Established 1963
The Malaya was founded in 1963 by Wong Tai See, a merchant seaman who migrated to Australia from Hong Kong in the 1940s.
The first Malaya was inspired by the aromatic and spice-driven Nonya and Malay flavours encountered by Wong See on his travels throughout Southeast Asia. Shaped by the scarcity of Asian ingredients in 1960s Australia, the original restaurant was forced to create its own unique recipes, many of which nonetheless challenged the then conservative Australian palate. Many of these recipes are still used today, but are joined on the menu by dishes that reflect the evolution of the restaurant, access to ingredients, and Australia’s ever-growing love affair with spicy, Southeast Asian cuisine.
Based in Haymarket, close to Sydney’s Central Station and Chinatown, the original incarnations of The Malaya were renowned among generations of students, journalists, police and professionals alike. In 2001 Wong See’s son Lance made the decision to follow the direction of the city’s development and move to brand new premises by Darling Harbour at King St Wharf.
Today The Malaya is one of Australia’s longest-standing family-owned restaurants and has been serving generations of Sydneysiders since first opening its doors. After 23 years at King Street Wharf, we relocated to Grosvenor Place in 2025, bringing our dining experience back to the heart of the CBD, and marking a symbolic return to George Street.
The Malaya is now under the stewardship of third-generation siblings Duan and Isabella Wong who are committed to maintaining their family legacy, and the longevity of the restaurant. The new Malaya at Grosvenor Place is an exciting step into a new chapter for the restaurant, with stunning premises set across two and a half levels, and including a stunning roof-top terrace. However, both Duan and Isabella are committed to ensuring the consistency of the menu, and providing the same warm dining experience that have been central to The Malaya’s success for over six decades.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
A New Lease of Life
The move to Grosvenor Place has seen The Malaya take up residence in a two-level, 180-seater space marking the next chapter in its storied history. Fans of the restaurant can rest assured that while the location has changed, the experience will remain as familiar as ever. “Bella and I have been refining the menu over the last few years, with a focus on fresher, bolder Malaysian flavours but we always have the consistency of the menu in mind,” says Duan Wong. “Our move to Grosvenor Place is not about reinventing our menu which we have always seen as the key to our longevity. All the favourites like our Laksa, Beef Rendang, Szechuan Eggplant, and Otak Otak will be there, though there will also be a few new dishes and some amazing live seafood options. We’re also very excited about the introduction of an elevated wine and beverage program to better complement our food and enhance the overall offering.”
The new location also features two semi-private dining spaces, accommodating 30 and 50 guests, making it ideal for both intimate celebrations and corporate events. Designed in collaboration with Anouk & Co and the Wong family, the space will balance contemporary elegance with the warmth and familiarity that long-time diners have come to cherish.
A Legacy of Culinary Evolution
For over 60 years, The Malaya has witnessed the evolution of Sydney’s culinary landscape firsthand.
In its early years, the menu was shaped by the limited availability of Southeast Asian ingredients in Sydney. Wong Tai See imported what he could, mostly dried spices, but many dishes were adapted to what was available – the reason the laksa still uses dairy instead of coconut milk today. As fresh ingredients became increasingly accessible in the 1970s and 1980s, the menu expanded with a renewed focus on more vibrant Malaysian and Nonya flavours. This era saw the creation of some of today’s most popular dishes, including Kapitan Prawns, Rendang, and Opor Ayam. In 1996, second-generation owners Lance and Givie Wong modernised the restaurant and shifted its focus to polished service, curated wine lists, and corporate dining. The move to King Street Wharf in 2001 marked another significant milestone, as The Malaya became one of the precinct’s inaugural restaurants.
Across six decades, The Malaya remains one of the few restaurants where generations of families continue to dine together, with some loyal patrons following its journey for more than 50 years.
The Malaya hosted its final service at King Street Wharf on Saturday, 29 March, 2025, with the new Grosvenor Place venue opening its doors in April 2025. Guests can enjoy the same comforting flavours, attentive service, and warm hospitality that have defined The Malaya since 1963—now in a space that reflects the next chapter of this extraordinary family legacy.