What do Malaysians miss most when they’re away from home? For four Malaysian founders in Melbourne, the answer is pretty simple: food.
From ice cream and pastries to cafés and whisky, these Malaysians have brought pieces of home into their businesses while building new lives in Australia.
A Little Malaysia In Melbourne
At Kōri Ice Cream, Kelantan-born Bernard Chu and Joane Yeoh bring Malaysian flavours into their desserts, including Milo Dinosaur, Apam Balik, Sirap Bandung, Kopi O, Durian and Cendol.
For Mei May Soon of Krimper Café, memories of Ipoh’s coffee shops and family dinners shaped the way she approaches hospitality. Her café also gives a modern take on familiar Malaysian comfort food, including a Chicken Supreme inspired by the classic Malaysian chicken chop.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur-born pastry chef Eigen Ting of Sucre du Jour blends French pastry techniques with flavours like pandan, sesame, osmanthus and chrysanthemum. His take on onde-onde is one of his nods to childhood memories.
And at The Elysian Whisky Bar, Petaling Jaya-born Kelvin Low puts a Malaysian spin on the menu with the Espresslo Martini, made with malt whisky, coffee, Milo and condensed milk.
From Malaysia To Melbourne
Their journeys to Melbourne were different, but food and culture remained a common thread.
For Chu, Melbourne’s multicultural food scene made it the perfect place to experiment with Asian-inspired desserts. Soon was drawn to the city’s creative energy and café culture, while Ting found opportunities and a lifestyle that suited him.
Low initially moved to Australia for university and studied biotechnology before eventually finding his way into hospitality and whisky.
Despite building their lives thousands of kilometres from Malaysia, their roots continue to influence how they cook, create and welcome people.
And when homesickness hits? There’s always Malaysian food.
For these founders, bringing a little Malaysia to Melbourne has become more than a business, it’s a way of keeping a piece of home close.
If You’re Heading To Melbourne
Beyond the food, Melbourne and regional Victoria offer plenty to explore.
For a city day out, check out Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market, or take a walk around the Yarra River, Federation Square and Birrarung Marr.
If you have more time, head out to Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula or the Great Ocean Road. Other options include Phillip Island, the Grampians, Ballarat and Bendigo.
So, whether you’re going to Melbourne for the food, the creative scene or simply a change of scenery, there’s plenty to discover, with a little taste of Malaysia waiting along the way.