Malaka Spice, one of Pune’s most beloved culinary destinations, is proud to unveil an exciting new menu that brings a new take on the rich, diverse flavours of Malaysia that they have been serving for the last 28 years in the heart of Koregaon Park and Kharadi. Known for its bold Southeast Asian flavours from Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries as well as thoughtfully sourced ingredients, Malaka Spice continues its tradition of innovation with this new menu.
Drawing on centuries-old recipes and home-style techniques, Chef Gayatri Desai of Ground Up and Chef Shailendra and Chef Madhu from the Malaka Spice culinary team have created dishes that celebrate Malaysia’s multicultural food landscape —with influences from the Chinese Malay and Indian Malay traditions (also known as Peranakan or Nyonya food)
Inspired by the bustling street markets and storied Kopitiams of Penang, the new menu is a tribute to the deeply flavourful and aromatic world of Nyonya and Peranakan cuisine. Each dish tells a story—of spice-laden broths, fragrant herbs, and lovingly preserved traditions—reimagined through the innovative lens of the culinary team of Malaka Spice.
“As we mark 28 years, we wanted to offer something that’s both nostalgic and fresh collaborating with Gayatri was a natural choice — her mastery of fermentation and pickling, Gayatri brings a technique-forward approach that perfectly complements Malaka’s warm, comfort-driven identity.,” said Ilvika Chandawarkar, Research and Business Development of Malaka Spice.
Guests can expect layers of flavour crafted with intention: tangy house-fermented sambals,
delicately pickled vegetables, and complex spice pastes that elevate familiar dishes into something entirely new. “This collaboration is an exploration of cultures that feel both distant and deeply familiar,” says Chef Gayatri. “We’ve created a menu that honours heritage while inviting curiosity—each plate is a nod to tradition with a Ground-Up twist.”
Malaka Spice has long championed farm-to-table practices, sourcing ingredients from their own Cherish Farms and also working with a network of trusted local growers and producers. “For us, farm-to-table isn’t just a trend—it’s a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. We like to know exactly where our ingredients come from and how they’re grown. It allows us to serve food that’s fresher, more flavourful, and made with integrity, while also supporting the people and practices that preserve our land and food systems.” Added Praful Chandawarkar, Owner, Malaka Spice.
This new menu continues that tradition, using seasonal produce, herbs, heritage spices— ensuring each dish not only tastes exceptional but also tells a deeper story. Inspired by their shared travels through Malaysia—particularly the vibrant street markets and timeless Kopitiams of Penang—the menu is a journey through the bold, nuanced flavours of Nyonya and Peranakan cuisine.
Some of the highlights from the menu include:
- Rojak salad – Street style fruit salad with toasted coconut and spicy tamarind dressing.
- Asam Laksa – Vegetarian a take on seafood laksa
- Tomato galangal and fresh turmeric broth. Topped with pineapple, charred tomato, Vietnamese coriander and lemon basil
- White Laksa – Layered with crab and shrimp flavours this laksa is special.
- Ayam Bakar – Grilled Chicken Served with sautéed beansprouts, lettuce and a tamarind dipping sauce.
- Malaysian fried chicken- A Malaka take on Belachan fried chicken. The chicken is marinated in a shrimp butter sambal and raw mango and then toss it with a toasted rice and kaffir lime sukkat seasoning.
- Egg custard House made steamed egg tofu – Kaffir lime, ginger and pickled water flavoured soy. Crispy poha.
- Jackfruit rendang Classic Malaka Spice rendang but with raw jackfruit.
- Kaya French toast Kaya jam stuffed with shokupan and turned into a French toast.
- Tapioca and dark jaggery Tapioca served with kaffir lime infused freshly squeezed coconut milk, drizzled generously with dark jaggery caramel
This special menu is a deeply personal culinary expression, blending the hearty, comfort-first ethos of Malaka Spice. The Malaysian menu will be available across at Malaka Spice Koregaon Park & Malaka Spice Kharadi. Diners can also enjoy curated tasting menus, pairing recommendations, and culinary storytelling sessions as part of the anniversary celebrations.