Our favourite Malaysian restaurants in Wellington

A tiny shop crammed among the myriad others on Cuba Street, Satay Palace is easy to miss - but once you stumble upon it, you’ll be coming back for more. The fit out may be plain and no-frills, but the food is anything but. Select from the full range of classic Malaysian dishes, cooked to authentic perfection and served in generous portions.

Another Wellington favourite whose popularity spans generations, KK Malaysian is one of the most frequented restaurants on the bustling Ghuznee Street. It’s not the largest restaurant, so you’d do well to book in advance, but once you’re seated and settled, you’re in for a fantastic feed. The curry dishes here are renowned, and their kung po chicken has its own cult following.

Nestled in a prime corner spot near Courtenay Place, Istana Malaysia becomes a hive of activity on Friday nights, particularly when crowds swarm here to kick-start their weekends with a quality Malaysian meal. With its spacious interior and rows of tables, it’s a popular choice for large groups planning a celebratory BYO dinner. With a long menu filled with tantalising options, make sure you pick your meal before the festivities begin.

Another top pick for those who love a vino or two to go with their rendang, Satay Malaysia is a BYO-friendly spot that offers a smaller, more intimate setting. With all the Malaysian classics, plenty of vegetarian options, and a selection of chef’s specials, there’s something for everyone. The beef rendang here comes highly recommended, as does the garlic roti.

Unlike the other restaurants on this list, Kanama Kopi Kadai is a bit further out from the city centre, but the drive is so worth it. Head over to the Kilbirnie favourite and indulge in everything Malaysian (and not so Malaysian). The friendly husband-and-wife team are always on hand to serve up your favourite Malaysian delicacies, along with a few surprises such as chicken karaage and cheese wontons.

A cosy little spot that’s also one of the most popular on Cuba Street, Rasa has been serving timeless Malaysian food to Wellingtonians for decades. If you’re lucky enough to secure a table in the compact space, tuck into as many dishes as you can, because there’s a lot on offer. The curries are a specialty and the dosa gets rave reviews, and if you head along for lunch, the specials are hard to beat.