I've been in love with The Malaya ever since I went there for a work lunch. Since one of my workmates missed out on the lunch, we decided to go there so she could try it out. Hey, no objections from me!
We decided to go with menu 4, which only requires 2 or more people. Not too bad of a deal for $52!
We decided to go with menu 4, which only requires 2 or more people. Not too bad of a deal for $52!
PopiahFirst up was the Popiah. Very different to what you find in Singapore, but no less tasty. Sliced chicken and prawns with bean sprouts and vermicelli noodles, all covered with a sweet chilli soya sauce and nuts.
Otak Otak
UnwrappedThe Malaya is the what changed my opinion on Otak Otak. Whenever I'm in Singapore and walking through the hawker stalls, I'm always drawn in by the smell of freshly grilled Otak Otak. But every time I order it, I am bitterly disappointed by the taste. But having tried the version they serve here, I am converted! I absolutely love this stuff! Aromatic and spicy fish mince, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled to perfection. MMmmMMmm Now if I could find a stall in Singapore that sells it at a fraction of the price......
Satay ChickenThe highlight of this dish, or any satay dish they serve, isn't the satay itself. Yes, the meat is juicy and tender, but its the sambal/satay sauce they serve you. Oh my god its good!! I literally eat the sauce with a spoon (as long as the rest of the people don't mind me hogging the whole thing). Since there were only 2 of us, we had plenty of sauce left over. I actually had to fight the waitress to stop her taking it away. THE SAUCE IS MINE! MINEEEEEE!!!
Kapitan King PrawnsAnother favourite of mine. Lightly battered king prawns cooked in a mild and creamy Penang style curry. The only problem with this dish is that I always burn my mouth eating it! EVERY TIME!!! Must learn to wait for it to cool down before I shovel the stinking hot prawns into my mouth!
Malay Beef Curry with Roti
Essentially a Beef Rendang. I'm not a huge fan of Beef Rendang, but still really enjoyed this dish. The meat practically melts in your mouth, and can easily be broken up using the spoon. The roti is nice, but not as fluffy and light as I had hoped. Especially for the price they serve you! Again, careful of the roti....burnted fingers EVERY TIME.... *Sigh* I never learn do I?
Sze Chuan EggplantNow this is the dish I dream about. I can't believe I can ever feel this way about eggplants. EGGPLANTS for gods sake! I feel like a giddy school girl every time I see this dish placed infront of me. The eggplants are deep fried til they're crispy on the outside, but soft and creamy on the inside. Its then cooked with shallots, cashews and dried chillis in a sweet, spicy and sticky sauce all served on a bed of Kang Kong (Chinese water spinach). I would happily come to Malaya and have just this dish and nothing else. Heck, I can even become a part time vegetarian if I get to eat this at every meal!
$52 each for lunch is definitely not cheap. But considering we had 3 entrees and 3 main meals with views of the water, I'd say its good value. Its not something you would do every week, but I love to go on these little trips with my friends to treat ourselves. Something to make the working week just that little easier to deal with.
The Malaya
39 Lime Street
King Street Wharf
Sydney 2000
Ph: 02 9279 1170
http://www.themalaya.com.au/
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4 comments:
I still haven't tried Malaya yet. Must do so one day soon!
I actually went again with work, again (But didn't take any photos since all the big wigs were around me). I sat next to a vegetarian so I could steal her eggplants, which was sooooo much better than the chicken version of the same dish! I couldn't believe it!
I also had their salt and pepper cauliflower! Now there's 2 ways I will eat cauliflower, either drenched in cheese sauce or salt and peppered.
Malaya is probably one of the few restaurants that does vegetarian dishes that are better than the non-vegetarian versions! Says a lot about their chefs! MMMmmMmmm
Singapore otak otak is very different to Malaysia's. The otak otak at The Malaya is more like a Penang Nonya style otak. You'll never find it in Singapore. Here's a recipe for this type of otak. http://nyonyafood.rasamalaysia.com/?s=otak&x=25&y=17
OoOoOoo I've never tried the Otak Otak in Malaysia, maybe that's why I've never liked the ones in Singapore but loved the Malaya version. I stupidly assumed they were both the same. Thanks for the link, will have to try it out!
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