Malaymas

There’s something slightly sickening about the yellow and orange waves adorning the window at Malaymas. Crossing to the other side of the bile ocean I was very happy to be proven wrong. This North Fitzroy restaurant is filled with relaxed diners, polite waiters and the amazing smells of hawker-style Malaysian food.

Malaymas isn’t licensed but has a long list of sweet iced drinks. The Iced Rose Lemon Drink ($4) is definitely interesting; reminiscent of those pre-liquor green-tongued days of sugar-highs. When the extra-spicy food came it was the perfect counterpoint, cutting through the spice completely. Much more fun than a glass of soy milk.

The Roti bread with Chanai Kosong (Coconut Curry Sauce $4.2) grows on you with each dip. Again, appearances were deceiving. Belachan Eggplant ($11.9) looks just like a mud-pie (for want of a more polite analogy) but tastes amazing. The Vegetarian Laksa ($10.9) is huge, fresh and spicy – everything a good laksa should be.

The biggest surprise is dessert. I’d been watching a waitress turn the handle on a strange, pink machine all night. It turned out she was making Ice Kacang ($6.5). This concoction comprises of jelly and red beans in the centre, palm seeds as a base and a mound of shaved ice, coloured syrups and condensed milk on top. I could see this dessert becoming very addictive. I’ll definitely be back.

MALAYMAS
320 St Georges Road, North Fitzroy
9486 3202
Mon to Fri 12 till 2pm
Wed to Mon 5.30pm till 10pm