+1 613-742-0242
Chahaya Malaysia in Gloucester, ON, is a standout Malaysian and Indonesian restaurant that offers an authentic taste of Southeast Asia without leaving Canada. Situated at 1690 Montréal Rd, this family-owned gem has cultivated a loyal following over the years thanks to its unwavering dedication to traditional flavors and genuine hospitality.
Step inside Chahaya Malaysia and you are immediately greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a culinary bridge to the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta. The aroma of rich spices and freshly cooked dishes draws you in, promising an experience that goes beyond mere dining—it’s a comforting journey home for anyone familiar with the region’s cuisine.
The menu is a treasure trove for food lovers craving bold and layered flavors. Start your meal with appetizers like the Indonesian Lamb Satay, perfectly grilled to smoky perfection, or the delicate Spring Rolls and Kuala Lumpur Salad that balance freshness with a hint of zest. Soups such as the Hot & Sour Fish Soup and Hearty Chicken Soup provide a comforting, flavorful introduction to the meal.
Chahaya Malaysia truly shines with its main dishes. The Mee Goreng bursts with a symphony of sweet and savory notes, while the Chicken Satay Thin Thin offers tender, juicy meat kissed by a smoky char. Traditional curries like Chicken Curry, Fish Curry, and the robust Lamb Curry showcase the restaurant’s mastery of complex spices and slow-cooked depth. For noodle lovers, Kueh Tiao Goreng and Virmaseli Indonesian Noodles serve up layers of texture and flavor that linger long after your last bite.
Vegetarians are well-catered for with selections such as Vegetables in Garlic Sauce, Chef’s Special Tofu, and Gado Gado Salad—each dish vibrant, fresh, and inspired by authentic recipes. Don’t miss the crowd-pleasing Banana Fritters for dessert, a sweet, crispy treat that perfectly caps off the meal.
Many patrons have expressed their admiration for this hidden gem. Siong Ng praises Chahaya Malaysia for maintaining “the most traditional” Malaysian taste he’s found in North America, while Cathy Nguyen swears by the “shaved ice” dessert as the perfect cool-down after indulging in spicy dishes like the Ginger Chicken and Mee Goreng. Regular visitors, including Jehan J, appreciate the warm, familial service by Budi, Margaret, and the team, which transforms each visit into a heartfelt experience.
Whether you’re a Malaysian expat longing for the authentic flavors of home or a curious foodie eager for an unforgettable meal, Chahaya Malaysia delivers a richly satisfying and true-to-tradition culinary experience. You’ll feel the passion in every bite, the history in every spice, and the genuine care from the people behind it all.
Totally surprised to find a hidden gem while visiting Ottawa. I would considered the Malaysian food here probably the most traditional among all the Malaysian restaurants I have visited in various North American cities. The chef has definitely maintained the traditional taste and style of cooking. Don't have to travel and visit Malaysia to experience authentic Malaysian food! Be warn that the three-star spiciness is really spicy.
This restaurant serves both Malaysian and Indonesian dishes. It has been around for a while, and we have been there a good number of times as well, over the last two decades or so - and not without good reason. We had the opportunity of going there recently after a break, and were happy to see that the quality of their food continues to remain the same. Their menu is varied, and the food they serve, be that Malaysian or Indonesian, is of a most delectable quality. The quantities served are also ample, generous and fairly priced. And the tea they serve at the end, is the cherry on the cake. The ambience is worth a notable mention. It is the coziness of the place that adds an extra flavor to the overall experience. The servers are friendly, alert and very professional. There is ample parking in the premises. Highly recommended.
This is my go-to spot whenever I miss the comforting flavours of home. As a Malaysian living in Ottawa—so far away from where I grew up—being able to enjoy Malaysian (and Indonesian!) dishes here truly feels like a blessing. The food never disappoints, and what makes the experience even more special is the warmth and friendliness of Budi, Margaret, and the entire crew. Always a joy to interact with them, and always leaves me happy and satisfied!
I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this hidden gem while in Ottawa. The Malaysian cuisine here is, in my opinion, the most authentic I’ve encountered among Malaysian restaurants across North America. The chef has clearly preserved traditional flavors and cooking techniques, so you don’t need to travel all the way to Malaysia to enjoy genuine Malaysian dishes. Just a heads-up—the three-star level of spiciness is seriously hot!
⭐get the shaved ice ! Its a must after all that food. Absolutely lovely family owned restaurant. It was my first time after passing by this place so many times living in ottawa. The medium spicy is just perfect. The ginger chicken was my favourite with the malaysian mee goreng close second (eat it with rice) and the shaved ice dessert was a comforting and soothing treat to the spice and salt. Owners were so pleasant and easy to talk to. Theres no fluff to this restaurant.
This was my first time trying Malaysian/Indonesian cuisine and it was one of the best meals I've ever had. All dishes were so flavourful, fresh ingredients, large portions, very fairly priced and the service was very personalized and excellent. I am so glad we discovered this restaurant and will definitely be coming back regularly!
The food here is absolutely amazing. I’ve been coming here for over 20 years and have never once experienced any racism from the owners or staff. On the contrary, they have always been warm, hospitable, and courteous. I recently noticed a review that I believe is untrue, and as a long-time regular customer, I felt it was important to speak up and share my honest experience. They are welcoming to all ethnicities I been one of them. Thank you Chahaya Malaysia for your excellent service over the years!!!