21 Years & Counting: Why We Still Go Back To Malaka Spice

Malaka Spice at Koregaon Park has been dishing out the best of authentic Malaysian, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian and Korean soul food since 1997.

Started by Praful and Cheeru Chandawarkar, Malaka Spice is perhaps one of the most iconic South-East Asian restaurants in Pune. Located in Lane No.5 in Koregaon Park, this charming restaurant is just about perfect for a weekend brunch with the gang or a quiet date night with the beloved.

Malaka Spice boasts of a gorgeous al fresco setting under a canopy of colourful hanging umbrellas and Chinese lanterns. The space is airy and full of potted plants at various corners. The indoor setting too is all about fun hues and cosy feels. The walls adorn beautiful artwork, that we hear, are also up for sale.

Our all-time favourite at Malaka Spice is the pho chiru soup, a Vietnamese speciality made of star anise, basil, coriander and mutton. For starters though, nothing beats the mouthwatering lotus stem tango with honey and chilli sauce along with a plate of chicken kebabs marinated in herbs and Thai paste, fried in wraps of Pandanu leaves.

Meat lovers in the house, we highly recommend you try their Mandarin duck, made in exotic honey and orange sauce, and tossed with sliced chillies, litchi and pineapple. If you’re not a fan of sweet flavours, go for a Malaka Thai red curry with sticky rice, that can be shared with two to three people. Order a glass of red sangria, and you’ve got yourself a meal to remember. End this belly-filling Asian treat with either a Japanese chocolate truffle or black sesame ice cream.

Why hunt for a Pan-Asian restaurant when Malaka Spice is right around the corner? Also, did we mention it has outlets in Baner, Viman Nagar and Nashik too?

Malaka Spice has curated a special summer menu that’ll last till June 14, and we hear Burmese shrimp salad and the mutton chop stew are to die for!