Iconic Asian restaurant closes doors after over two decades of service

The food and beverage industry has seen many ups and downs over the years.

While new players continue to join the food scene, many classic establishments also bid their farewells.

This was the case for an Asian restaurant that recently announced a heartbreaking update about its services.


For over two decades, The Malaya has been a culinary beacon on King Street Wharf.

The Malaya offered a taste of Southeast Asian cuisine with a stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour.

However, after 23 years of service, The Malaya closed its doors in this iconic location, which marked the end of an era for the restaurant and its patrons.


compressed-The Malaya.jpeg
The Malaya mainly served Southeast Asian flavours with their selection of curries, noodles, and platters. Image Credit: The Malaya



The Malaya's journey began long before its tenure on the wharf.

A seaman named Wong Tai See migrated from Hong Kong to Australia in the 1940s.

Wong Tai See established The Malaya on George Street in 1963.

Tai See's restaurant quickly became a staple in the Sydney dining scene as it served generations of students, journalists, police, and professionals in the area.


The Malaya was a place where the rich tapestry of the city's culture and history could be experienced through its dishes.

Following the city's development in 1996, Wong Tai See's son, Lance, decided to relocate The Malaya to King Street Wharf.

This move allowed The Malaya to thrive.

Eventually, The Malaya became a fixture for both locals and tourists who seek authentic Southeast Asian cuisine while enjoying Sydney's picturesque views.

Today, The Malaya is being handled by third-generation owners.

Wong Tai See's grandchildren, Isabella and Duan, have been at the restaurant's helm.

The pair's dedication to maintaining the restaurant's high standards ensured that The Malaya's legacy should endure through the years.


The announcement to close The Malaya's location at King Street Wharf came with a mix of emotions.

In a heartfelt social media statement, the restaurant's operators expressed their gratitude to their guests.

'While we'll miss King St Wharf—our home for over two decades—we want to take a moment to thank you, our guests, for making it such an incredible part of our journey,' they wrote in a statement.

'We look forward to welcoming you in for a few more memorable meals before we say goodbye.'

The restaurant's last day of service in King Street Wharf will be on Saturday, 29 March.

However, this is not the end for The Malaya.


The restaurant is set to make a homecoming to George Street in April.

The Malaya is scheduled to reopen in Harry Seidler's Grosvenor Place in the said month.

Isabelle and Duan described this move as a 'full circle' moment and a return to their family's origins and dreams.

As patrons bid farewell to The Malaya's presence on King Street Wharf, they also look forward to the new memories and experiences that await at Grosvenor Place.

The story of The Malaya is far from over; it's simply turning a new page.
Key Takeaways

  • The Malaya, a renowned Southeast Asian restaurant in Sydney, is set to close its doors at King Street Wharf after 23 years of operations.
  • The restaurant is set to have its final service on 29 March.
  • The Malaya was originally founded on George Street in 1963 and is set to return to the area in April.
  • Three generations of the Wong family have run the restaurant, and it has been a favourite among various professionals in the area.
Have you dined at The Malaya in any of its locations? What dish will you miss the most? Do you have other restaurants that you miss as well? Let's reminisce together and share your thoughts and memories with your favourite restaurants in the comments below.
 

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There are so many restaurants along the King St Wharf and most very expensive and used to be very busy

I've been a few times to Georges Mediterranean restaurant at Kings St Wharf , really nice food but expensive .

I feel in today's times with the economy how it is people are not willing to eat out and pay these High prices, but with the cost associated with running theses restaurants eg cost of produce, wages and the very high rents in this area , I'm sure you will see a lot more restruants closing.
 
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Reactions: magpie1 and Macarj
I have been a patron from the George St days - the Wharf may have added a few $'s to the price, however the quality of the foodand service never changed. Except they stopped doing their amazing chilli crab, maybe they will do this again at their new home.
 
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Reactions: Jo Piper3
If Asian stores close that is a worry...if Asian stores can't make it no one can make the grade.
 
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Reactions: Macarj
Can I please ask, when you tell us that an iconic restaurant is closing down, you give us the city it is in so those of us in other states don't have to waste time looking at the article.:sleep:
 
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Reactions: Wandiwa and tomtom
Can I please ask, when you tell us that an iconic restaurant is closing down, you give us the city it is in so those of us in other states don't have to waste time looking at the article.:sleep:
Easy to see 1st up in Key Takeaways. Skip as required and relax.
 
Can I please ask, when you tell us that an iconic restaurant is closing down, you give us the city it is in so those of us in other states don't have to waste time looking at the article.:sleep:
Don't bother then 🌷 Why waste your valuable time?
 

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