Best Asian Food in Malvern East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Malvern East has genuine best asian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Otto and Otto’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 12-18km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Darling Road and Waverley Road shops. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Malvern East resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Northern Room — 294 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: budget eaters

Northern Room has been operating in Malvern East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. New Corner — 53 Anderson Parade, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: families

New Corner has been operating in Malvern East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($21) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Theo Post — 288 Anderson Parade, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Theo Post has been operating in Malvern East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 56 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Malvern East roaster — ask which one.

4. Stella — 210 Anderson Parade, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Stella has been operating in Malvern East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on King Terrace is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

Why Locals Stay in Malvern East

Darling Road and Waverley Road shops. Close to Chadstone and Malvern retail. The best asian food options here reflect Malvern East’s character. For Malvern East locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

5. Nell Yard — 14 Anderson Parade, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nell Yard has been operating in Malvern East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Railway Street after 6pm.

6. The Southern Bench — 379 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Southern Bench has been operating in Malvern East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Malvern East roaster — ask which one.

7. The Good Press — 76 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Good Press has been operating in Malvern East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Anderson Parade is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Malvern East roaster — ask which one.

8. The Common Mill — 91 Bourke Avenue, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Common Mill has been operating in Malvern East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Edward Place is usually fine.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($28) — the best version in Malvern East Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Cleo — 161 Bourke Avenue, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Cleo has been operating in Malvern East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

• Murrumbeena Best Asian Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Malvern East Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Malvern East Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Malvern East Complete Guide — everything about Malvern East
• Compare Suburbs — see how Malvern East stacks up
• All Malvern East Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Malvern East?

Collective is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Malvern East good for best asian food?

Yes. Malvern East has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Malvern East known for?

Darling Road and Waverley Road shops.

How far is Malvern East from Melbourne CBD?

Malvern East is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Malvern East is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026