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A Malaysian Restaurant In London
The new novel from the author of the bestselling collection HORROR STORIES.
A child goes missing.
On a hill stands a huge banyan tree.
The story unfolds ...
Kenny Leong, a university student, and his two brothers open a restaurant in London.
His Irish friend, Trevor, helps out as a waiter. At first the restaurant is a failure but when the junior chef, Faizah, cooks up a new mysterious Malay dish, everything changes for them all.
In this haunting tale of love and healing, we follow Kenny and Trevor from London to Seville, and then to Malaysia thirty years later.
A child goes missing.
On a hill stands a huge banyan tree.
The story unfolds ...
Kenny Leong, a university student, and his two brothers open a restaurant in London.
His Irish friend, Trevor, helps out as a waiter. At first the restaurant is a failure but when the junior chef, Faizah, cooks up a new mysterious Malay dish, everything changes for them all.
In this haunting tale of love and healing, we follow Kenny and Trevor from London to Seville, and then to Malaysia thirty years later.
- GenresFiction
255 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2015
8 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Tunku Halim
37 books56 followersTunku Halim has lived in the UK, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. He worked as Legal Counsel for a global IT company before turning to writing.
Twenty books later, he is dubbed Asia’s Steven King. By delving into Malay myth, legends and folklore, his writing is regarded as ‘World Gothic’.
His novel, Dark Demon Rising, was nominated for the 1999 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award whilst his second novel, Vermillion Eye, is used as a study text in The National University of Singapore’s Language and Literature course.
His short story has also won first prize in a 1998 Fellowship of Australian Writers competition. In Malaysia, he has had three consecutive wins in Malaysia's Star-Popular Readers’ Choice Awards between 2015 and 2017.
Twenty books later, he is dubbed Asia’s Steven King. By delving into Malay myth, legends and folklore, his writing is regarded as ‘World Gothic’.
His novel, Dark Demon Rising, was nominated for the 1999 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award whilst his second novel, Vermillion Eye, is used as a study text in The National University of Singapore’s Language and Literature course.
His short story has also won first prize in a 1998 Fellowship of Australian Writers competition. In Malaysia, he has had three consecutive wins in Malaysia's Star-Popular Readers’ Choice Awards between 2015 and 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 30, 2015
absolutely brilliant! this is the highest compliment coming from me and I do not simply categorized a book as brilliant. perhaps this is because i love paranormal/horror stories and maybe it is due to some nostalgic notions (i agree with one of the reviewers of this book that this story reminds us of cerita mastika.)
the illustrations are fantastic and each of them emphasize the highlights of the situation. i hope i get to read more books with this kind of illustrations. it helps with the reading.
the ending is not entirely unexpected and i find it suitable for this type of story.
looking forward to read more books from this author!
the illustrations are fantastic and each of them emphasize the highlights of the situation. i hope i get to read more books with this kind of illustrations. it helps with the reading.
the ending is not entirely unexpected and i find it suitable for this type of story.
looking forward to read more books from this author!
September 19, 2016
This is the first Tunku Halim book I've ever read.
Heard from people that he's sort of a horror maestro. But I'm not that impressed. Nonetheless, the book is entertaining enough. Not at all scary though.
Overall, this book seemed unnecessarily long. It could have just been a short story.
From the start, it was obvious that Faizah is in fact the missing little girl. The Malaysian chapter towards the end bored me all the way to the unsatisfying ending.
There were also a number of annoying editorial mistakes like misplaced words and spelling errors throughout the book.
Heard from people that he's sort of a horror maestro. But I'm not that impressed. Nonetheless, the book is entertaining enough. Not at all scary though.
Overall, this book seemed unnecessarily long. It could have just been a short story.
From the start, it was obvious that Faizah is in fact the missing little girl. The Malaysian chapter towards the end bored me all the way to the unsatisfying ending.
There were also a number of annoying editorial mistakes like misplaced words and spelling errors throughout the book.
May 29, 2016
It started out well, I was intrigued-- but I figured out the ending long before it happened. So, when I reached the end I found it a bit bland.
October 27, 2021
Membaca karya ini seakan membaca kisah dongeng sewaktu kecil. Awalnya aku ingat ia sebuah kisah seram, tapi rupanya sebuah cerita penuh magis. Ada plot yang kurang jelas, buat aku rasa tak puas hati.
October 5, 2023
really good story line and felt nostalgic to hear things related to Malaysia
April 8, 2016
this is my first experience with tunku halim's book.
his idea/story remind me of my childhood books, mystic/surreal kinda feel.
his idea/story remind me of my childhood books, mystic/surreal kinda feel.
September 14, 2015
Easy read. But alot of unnecessary dull details.
March 6, 2017
A boring book. Only kids will like it. The writing is simplistic. Tunku Halim, you're not a talented novelist. Stay with your short stories.
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June 4, 2021This book is written by one of Malaysia’s renowned authors, Tunku Halim. He is well known for horror stories and reading a book written by a Malaysian author has always been a pleasure. The story revolves around a group of friends who run a restaurant in London that caters Asian cuisines. The restaurant becomes popular among the locals when Faizah cooks a mysterious dish that actually heals many from illness. This plot dwells mostly on Asian fantasy and black magic.
Though the plot is not very impressive, I do enjoy certain parts of it especially the vivid description of the scenario in a village in Malaysia. Moreover, I loved the subtlety moving love story between Faizah and Trevor which adds some sweetness to this monotonous plot. Overall, this book is suitable for a beginner as it has a simple and slow-moving plot and also for Asian fantasy lovers.
Though the plot is not very impressive, I do enjoy certain parts of it especially the vivid description of the scenario in a village in Malaysia. Moreover, I loved the subtlety moving love story between Faizah and Trevor which adds some sweetness to this monotonous plot. Overall, this book is suitable for a beginner as it has a simple and slow-moving plot and also for Asian fantasy lovers.
March 24, 2020
Amazingly I love this book compared to the latest 'rape of nancy ng'. The storyline is not messy. Simple dialogues and what I like most is how Tunku Halim narrated each chosen location. The same goes for the division of character traits, readers will be able to differentiate each male character in this book.
It's a different kind of a love story from the perspective of a male character. The idea of Hunger Pang is very subtle and smart.
The only regret is who are these people trying to get hold of Faizah? Spying on her here and there till she is no longer young. What is their intent? Tunku chooses not to explain
.
Overall I sincerely enjoy reading this piece during the quarantine period of covid19.
It's a different kind of a love story from the perspective of a male character. The idea of Hunger Pang is very subtle and smart.
The only regret is who are these people trying to get hold of Faizah? Spying on her here and there till she is no longer young. What is their intent? Tunku chooses not to explain
.
Overall I sincerely enjoy reading this piece during the quarantine period of covid19.
February 28, 2017
A slim book with a large imagination, this novel about a young girl with special gifts is part horror, part thriller, part what-in-the-world-is-happening. Brush up on your South-east Asian (specifically Malay) myths and legends, cos you're gonna need them.
The love story in it is sweet and stretches across decades, and the accompanying characters are drawn out enough to be their own people. My biggest criticism with this novel is that it does not truly discuss who the villains are, what they want or precisely why they are doing what they do. We end up vaguely guessing, the characters end up vaguely confirming our suspicions, and we all end up vaguely at the end.
The publishers are an amazing, indie KL publishing house and it is more for them than the actual writer (who has a reputation for writing quite amazing things in other novels) that I ended up reading it. I'd recommend it for a taste of the Southeast interspersed with Europe, and some pretty good plot progression in the middle, but not necessarily for the writing.
The love story in it is sweet and stretches across decades, and the accompanying characters are drawn out enough to be their own people. My biggest criticism with this novel is that it does not truly discuss who the villains are, what they want or precisely why they are doing what they do. We end up vaguely guessing, the characters end up vaguely confirming our suspicions, and we all end up vaguely at the end.
The publishers are an amazing, indie KL publishing house and it is more for them than the actual writer (who has a reputation for writing quite amazing things in other novels) that I ended up reading it. I'd recommend it for a taste of the Southeast interspersed with Europe, and some pretty good plot progression in the middle, but not necessarily for the writing.
July 15, 2021
An unexpected story of the title. Very mystical and has some surprising plots. I was hoping for more stories around the restaurant but most parts are not related to the restaurant. Nevertheless, this is a nice/not scary mysterious read.
October 31, 2021
came for the title. the story lost stamina after one-thirds in, I think. moderately eerie but I slept ok afterwards.
3.2 stars for the hilarious fixinovo note, for memories of scouring for new malaysian restaurants in london, for faizah. u go girl.
3.2 stars for the hilarious fixinovo note, for memories of scouring for new malaysian restaurants in london, for faizah. u go girl.
November 21, 2023
Well, its not too bad. A bit boring for me but it's fine I guess. I don't read a lot of fantasy mystical stories, (I've watched a lot of malay dramas of them though) but the plot was interesting, it's just not my cup of tea.
February 26, 2017
Another boring book. This isn't for the sophisticated mind.
December 13, 2018
This novel is suitable for someone who is looking for something light to read. It was interesting at the beginning but, in the middle it becomes predictable.
September 2, 2019
Intriguing even a little bit slow pacing.
After 30 years later, Faizah just want to make it up with Trevor. But she died. And who killed her that remain mystery. No clue at all. Just some stalker.
After 30 years later, Faizah just want to make it up with Trevor. But she died. And who killed her that remain mystery. No clue at all. Just some stalker.
July 30, 2021
Very intriguing writing as the story teller described Malaysian mystical world in English.
September 13, 2022
What…did…i…just…read??!!
October 29, 2022
literally skimmed through this book bcs some parts are so draggy and boring to read😭✋🏻
March 12, 2024
I always like his writing. Simple and easy to read with an intricate plot.
March 27, 2025
3.5 stars
March 9, 2017
This is meh
March 5, 2017
Stories were written for teenagers. Tunku Halim, you should read more. Your books are mostly for teenagers and young adults. Real readers find your books borderline kiddy.
October 15, 2017
A Malaysian Restaurant in London is a basically a story of lost love and healing, with a supernatural twist. Although mainly set in Europe, it is unmistakably a very Malaysian story, featuring a primarily Malaysian cast, with elements drawn from culture and folklore that typifies Tunku Halim’s work. In this case, three enterprising brothers from Malaysia open a restaurant in London, but their raw enthusiasm and inexperience cannot keep the business afloat. Just when all hope seems lost, the mysterious junior chef cooks up a special offering for the menu that turns things around overnight.
At less than 300 pages long in length, it’s a fairly concise novel where the story builds up right from the start and progresses at a brisk pace. What makes it such a page-turner is the element of mystery in the story that thickens with each subsequent chapter. It also fuels the intrigue that the supernatural elements were barely even mentioned throughout the story until very much later.
The characters are very well set up individually, but there are not enough depth and development their relationships to be compelling. I just don’t feel the camaraderie and chemistry between the main characters. The central romance seems to appear out of nowhere, and is never given a proper chance to simmer enough for me to care about. Even the ‘enemy’ that comes after the protagonists does not feel like much of a threat.
Despite the lackluster characters, the novel truly shines in its simple prose, and in the exposition of the story’s key themes. There are plenty of thought-provoking moments in the narrative that delve philosophically into the subject of religion, spirituality, finding one’s place in the world, contributing to the greater good, how material success does not guarantee happiness and the impermanence of life. The author also did a beautiful job in showcasing how people with differing views can respectfully get along, which is a defining trait of Malaysian people and society.
Unfortunately, although the plot started off and progresses in a promising direction, the final resolve and revelation is rather anticlimactic, and requires way more suspension of disbelief than usual. I feel like the book could have benefited from a more established background, especially in terms of the antagonists, and maybe a little bit more suspense. Nevertheless, it is overall still a brilliantly-crafted and outstanding contemporary Malaysian English novel worth reading.
At less than 300 pages long in length, it’s a fairly concise novel where the story builds up right from the start and progresses at a brisk pace. What makes it such a page-turner is the element of mystery in the story that thickens with each subsequent chapter. It also fuels the intrigue that the supernatural elements were barely even mentioned throughout the story until very much later.
The characters are very well set up individually, but there are not enough depth and development their relationships to be compelling. I just don’t feel the camaraderie and chemistry between the main characters. The central romance seems to appear out of nowhere, and is never given a proper chance to simmer enough for me to care about. Even the ‘enemy’ that comes after the protagonists does not feel like much of a threat.
Despite the lackluster characters, the novel truly shines in its simple prose, and in the exposition of the story’s key themes. There are plenty of thought-provoking moments in the narrative that delve philosophically into the subject of religion, spirituality, finding one’s place in the world, contributing to the greater good, how material success does not guarantee happiness and the impermanence of life. The author also did a beautiful job in showcasing how people with differing views can respectfully get along, which is a defining trait of Malaysian people and society.
Unfortunately, although the plot started off and progresses in a promising direction, the final resolve and revelation is rather anticlimactic, and requires way more suspension of disbelief than usual. I feel like the book could have benefited from a more established background, especially in terms of the antagonists, and maybe a little bit more suspense. Nevertheless, it is overall still a brilliantly-crafted and outstanding contemporary Malaysian English novel worth reading.
September 30, 2016
Move over, Fixi-author-kids! Give way to my latest favourite author, Tunku Halim! /claps enthusiastically/
My expectation was under the hill when I started to read this book on my flight back to hometown. I was like, Tunku Halim who? Another author huh? Without shame, I admit to not knowing much about him and his works apart from the relentless marketing posts by Fixi team on social medias, which of course, often gets scrolled past by my ignorant fingers. By the time the aeroplane's tyres screeched menacingly on the wet tar of the airport, I was pages away from finishing the entire book! I was the last person to embark, priorities given to finish up with the read! Hooked up and filled with excitement indeed.
The story is divided into three parts; and the first part at London is the best of them all. The other two parts at both Seville and Malaysia were a bit downhill, with plots somewhat were harshly being elongated and expanded to the point it became overly dragging (especially at Seville).
Nice read, though!
My expectation was under the hill when I started to read this book on my flight back to hometown. I was like, Tunku Halim who? Another author huh? Without shame, I admit to not knowing much about him and his works apart from the relentless marketing posts by Fixi team on social medias, which of course, often gets scrolled past by my ignorant fingers. By the time the aeroplane's tyres screeched menacingly on the wet tar of the airport, I was pages away from finishing the entire book! I was the last person to embark, priorities given to finish up with the read! Hooked up and filled with excitement indeed.
The story is divided into three parts; and the first part at London is the best of them all. The other two parts at both Seville and Malaysia were a bit downhill, with plots somewhat were harshly being elongated and expanded to the point it became overly dragging (especially at Seville).
Nice read, though!
July 31, 2015
A Malaysian Restaurant in London tells the story of three friends: Kenny, who opens a restaurant in London with his two brothers, Trevor, his Irish friend who worked with them as a waiter, and Faizah, the junior chef who whips up a mysterious Malay dish that changes their lives.
It's hard to define how Malaysian this book is - it's there in the undercurrents, with the use of local superstitions and local supernatural beings - but because the book is set in London, then Seville, and then only in Malaysia, it feels very much more international as well. I suppose this is a good thing.
I picked up this book for two reasons: I was at the book launch and I am trying to increase my quota of Malaysian books. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it.
(and this is joining the list of reviews I need to expand on but probably will forget to)
It's hard to define how Malaysian this book is - it's there in the undercurrents, with the use of local superstitions and local supernatural beings - but because the book is set in London, then Seville, and then only in Malaysia, it feels very much more international as well. I suppose this is a good thing.
I picked up this book for two reasons: I was at the book launch and I am trying to increase my quota of Malaysian books. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it.
(and this is joining the list of reviews I need to expand on but probably will forget to)
December 22, 2024
A Malaysian Restaurant in London by Tunku Halim is a charming and delightful novel that captures the essence of Malaysian culture through the lens of a restaurant setting. The story revolves around a group of characters connected by the restaurant, each with their unique backgrounds and stories. Halim beautifully weaves together themes of family, friendship, and the love for food, showcasing how a shared meal can bring people together. With vivid descriptions of Malaysian dishes and the warmth of the restaurant environment, readers are transported into the rich flavors and traditions of Malaysia. This heartwarming tale not only entertains but also highlights the importance of community and cultural heritage, making it a wonderful read for anyone who appreciates food and stories about connection.
December 28, 2015
Personally I am fascinated by the supernatural and was interested to find out more about the orang buniyan. Malaysian has her good share of supernatural tales and I was looking forward to reading this book. There are some spoilers coming, so please stop reading from here on if you've not read the book yet............
I did like the story but found a disconnect. Trevor goes missing into their world but Kenny goes there only upon death? Why the inconsistency? Just felt this point hanging somewhat, while Trevor and his girlfriend could be reunited in that world, what was Kenny's connection apart from being their friend?
Generally I found the book a quick, easy and enjoyable read.
I did like the story but found a disconnect. Trevor goes missing into their world but Kenny goes there only upon death? Why the inconsistency? Just felt this point hanging somewhat, while Trevor and his girlfriend could be reunited in that world, what was Kenny's connection apart from being their friend?
Generally I found the book a quick, easy and enjoyable read.
October 4, 2024
Actual rating is 2.5 but I'll round it up. This was my first time reading anything by Tunku Halim, but I do know that he is well-known for his horror stories, so that is what I expected when I started A Malaysian Restaurant in London but what I got instead was less.... horror and more... I'm not even sure??? The writing was repetitive and foreshadowed nothing, there were little to none on the horror aspect (except bunians? I guess?) and it was overall underwhelming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews