One of Auckland’s most popular Malaysian eateries, Sri Pinang, has announced it will close its doors following over three decades of service.
Customers have described the dining experience as a family-oriented vibe, with generations of customers greeted by the warm smile of owner Ange Siew. Many online commentators have called Sri Pinang a highlight of the Karangahape Road dining scene and credited it for introducing Malaysian cuisine to a new audience.
Siew made the decision to close the restaurant in order to focus on her husband’s health issues. She said she was going to miss the restaurant, but knew the most important thing was for her husband to recover. Then, she said, she can plan what she intends to do.
The restaurant opened in 1991, and soon became a hit with customers. Over the past 35 years, Siew has seen customers return time and time again, each with their own story.
One pair of customers initially visited the restaurant back in the early days while still dating, returning again as a married couple, then with their children, and now Siew has seen those children bring their own partners to the restaurant as well. One family has returned every year to celebrate their grandmother’s birthday, affectionately calling Siew “Aunty”.
Sri Pinang has a reputation for using fresh ingredients and for maintaining authenticity on the menu, never opting to change a recipe to suit the kiwi palette.
During the past 35 years, Siew has referred to her home as just a place to shower and rest, having spent most of the last three decades serving her loyal customers. She admitted that closing down the restaurant she loves has been a difficult decision to make, but hinted that a return could be around the corner in the not-too-distant future.
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