Restauran Malaysia

Is it possible to find a good Malaysian restaurant outside the country? No.... but one certainly comes close in Toronto and that's Restauran Malaysia. What surmounts as an unoriginal name spelled correctly in Bahasa Malaysia for "restaurant", Restauran Malaysia offers an authentic variety of Malaysian cuisine and packs a punch of flavor. Though bearing some close resemblance to Thai, Malaysian cuisine is much different and can be a refreshing change from the Thai obsession in Toronto. Yes, other countries have green, red, and yellow curries. You are best to try and sure to realize that Malaysian curry is awesome.

The interior of the restaurant gives a modern twist to most other Malaysian restaurants where the decor can be excruciatingly tacky. Instead, a more trendy style reminiscent of the modernity of Spring Rolls while incorporating imitation Malaysian themes in a dark earthy tone. The tables are comfortably large, though large groups are often limited to the few round tables at the restaurants. It is recommended that you go in groups no larger than 4, as it is easiest to get seats this way.

To prepare for the meal, order a cup of Teh Tarik (literally translated as "pulled tea"), a Malaysian version of the Hong Kong milk tea. Though similar, the tea is literally pulled in the air for mixing, giving it a frothy and rich texture. This drink is offered in hot or cold version, but this drink is best experienced hot to maximize the flavor and texture. You may enjoy it cold in the summer, as true Malaysians enjoy it out on the scorching streets. This drink is made very well here, as they use similar ingredients (steeped tea, condensed milk, evaporated milk) and a technique similar to how it is done back home. The pulling technique isn't as spectacular and seems more like pouring. So please visit this link to see how Teh Tarik is really pulled.

Follow this with a few roti canai and the accompanying chicken curry sauce for dipping. Similar to the Indian roti, Malaysian roti is much fluffier, flakier, and crunchier. Again, the roti is close but is not offered in the same varieties as Roti Bomb, Roti Tissue, and the likes in Malaysia.

Recommendations for main dishes from best to great include: Penang Chow Kuai Tiew, Mee Goreng, Beef Rendang, Malaysian yellow chicken curry, Wonton Ho, Mee Xiam, and Nasi Lemak. Though these dishes do not give true credit to the variety, tastes, and accuracies of real Malaysian cuisine, they give you a sample for what Malaysian food is really like. The portion sizes are full, so order one dish per person and share it among the table (ex: at least 3 main dishes for a table of 4).

I give props to Restauran Malaysia for the great food while frowning at the unsightly Thai dishes found throughout the menu. If possible, avoid these and stay true to the Malaysian experience. The service is also mediocre and the place can be very loud when fully packed. Waiting in line can also be a horrible experience, so avoid the peek hours and go on Sunday nights, before 6, or after 8 as they do not take reservations. Another consideration is that the food is Halal, as Asian restaurants don't offer this.

Overall, this is a great restaurant and one which I frequent often. So see you there!

Rating: 3 Stars - Superior experience that offers memorable dishes and/or accompanied by good atmosphere and/or service
Price: $$$ - Moderate