5 restaurants in Hong Kong for authentic Malaysian and Singaporean food

Until about five years ago, there were limited dining choices for Malaysians and Singaporeans living in Hong Kong who were craving a taste of home. Many places claiming to do “Southeast Asian” often offered some bastardisation of the rich – and often spicy – cuisine to cater to a more local Cantonese palate to survive, making it hard to satisfy those cravings locally. But, a recent spate of new restaurants offering Southeast Asian cuisine has alleviated some of those hunger pangs. Here’s a list of our favourite places in Hong Kong. 

Café Malacca

Café Malacca has quietly been building a reputation for itself as the go-to place for authentic Singaporean and Malaysian fare since it opened in Hotel Jen (previously Traders Hotel) in Sai Wan in 2012. It has one of the most extensive menus in town and the kitchen sources the most original ingredients including the famous Ipoh beansprouts. Some of the highlights are the Penang char kway teow, the assam laksa, and the bee tai bak (minced pork noodles), as well as the rojak (mixed fruit salad with prawn paste) and satay. The restaurant also does an awesome curry fish head and chilli crabs but you have to order in advance. And, if you can take the smell, do not miss the durian pudding! 

Sabah Malaysian Cuisine

The restaurant, on Jaffe Road just behind the Luk Kwok Hotel in Wan Chai, is one of the oldest Singaporean/Malaysian restaurants in town and is still keeping its quality consistent after all these years. The place does pretty decent curries and it’s worth cramming into the haphazard premises just to get a taste of their chicken or beef rendang (dry curry) complemented by freshly-made roti canai or roti telur (with egg). The open kitchen means you can see how the chefs make the fluffy rotis or demonstrate their teh tarik (pulled tea) skills. 

Katong Corner / Old Town