WellingtonNZ.com,
New Zealand 

Mark
21st February 2012 5 star 

I am a Kiwi who has lived in both Malaysia and Singapore. I know what real Malay food looks and tastes like having eaten in restaurants and makan stalls the length and breadth of Malaysia. The food and service at Istana Malaysia is stunning. Authentic tastes and smells that take me back to the Sembawang Markets and the streets of JB. Superb restaurant – we need one in Auckland. All the best – Mark

rosie
20th January 2012 4 star 

Dined here recently with my family, they were on a holiday in New Zealand. Before leaving back to Malaysia, they requested to have dinner in a place with authentic Malaysian dishes, and Istana Malaysia was the ideal choice. We started off with the Vegetable Pakora and Masala Chicken Salad, which had mango dressing on them. The entree sizes were generous and dipping sauce was really yummy. While waiting for our mains to arrive, we saw how incredibly busy the restaurant could get on a demanding Saturday night. Despite not making a booking, we were lucky enough for being accommodated by their Manager.
For the mains, we had the Fish Sambal, Chicken Varuval, Pan Fried Garlic Prawns and also Lamb Murtabak. The mains blend really well with Acar and a couple of crunchy papadoms. My parents particularly enjoyed the Murtabak which comes with a small bowl of curry as well, for dipping. My best friend, who is a very picky eater, seemed to be very pleased throughout the whole dining experience. All these scrumptious mains are not accompanied with rice, however the concept of sharing; where a group of 4 diners could order 3 serving of rice, which comes in a big bowl and couple of rotis worked absolutely well. The garlic roti is full of flavour and good to be eaten on its own even!
One low light on the dining experience was the wait for the food, but it was totally understandable for it was a real busy Saturday night and we didn’t make any prior bookings. We were more than happy, for it’s a sure sign that the meal quality was not being compromised at any stake. We would definitely return to Istana Malaysia and look forward for another truly Malaysian experience. Istana Malaysia, “A Palace to come home to”, that’s what they say and that’s what we experience!

Rhi_M
8th January 2012 1 star 

Visited Istana Malaysia for the first time tonight in a large party and had a less than best experience which is surprising on a street lined with other malaysian restaurants…..

The soft drinks myself and partner ordered both arrived flat – the waitress didn’t seem to pleased to have to replace them for us but we remained polite and patient. Our starters arrived and looked somewhat disappointing. The mixed satay were poor – very thin and oily and the pakora (pretty much deep fried vegetables) were dry. The ‘side salad’ stated on the menu with each entree was coarsely diced white onion and a chunk of cucumber – it looked awful. They did not order one of our entrees, the samosas – so after a reminder, they arrived and looked suspiciously like the ones you can bulk buy yourself. Our mains arrived after and again – were disappointing. My lamb korma was watery (and looked green) and the lamb was gristly. My partners honey butter chicken didn’t look any better and the small white bowls they served the meals in, failed to do it any justice.

Divided up, we paid $40 per head which I considered to be a rip off in comparison to some of the other dining establishments we could of gone to in the very close vicinity. It’s a shame that the service did not compensate for the poor dining experience.

We wont be returning – and the majority of the reviews on here are a very fair reflection of what you will experience when dining here.

Sandra
2nd January 2012 2 star 

Bad service long waiting,not sure if it’s because they were too busy. We waited for over 50 minutes.the restaurant did not do anything or apologise.

R
2nd September 2011 1 star 

This was my first and last visit to Istana Malaysia, it was a busy Friday night and after arriving at 6pm the waiter took our drinks order then after waiting 20mins bought us our drinks. He dumped them on the table and ran away ignoring my shouts as he hadn’t even asked us if we wanted to order yet. Another 20mins later someone came and took our order after me having to go up and ask twice! After an hour and a quarter of waiting for our meals and asking where they were (and being told “their on their way”) we left disgusted. I took into consideration that they were busy but this was absolutely ridiculous! I will never be returning to this place and I warn that you only go here if you aren’t in a rush and want rude service.

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