Kampung Malay (the forerunner of what is now Little Kampung Malaya) was founded by Jason Tan and partner Kate Ferber They used a tried and true principle of many of Australia’s migrant population: the menus in their restaurant carried a menu of food from their country of origin (in Jason’s case, Chinese/Malay food) usually adapted to Australian taste buds, they gave consistency of product, friendly service and allowed BYO, which make this an extremely affordable dining experience. As a result, Kampung Malay has reaped the benefit of loyal clientele who regularly enjoy the lunch specials or dine there any night of the week for the price of a takeaway.
After migrating from Kuala Lumpur in 1984, Jason found his niche adapting Malaysian dishes to better suit the Australian palate. His food shows the influence of many other Asian cuisines, is more subdued and not as spicy as that of his homeland, but very tasty nonetheless. He provides something for everyone on his menu, so families dine in a comfortable environment without straying too far from their comfort zone.
At various times, Kampung Malay had expanded to three restaurants: Mudgeeraba, Bundall and Robina. In 2011, the Robina venue closed and Mudgeeraba opened.
In 2019, Bundall was sold as a franchise to a former employee, Chef Kok Leong Choi and his wife, who Tan had sponsored to come to Australia. After 11 years working for Tan, Choi bought thebusiness, becoming independent and changing the name to Little Kampung Malaya in 2024, while staying close to Jason Tan’s winning menu.
Jason Tan still owns the Kampung Malay restaurant in Mudgeeraba.
Whenever we visit little Kampung Malaya, we cannot begin a meal without the Roti Chanai, a flaky short pastry-type bread bundled onto a plate, which you tear off and dip into the flavour-filled curry sauce. It’s one of the best roti in town, and should not be missed.
From there, choices vary, with everyone having their own favourite main course: Sizzling duck, Chicken satay, Sizzling fish, Honey king prawns, or Kong Po chicken. All meals are well-priced and generous in size. Lunch specials including rice or fried rice on the plate, for a lesser price, brings a different clientele including many retirees who enjoy a leisurely lunch.
“What makes Little Kampung Malaya truly special is the people. We’re fortunate to have many loyal, local customers who dine with us weekly and have done so many years, building a warm and familiar community around the restaurant,” Choi says on Little Kampung Malaya’s website.
Both Kampung Malay and Little Kampung Malaya fill a niche on the Gold Coast for Asian cuisine at a family price.
KAMPUNG MALAY: Shop 16 & 17, 2 Bell Central, Mudgeeraba Ph 07 5569 0085
LITTLE KAMPUNG MALAYA: Shop 6 & 7 Bronberg Plaza, Slatyer Ave., Bundall Ph 07 5539 2899
NOTE: This review was updated in 2025.