Malaysian Garden Restaurant – Clayton – a restaurant within a hotel

Malaysian Garden Restaurant is uniquely located upstairs within The Clayton Hotel, right on the corner of Clayton Road in front of Clayton Station. While an unusual spot for a restaurant, the elevated setting offers great views through its floor-to-ceiling windows.

Highlights	Delicious Malaysian food with generous portions, great service, and stunning views. A hidden gem—book ahead to secure a table!
Cost	$15 to $20 per rice or noodle dish
Location	Upstairs within The Clayton Hotel, 4/317-319 Clayton Road, Clayton VIC 3168
Website	https://www.malaysiagarden.com.au/

A Bustling Atmosphere

Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by how busy the restaurant was, with nearly every table marked as “reserved.” It’s not a large space, so seeing so many pre-booked tables was fascinating. Despite not having a reservation, we managed to secure a table on a Saturday night, though we were informed we’d need to leave within an hour. Others weren’t as lucky and had to be turned away due to the fully booked seating.

Generous Portions and Fragrant Dishes

One of the first things that caught my eye was the size of the dishes being served. Many diners had large, steaming bowls and plates, with prawns that looked incredibly fresh and appetizing. It became clear that I needed to order something featuring prawns.

We opted for the Ipoh Hor Fun ($17.90) and the Combination Egg Gravy Rice ($18.90). The Ipoh Hor Fun featured a simple but flavorful chicken soup base with prawns, chicken, pork, and rice noodles. While delicious, I wished there was more soup, as the noodles absorbed it quickly. The Combination Egg Gravy Rice, on the other hand, was the standout dish. It arrived piping hot, with rich, savory egg gravy poured over a mix of pork, prawns, squid, and vegetables, all atop fragrant egg-fried rice. The balance of flavors and textures made it incredibly satisfying.

Great Service and Extra Touches

Though there were no condiments on the table, we requested chili oil and were provided with their house-made chili sauce, which added a wonderful kick to our meal. The staff were attentive, and despite how busy they were, they provided great service throughout our visit.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Malaysian Garden Restaurant impressed us with its flavorful food, generous portions, and reasonable pricing. The location may be unexpected, but it’s certainly a hidden gem worth seeking out. If you’re planning to visit, making a reservation is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

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