Call us on 9332 1755
Call us on 9332 1755
20 years
in darlinghurst
September 2003
I opened Malabar in September 2003. Four customers came on the first night. One waiter and I did everything: prep, cooking, washing up and serving.
From a tiny 70 seater with a staff of two in 2003 (including myself) to 140 seats and 30 staff in 2023
Twenty years on Victoria Street, across two locations.
2003
The First Year
2013
One decade
2023
Two decades
In 2014, Malabar moved location and expanded to 100 seats
The move let me design a kitchen around our menu for the first time. It is also when we bought the wine glasses guests still ask about.
Then in 2023, we knocked a wall down and made it 140 seats
In 2023 we knocked through a wall and went from 100 to 140 seats.
Not every night has gone to plan. The tandoor once broke down mid-service on a Saturday night. The grease trap gave out on another Saturday. Nothing ever breaks at 10 am on a quiet Monday.
The worst was a flood of 500 litres of water a minute. We will always be grateful to the fire station across the road.
Most of what has changed here started with a guest: a wine to add, a dish to adjust, something about the room. Thank you to everyone who has told us.
Tell me what you think
Listening to guests is how I have always run this restaurant. If something is missing, or could be done better, please tell me. My email: mohammed@malabarcuisine.com.au
Thank you for coming back.
Tastefully Yours,
Chef and Owner Mohammed Sali
