Southeast Asian food again?
Yes! I tried to get into Malaya last night but since it was Friday night they were very busy. I guess Saturday afternoon is a good time as the restaurant isn't even half full.
The setting of Malaya at King Street Wharf is very nice. The interior of the restaurant is modern and done in blond wood with accents of black and stainless steel. The restaurant is completey open on one side facing Darling Harbour and the National Maritime museum.
For my starter the friendly waitress suggests "Popiah" which is chicken, prawns, rice vermicelli, shallot and vegetables wrapped up and served in a thick sweet soy sauce. This is a light appetizer with the flavour of the prawns and vegetables. The thick soy sauce can be a bit overwhelming in flavour. $9 (US$7.10)
For my main course the waitress once again recommend a dish called "Kapitain" because I told her I wanted a chicken or prawn dish that was slightly spicy. Kapitain is a dish with prawns that are lightly battered and fried then served in a spicey yellow curry sauce made with coconut milk. The flavour of the coconut milk is subtle as compared to the yellow curries chili flavour. The serving size is quite generous and has about 15 king prawns. I ate this with white rice which helps to kill the heat of the spice. It's spicy but not mouth burning. $26 (US$23.40)
Total bill including rice and a bottle of sparlking water $43.50 (US$34.80).
Oddly enough Malaya doesn't offer any desserts. That's a shame because it's the only downside of this place. Stubborn person that I am, since there is no dessert, I don't order and tea after my meal.
Service at Malaya is very friendly and professional. The staff seems happy to help with your selections and particular tastes. (As an after thought, somewhere near the end of my lunch my waitress disappeared leaving me with no particular server).
For pricing I don't think there is any great value here but the food is excellent and it has a modern atmosphere and good service.
For food I give Malaya a 3++ because I enjoyed the spice which is something that was hard to find at Chinta Ria. Service gets a 3 and the apmosphere a 4, because I liked the modern decor and harbour view.
Malaya, 39 Lime Street at King Street Wharf, Sydney
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