in it at all. The dish taste awfully sweet from the Kicap Manis. At a price tag of 18.00, and totally ruined the dish, I am not impressed at all.
It is not all bad, my favorite dish among them all is the Beef Rendang. The beef is stewed for hours in thick creamy curry sauce, it is tender and simply tears apart with the whisk of my fork.
When we asked for dessert menu, then isn’t one but she explains there are cheesecake, ice cream and petite four. We were expecting desserts that perhaps a bit more Malaysian? Like Ice Kachang, Chendul, Kuih Muih?
We ask for the bill, it is a hefty one. Leave us no more cash in wallet for desserts at other places. We use the rest of our spare change, and get ourselves an ice cream from Gelatissimo.
The Malaya is rather overpriced, which I expecting a good dining experience. Unfortunately I didn’t.
The Malaya 29 Lime Street, King St. Wharf, NSW 2000 P: 02 9279 1170
Lunch: 12-3pm Monday to Saturday Dinner: 6-9pm Sunday to Monday, 6-10pm Tuesday to Saturday
A Table For Two (ATFT) is Billy Law's food blog that features best eats in Sydney and around the world with drool-worthy food photography to salivate your appetite. I also throw in a smidgen of my food and travel photography for good measure. Billy Law also happened to be a contestant on MasterChef Australia 2011. 
I think that popiah is penang style.
Bahahahaha I didn’t whine that much did I?! Believe me everything I said was in jest lol. Ok the price of satay was something I had to laugh about and the ‘popiah’ was something to be ho-hum about but I swear I didn’t say anything about the Kwai Du!!
LOL you sound a bit grumpy here
Looking back at our night, I find it quite funny now. Btw Mis C & C Music Factory…?
Karen’s last blog post..St. Patrick’s Day: Steak and Guinness Pot Pie
Well I agree. This is a very non-malay style of malay food. I too was very disappointed and it was one of my first introductions to eating out in Sydney. Off to a slow start there.
Things that make you go hmmm…
Firstly, You seem a lot funnier when you’re pissed off. This was a hilarious post!
C&C music factory – lol! Never thought of her that way before but now I can’t help but think of her that way. Every body dance now!
You also make her sound like Forrest Gump.
If you’re lied, did everyone else think that the food was good there?
Damn, I want to find C&C music now…
Sorry to hear about your disappointing experience…the C&C music factory reference is hilarious!
Peter G’s last blog post..I “can” Lamb Salad
I had been looking forward to going to The Malaya as I have only heard good things about it, before reading this post. This dose of reality is wonderful, I think that sometimes it might be hard for people to give a bad review, but it is really necessary and I thank you for it.
Sounds like you should have just gone to Mamak, though there would have been another long wait there and a long walk down there.
Yeah, I am interested to know what the others thought of it too.
lili – pikelet & pie’s last blog post..Spanish Braised Beef
I’ve always liked the Malaya, but then I’m not Malaysian or have been to Malaysia to be able to compare the food, but I love, love, love the Szechuan eggplant which you didn’t order…
Reemski’s last blog post..Tosolini’s Ristorante, Caffe and Bar, Canberra
I haven’t been to the Malaya in years. The price of the satay is shocking but I guess you’re also paying for the location. I’ve never heard of popiah being referred to as biscuitty though. C&C music reference is very funny!
Gee maybe I should start putting a C & C Music Factory soundtrack on my blog.
Karen (aka Miss C & C Music Factory)’s last blog post..St. Patrick’s Day: Steak and Guinness Pot Pie
Nothing fiercer than an ex-pat food critic! I agree, I’ve tended to find the Malaya is a little on the sweet side, and the pricing is commensurate with its location, alas.
Helen (GrabYourFork)’s last blog post..Behind-the-scenes at the Chefs of Merivale Gala Dinner
Oh snap, a side to Billy I have not yet seen/met! I’m not Malaysian like you guys so I can’t really tell its authenticity but comparing to other places, this place was wayyy to pricey and only mediocre. Hope the company made the night ok though *nervous laughter*
and your aperture is HUUUGGEE!
FFichiban’s last blog post..Altitude – The Rocks, Sydney
Agreed, this doesn’t do justice to Malaysian food at all. I mean, who serves Szechuan Chicken in a Malaysian restaurant ? You get a similiar experience at the ‘fusion’ Thai places as well, they are a hit and a miss. But atleast your photos are excellent as usual!
Howard’s last blog post..March into Merivale Gala Dinner
Oh the all you can eat mussels didn’t happen after all? I was DEPRESSED, I mean seriously bummed that I couldn’t make it though. Too bad. Let me know next time you attempt!
Yeah I understand what you’re saying – some Japanese restaurants that are favored by many people are not really good ones and I hate to deny these people’s judgements. ;p (Oh Wagamama my ass, pleeeeease.)
Yas’s last blog post..Deep fry my heart baby.
Hm… that doesn’t sound like a good experience at all and the satay is a ripoff!
Yea, I agree with one of the others and suggest Mamak (but horrible queues) or venture a little further out to North Ryde for Sambal (Nonya style).
Love the passion here. Makes for such an entertaining post for us readers! I’ve been to the Malaya twice now and both times were ok – not particularly memorable but the view and the service was impeccable. Good to know what native Malaysians think of the food.
Forager’s last blog post..Som Tum anyone?
Great photos yet again which make the food so appetizing but I do agree with your review about the food. I think because it’s such a touristy location the food has been Westernized to be more agreeable to the Anglo business trade is seems to attract. I’m thinking Malaysian food is not to be found it’s authentic best at such expensive fine dining places but more the cheap and cheerful restaurants like Alice’s in Thornleigh, Temasek in Parramatta, Kopitiam in Ultimo and my favourite so far Little Singapore Restaurant in Sunnybank, QLD.
Simon Leong’s last blog post..The Malaya (2 April 2009)
We need more posts like this alerting us to dud restaurants! Pretty photos don’t always equal a flavour explosion lol. Very disappointed about that Kangkung, no belacan at all?! I hate getting ripped off so this place would have driven me crazy too…
Miss Honey’s last blog post..Taste of Sydney, March 09
What a pity… that is quite expensive, I liked hearing what Ms C&C music factory said about the prices
Anita’s last blog post..Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns
@steven: Are you sure? I never seen it like that with sauce all over it before.
Well Ms C&C (citrus and candy) is boring, but now everyone can remember you as Ms C&C Music Factory now, isnt it great.? 
Szechuan Chicken is the same as “Gongbo Chicken”, but just the version in Malaya is sweet instead of spicy hot.
@Karen: Im sure you did complain about every single dishes, I am just shorten it for you.
@yewenyi: I’ve been there few years back and it was great plus I didn’t have to pay for it which helps alot.
@Simon: Well, I am sure you have read what other says about this place on their blogs.
@Peter G: YEah, dont think I will go back again unless someone is paying for it.
@lili – pikelet & pie: Yeah we didn’t mention about going to Mamak, but just way too far and after trying 3 restaurants in one night, really getting desperate to just sit down and eat. I guess you just have to go and experience The Malaya for once.
@Reemski: I guess I will have to order that dish next time, if I get the chance to go back again….
@Y: Yeah, location location location… I think I prefer to pay for decent food.
@Helen (GrabYourFork): Yup, seems to be Kicap Manis on most of the dishes. I can’t help but think the kangkung and the szechuan chicken taste the same except is hotter for the chicken.
@FFichiban: My aperture is HUGE? i am sure I got something ENORMOUS!!! XD!!!
@Howard: well the szechuan chicken is actually quite common in Malaysia.
@Yas: Yes we did, that’s the week after LOL
@K: Yup, I think Mamak, Alice’s, and Temasek are still the place for decent food with reasonable price.
@Forager: Agree, the food is unmemorable.
@Simon Leong: Indeed, I still prefer Temasek and Alice’s over Malaya. At least I know my bill won’t be a hefty one for sure.
@Miss Honey: Well, I try to be “diplomatic” on most reviews, I still do? Don’t I?
@Anita: hehehe you should see Ms C&C Music Factory reaction when she whines…
LOL, I said (out aloud) the same things in regards to the pricing — my dad would be LIVID that someone spent $12 for roti & sauce when you can get the best roti ever for $1
People don’t know what they are missing – try Kopitiam instead for a better Malay experience in Sydney, I reckon ..
I haven’t been to the Malaya for years but wasn’t impressed the first go around
tracey’s last blog post..34 weeks
I have now, though only Karen’s account. Haven’t seen any from the others for that night.
I thought $15 for Char Kuey Teow at Chilli Padi in Melbourne is expensive, $22 is way overpriced!
DOH thanks for the correction! Never knew gong bo chicken was similar. I’ve never tried but seen it around.
Howard’s last blog post – Hunter Valley long weekend trip
The Malaya serves “Gweilo” Asian food (sorry not meant to be derogatory). I’ve been here a few times for work functions and my colleagues love it and praise the cusine endlessly. To me, the food is tasteless and terribly over-priced served on oversized plates to posh things up. Honestly the food you find in the Chinatown foodcourts will be more authentic and delicious. The ambience is nice and service is fine but seriously the food is non-authentic.
To be perfectly honest, the Malaya is a restaurant with focal point in pleasing aesthetics first and foremost -and secondly food that is catered for western tastes so as to not intrude on familiar flavours. The Malaya is “soft” asian cuisine designed not to offend.
I dislike this restaurant for its pretence.
Malaysian food in its true authenticity should be served out doors, with plastic seats on round white marble tables, not in some swanky pan cake kitchen with a view…
I work at The Malaya hahaha
Cool, you must have the best view from the kitchen.