Are you craving for authentic Malaysian cuisine but don’t know where to go? Fret not, because Little Penang in Wellington has got you covered. This restaurant offers a delightful selection of Malaysian dishes that will satisfy your cravings and take you on a flavorful journey you won’t forget. In this blog post, we will explore all you need to know about Little Penang, from its humble beginnings to its current status as one of the best Malaysian restaurants in Wellington.

Discovering the Best Malaysian Cuisine in Wellington at Little Penang


Little Penang was founded in 2008 by Terence Ong, who migrated from Penang, Malaysia to New Zealand in 2003 with a mission to share his country’s unique cuisine with Kiwis. Terence noticed that there was a lack of authentic Southeast Asian restaurants in Wellington, which was why he decided to start his own. Little Penang started as a small eatery in Wellington’s CBD before expanding to its current location on Dixon Street, which boasts a comfortable and cozy atmosphere.

Exploring Little Penang Wellington: A Culinary Journey

Delve into the heart of Malaysian cuisine with a visit to Little Penang Wellington. This section will explore the restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavors, traditional cooking methods, and the diverse menu that takes diners on a flavorful journey through Malaysia.

One of the standout dishes at Little Penang is their char kway teow, a stir-fried noodle dish that is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. This dish is made up of flat rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and eggs. It is then seasoned with soy sauce, chili, and other seasonings to create a wonderfully balanced flavor. Another favorite among patrons is the nasi lemak, a fragrant coconut rice dish served with a variety of sides, including sambal, peanuts, fried anchovies, and fried chicken.

The Authentic Flavors of Little Penang Wellington

Discover the authentic flavors that make Little Penang Wellington a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Learn about the signature dishes, the ingredients that make them unique, and the cultural stories behind each recipe that brings a taste of Malaysia to Wellington.

When it comes to appetizers, Little Penang offers a range of tasty options, including satay skewers, spring rolls, and roti canai, a flaky and buttery flatbread that is perfect for dipping into curry sauce. Their vegetarian options are also highly recommended, with dishes like the fried tofu and mixed vegetable stir-fry offering a healthy and delicious alternative to meat-based dishes.

Little Penang’s interior is tastefully decorated with traditional Malaysian elements, including red lanterns, wooden screens, and batik tablecloths. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a romantic evening out. You’ll also appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, who are more than happy to offer recommendations and explain the dishes to those unfamiliar with Malaysian cuisine.


If you’re looking for an authentic Malaysian dining experience, Little Penang in Wellington is the perfect destination. With its friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and flavorful dishes, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular Malaysian restaurants in the city. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a newcomer to Malaysian cuisine, you’re sure to enjoy Little Penang’s delectable selection of dishes. So why not stop by today and see what everyone’s raving about? We guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Penang is known as the culinary capital of Malaysia, but if you can’t make it to Malaysia, Little Penang in Wellington will be the best alternative for you. Located in the center of Wellington, Little Penang is the perfect place to explore the city’s attractions. This place is very popular with local office workers and those in a hurry. It even has daily specials, perfect for such visitors.

Exploring the Divine Flavours of Little Penang Wellington Menu

Do you love Malaysian cuisine? If yes, then Little Penang Wellington is the perfect place for you. Located in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand, Little Penang offers an exceptional dining experience that will leave you craving for more. In this blog post, we will explore the divine flavours of the Little Penang Wellington menu, and why it has quickly become a favourite among locals and tourists alike.


Little Penang Wellington’s Appetizers


Little Penang’s appetizers are the perfect way to start your culinary journey. The Roti Canai or the humble Malaysian flatbread served with curry on the side is an absolute delight. The Fried Tofu with Peanut Sauce is also an excellent option for vegetarians or anyone looking to try something new. The almost crispy texture of the tofu blends perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce, giving you a taste that will make you happy you came to Little Penang.

The Irresistible Main dishes


In Little Penang Wellington, choosing one main dish might be a bit of a challenge. You will be spoilt for choice from the Beef Rendang, a slow-cooked beef in coconut milk, to the famous Nasi Lemak rice dish served with chicken, beef, or veggie curry. The Spicy prawn noodles and the Fried rice with shrimp and Chinese sausage are must-tries if you’re feeling adventurous.

Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options


Little Penang Wellington offers a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options that cater to all preferences. The Vegetable Curry served with Jasmine rice highlights a perfect blend of spices and vegetables. The Penang Char Kway Teow with Stir-fried rice noodles, tofu, bean sprouts and chives is another favourite among vegetarians. Gluten-Free options include the Beef Stew, Curry Laksa and the Chicken and Rice dish.

The Sweet Endings


After indulging in the delicious appetizers and main dishes, you may want to look at the sweet delights on the menu at Little Penang Wellington. The Coconut Pudding with Palm Sugar is a must-try, as is the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cake, both served with ice cream.

Discover the Delights: Little Penang Wellington Menu


Malaysian cuisine is rich in flavor and texture and emerging as a popular cuisine choice in Wellington, and Little Penang has all your cravings covered. The exceptional service, relaxed atmosphere, and divine flavours make it a must-visit. From appetizers to desserts, the Little Penang Wellington menu offers a unique culinary experience that you will not forget. So, if you’re in Wellington, make a stop at Little Penang and discover why this Malaysian restaurant has rapidly become a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

If you had to summarize Wellington’s favorite cuisine, the answer would most likely be Malaysian. In just 500 meters along Cuba Street you will find 12 Malaysian restaurants, but walking from Cuba Street to Victoria Street, there is a restaurant that stands out from the rest – Little Penang.

Ben Shourie, New Zealand chef and owner of Melbourne’s Attica restaurant (which was named one of the world’s 50 best restaurants in 2018), ate there while visiting Wellington during Visa Wellington On a Plate and he says he can’t wait to return.

Signature Dishes of Little Penang Wellington Menu

“For me, Little Penang represents incredible family spirit and self-determination. Tee Fee and her family have created a restaurant that is truly moving. Proudly representing their heritage and family recipes in the most delicious way possible, while giving back and supporting the Wellington community that has supported them. It’s a beautiful and lovely place to dine and I can’t wait for my next visit!”

In a city that already has a strong representation of Malaysian restaurants, Tee Chiew Fee and her husband Keith decided to take a different approach to Malaysian cuisine in Wellington when they opened their first restaurant on Dixon Street. Tee and Keith decided to focus on Peranakan or Nyonya cuisines, which have Chinese, Indian and ethnic Malay influences but use spices and ingredients native to the area.

The couple was determined to create authentic flavors without being labeled or overwhelmed. However, when they found they couldn’t find certain ingredients in New Zealand, like dried anchovies and ginger flowers, Tee and Keith decided to import them from Malaysia.