One Underwood restaurant has taken home-cooked meals to the extreme, taking a packet of two-minute noodles and dressing it into a delightful Malaysian favourite.
Maggie Goreng takes minced chicken, tofu, some Asian greens, onion and a little bit of sauce mixed through. Throw a deep fried chicken drumstick on the side and you’ve got a staple meal most Malaysians grew up with.
Not only has Malay House had the confidence to include it on their menu, but they’ve done it with aplomb and precision.
It’s as tasty and authentic as the entire menu and epitomises the street food culture of Malaysia, and honest home cooking.
There are plenty of other things to choose from, but most of them will take on a similar degree of authenticity.
A Malay-style omelette has small prawns and marinated chicken. It accompanies whichever noodle, soup or rice dish that takes your fancy.
Malaysians are noted for their satay, and the chicken sticks here come with a home-style sauce made with real peanuts and a little bit of inside knowledge.
While a toasted Hainan sandwich might remind some people of home, it’s probably not everyone’s cup of tea as a starter, but plenty of diners were keen for the deep fried chicken wings or won tons.
Malaysia is a fascinating culture for food, drawing from traditional Indonesian fare, Chinese heritage and its traditional roots to blend mild curries with fresh ingredients.
They’ve also managed to borrow some tricks from India and nearby Thailand in some of their food.
Malay House at Underwood Central has the lot.
There’s sweet and sour chicken, nasi goreng which Bali visitors will know as a staple Indonesian food, and a few Indian-influenced curry options.
Hainan chicken rice is a classic. Malays will dish it up with a sweeter, tasty sauce, while Thais will do it with a hotter sauce carrying a heavy smattering of bird’s eye chillies.
Either way, the steamed or roast chicken options are a favourite.
And when most dishes are in the $12-$15 range, they’re more cost-effective than most food courts.
Top it off with a fruit mix which other shops will label a mocktail and charge $10 for. There’s a lime pineapple drink, lychee watermelon or lime longan – all for less than $5.
You’ll have to ask which ones are fizzy, if that impacts your choice.
This is a great find. It’s well-priced, and genuinely authentic home-style Malaysian cooking.
