Mini Malaysia, big flavours

Dhaka's culinary landscape is undergoing a vibrant transformation. Gone are the days when dining beyond Bengali staples meant choosing between Chinese, Thai, Indian, or a handful of Italian options. Today, the city's food scene boasts a rich palate of global flavours, from Turkish and Moroccan to Mexican and French delights.

Adding to this growing diversity is Mini Malaysia, a new restaurant in Dhanmondi that brings authentic Malaysian cuisine to the heart of the capital. The restaurant is the brainchild of Ayesha Hossain Shahnila, former principal of Oxford International School.

"I've always been passionate about cooking and was deeply concerned about the quality of food served in schools," Ayesha shared. "In 2015, I took a course in Food & Beverage management and started a canteen at Oxford to offer students healthier, quality meals."

"Most can't afford to bring their families over to experience their life or the food they eat. I wanted Mini Malaysia to be a tribute to them. Now, when they visit home, they can share a taste of their second home with their loved ones right here in Dhaka."

Ayesha Hossain Shahnila, owner, Mini Malaysia

Ayesha's journey into the food business began in 2019 with Ohana, a Hawaiian restaurant that quickly became known for its seafood offerings. "My elder daughter studied at the University of Hawai'i, and I wanted to bring a piece of that culture to Bangladesh. At the time, there were no dedicated seafood spots in the Dhanmondi area," she said.

Her connection to Malaysian cuisine came through her son, who completed his higher studies in Malaysia. Ayesha spent considerable time there during his academic years, which helped her develop a deep appreciation for the country's culinary traditions.

"A large number of Bangladeshi remittance workers are based in Malaysia," she noted. "Most can't afford to bring their families over to experience their life or the food they eat. I wanted Mini Malaysia to be a tribute to them. Now, when they visit home, they can share a taste of their second home with their loved ones right here in Dhaka."

For this venture, Ayesha partnered with a Malaysian chef named Amreen Hossain. Both Ayesha and Amreen have curated the menu with a joint effort.

"Our menu stays true to authentic Malaysian flavours," Amreen shared. "But we've made a few subtle tweaks to better suit Bangladeshi palates, without compromising the essence of the original dishes."

The Business Standard visited the restaurant to try three of the chef's top recommendations.

Nasi Goreng Kampung

"Nasi Goreng Kampung" translates to "village-style fried rice" in Malay. This staple dish from Malaysia happens to be the restaurant's best-selling dish. 

At Mini Malaysia, Nasi Goreng Kampung came as an assorted dish of a few items, including fried rice, chicken satay with peanut sauce, fried egg and chips. The fried rice had a distinct taste of anchovies which are imported from Malaysia and tasted as good as the ones you get in Malaysia. The satays were soft and delicious but the peanut sauce was the start. We almost dipped everything in the sauce. For the price, this set is a value deal.

Rating: 8/10

Price: Tk380

Nasi Goreng Pattaya

Nasi Goreng Pattaya, or Pattaya Fried Rice, is a popular Malaysian dish where fried rice is wrapped in an omelette. While the name might suggest a Thai origin, it is actually a Malaysian creation, commonly found in Malay hawker stalls.

Mini Malaysia served the dish as a complete, standalone meal — light yet satisfying. When we asked the chef if any side dishes typically accompany it, she explained that Nasi Goreng Pattaya is traditionally enjoyed on its own. The rice featured a generous mix of seafood and chicken, offering a well-balanced protein portion. Overall, the dish was very comforting, simple and satisfying.

Rating: 7.5/10

Price: Tk320

Cheong Fun

Originating from Cantonese cuisine and embraced widely across Malaysia, Cheong Fun, or rice noodle rolls, is a delicate yet flavourful dish that has found its way into the local culinary identity.

At Mini Malaysia, the dish came as a set of three rice noodle rolls filled with a mix of minced prawns, mushrooms, and crisp greens, primarily papaya and lettuce. 

The combination offered a delightful contrast in textures. The soft, slippery rice wrapper paired with the light crunch of the fresh filling created a balanced and refreshing bite. It was an intriguing dish, subtle in flavour, yet texturally rich and satisfying.

Rating: 7.5/10

Price: Tk350