“Oh it’s expensive lah!”
“Very pricey lah!”
We’d heard it all, mostly from Singaporean and Malaysian friends and relatives so we had braced ourselves for an expensive but tasty meal at Temasek at Parramatta. Little did we know that when these friends considered it expensive, it was probably in comparison to prices in Singapore and Malaysia because prices seem rather good, very reasonable even. We were at Temasek for my mother’s birthday and we open the menu. It’s a two page menu prefaced by a blurb telling us that take away containers are an additional 50 cents each. But mains are mostly less than $20 and it’s doing a brisk trade this Sunday night.
Buoyed by this unexpected fortune we get a little bit too excited when it comes to ordering knowing that if we do have too much, well we can always pay 50 cents for a takeaway container! “I’d love to try the oyster omelette” I said to my parents. Mostly because Singaporeans are said to be completely in love with the dish and every time I’ve tried to order it it has either sold out or is no longer on the menu. Again, I am out of luck when the waiter comes back to tell me that they’re out of oysters.
Coconut juice $3.50 and soy bean milk $3
This one is similar to the soy milk that you get in Asian grocery stores. I grew up with my dad making soy bean milk as it was hard to buy back then and his version was always delicious and slightly sweet. The coconut juice with finely shaved ice is also sweet but not overly so so that it is refreshing.
Hainanese Chicken Rice $12.80
Hitting the table scarcely five minutes after the order was placed was the Hainanese chicken rice. Served cold, the jellied, soft boiled chicken is paired with a soup which is actually cold but very flavoursome. There is also a round of fragrant chicken rice and a side of chilli sauce and sweet soy sauce. They don’t seem to serve the ginger and green onion sauce with the chicken here.
Nasi Lemak $16.80
For the nasi lemak, you can choose two out of three choices for your “meat” from beef rendang, sambal prawns and chicken curry. We chose the first two. The coconut rice is rich and fragrant and goes so well with the beef rendang. The sambal prawns are nice although they are cold and there are just two to the serve whereas the rendang serve was in comparison very generous in size.
Char Kway Teow $14.80
With a beautiful char and glisten to the rice noodles noodles and plenty of thinly sliced lup cheong Chinese sausage, bean sprouts and succulent prawns, this was eagerly eaten by all. You can opt for this to be spicy or not with the added chilli and this induces the chilli sweats in my dad although the rest of us find this nicely spicy.
Serai lemongrass pork $18.80
This was ordered mainly for Mr NQN as he adores lemongrass and this ends up being one of the favourites for the table. The lemongrass pork is sweet, aromatic and rich with coconut and lemongrass and the pork tender with a slight graininess from the coconut and lemongrass.
Sambal balaccan eggplant $16.80
I don’t think many of us went for the sambal balaccan eggplant and we should have gone for the sambal balaccan kang kong (oops, my fault!) which goes so well with the strong dried prawn flavour of the balaccan.
Roti $4.40
Ordered just because we all love roti they are crispy, flakey and impossible to put down, especially when paired with the lemongrass pork which we made into a quick sandwich.
Laksa Singapura with chicken $15.80
Thick with finely ground lemongrass, belachan and other aromatics, the rich coconut broth held a generous portion of egg noodles and tender chicken breast. There were two pieces of the spongey tofu on top as well as bean sprouts and it was garnished with curry leaves. My favourite part was the chicken as it was soft and still moist.
Ice Kacang $5
Sometimes it’s hard to explain Asian desserts to non Asian people. Especially when they have things like a dollop of creamed corn on top and things like grass jelly and red beans underneath. Perhaps I should just sell it the way that it was sold to us as kids, as a treasure hunt. Underneath the mountain of shaved ice, palm sugar syrup, red syrup and sweetened condensed milk is a little treasure trove of palm seeds, cubes of grass jelly, sweetened red beans and pieces of pineapple. And whilst it’s currently not as hot as it is in Singapore or Malaysia, it’s refreshing and quickly finished.
Chendol $5
Sadly they were out of bobor cha cha (the sweet potato and yam pieces cooked in coconut milk) so we ordered the chendol. Giving it the requisite stir, it is rich in coconut milk although it is less sweet that the ice kacang with the lashings of syrup so we would have been better off eating this first and then the ice kacang.
And a bonus, we take three containers of food home to enjoy later!
So tell me Dear Reader, does value matter to you when choosing a restaurant? And do you like to take home leftovers?
Temasek
71 George Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Tel: +61 (02) 9633 9926
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45 Comments | Add your own
Looks good! We ate heading to Malaysia in August and I cannot wait!
More places to visit..
I love leftovers, especially from any asian cuisine.
I ALWAYS cook double when we have them at home as I love to take it to work & share with my office.
I suspect I was one of the people who thought this place was expensive, but I haven’t eaten there in over a decade, and it looks like the prices haven’t changed much, which means it probably isn’t expensive anymore!
Everything looks absolutely delicious!
My mouth is watering! Any
chance you have a recipe for
the roti? OR, a place we could look for them in Seattle?
I’m hooked on your blog!@#$%^&*(
This was one of the first Malaysian restaurants I ever went to in Sydney and just fell in love with the food (and service.) Haven’t been there in years as now we are really spoiled for choice with restaurants galore in Newtown, Surry Hills etc, but will be going back. That Laksa looks delish! Thanks for reminding me of such a nice restaurant.
PS, made your cauliflower and bacon soup last night and it was brilliant, so easy!
I love a bargain especially if it means I get seconds for breakfast (this does not include pizza as I loathe leftover pizza!)
This place is going onto The List for when we visit home next year (a whole month if summer!!)
I think value matters for sure, but it comes in different ways at different restaurants. When fine dining, the value comes in the service and the effort that has gone into each dish. At suburban eateries, value comes in portion size and flavour. I guess what I’m saying, depending on the scenario, I’m willing to pay more.
I adore this type of food, and can hardly wait to finally get across to Singapore and Malaysia!
The prices do seem really reasonable, and value is something I take into consideration, as this means I can come back more often
I have been known to be a bit tight so value definitely counts. I don’t mind paying a bit for food but only if it’s something I couldn’t do (or couldn’t be bothered doing) at home.
this brought back memories of my holiday with my daughter in Malaysia earlier this year. we were backpacking and found most of these dishes for about $3-$5.
Can’t do cold jellied chicken. Nope, nope, nope.
Yes, value does matter, especially if the stuff i have in my home country is wayyy cheaper.
Also, i do take home leftovers. Wastage is bad!
I refuse to take my mum to an Indonesian restaurant as shed complain abt price and most of the time her dishes are better. She did like Temasek though… Although her hainan is def better! I love ice kacang! Yum!
No ginger sauce with the Hainan chicken?! I cry foul. (Or perhaps fowl!) LOL That’s my fave part of the dish.
Yum!! That Roti looks so paper thin and delicious
i dont mind temasek, i had the laksa last time which was pretty good but the 50 cent container thing.. wow
Nice place remind me of the place I had dinner at last night lol a local Malaysian restaurant near where i live
I agree it’s hard to explain Asian desserts and I still don’t understand why they would have corn in an ice-kachang but I’m not complaining because I secretly think it works lol
Hmmm value does matter to me…but it depends what I’m having, where and if I’m on a budget lol there is no budget for desserts they’re always ‘WORTH’ it to me
but if I know the food is just mediocre yet they try to overcharge me…i get cranky hehe
Isn’t this place just amazing? There is such good food on offer. You will need to return to try the nasi goreng and the spicy curry chicken. It is ridiculously good. As for value of food – of course we want to pay for what we get. It doesn’t always have to be fancy schmancy, so long as you get a good feed. And there’s nothing wrong with taking home excess food. You’ve already paid for it and it’s the perfect leftover meal for the next day!
Maybe it was a good thing they were out of oyster omelettes. I tried it here and just couldn’t stomach it but hey, at least I could say I tried it
BuBbles
x.
What a great restaurant. I think the prices are very reasonable (unless you’re in Asia!) Love the look of the spicy noodle dish and I love lemongrass too – all my scented candles are lemongrass. And yes, I do like good value but I don’t choose restaurants by only by price; also by cuisine/reputation/parking/atmosphere/proximity to home etc.
I don’t know how the food is today in Malaysia or Singapore, but years ago, I always thought it was the best in the world. Especially the street food. Your photos look tempting–especially the laksa.
Yes, value matters. Sometimes I might sacrifice for ambience, but I never like to feel like I am being “taken.”
I would also like a recipe for the roti, it looks so good. I’m going on a internet search for the recipe and I hope I can find one.
I’ve done the “I’d like to try the oyster omelette”. I was wrong.
Sadly, I’m not sure if I didn’t like the creation or the execution, but I’m not sure I’ll be going back to find out.
Whoops! To be clear, I didn’t try it at Temasek!
My cooking is pretty good so I will only go out to eat if it’s going to be better than I can do myself. That usually results in a high end place.
I won’t go out to eat just to eat ordinary food. I can do that at home. I go out for spectacular.
I might note that I don’t ever order as much food as you do. LOL I swear you have a hollow leg and all the calories come out your toes.
Been a fan of Temasek for years and years. Now that we live on the Central Coast when visiting Sydney we will drive well out of our way home just to get a take away Laksa – YUM!!
ahhh i love the singapore/malay cusine… *drools*
Love the look of the place and the dishes and, for once, country bumpkin that I am these days, find the prices quite reasonable. Would order the Hainanese chicken ere I opened the menu! And I actually like the look of the balaccan eggplant
! Yes, have learned thr ratio twixt price and quality and definitely ask for a doggy bag 
!
Every dish looks fantastic, but especially the Serai lemongrass pork!
I wish Ice Kachang could be taken home as leftovers. So pretty
AHH! I love this place – I work right near it and we go there for lunch sometimes. Good value in my opinion! So it Thai Spice next door to it
Mmmmmmm can’t go wrong with delicious Asian dishes like this
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Lorraine, you didn’t try the Singapore Chilli Crab @ Temasek???
That’s what they are famous for…
Hi Gordon-Good question! We considered it but my mum is really fussy about chilli crab as she makes an awesome one (she really does) so we thought that we’d order other things as it was her birthday
I do like taking leftovers, I feel its makes for a lovely meal the next day. This place looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing all this info.
I’m really looking forward to something other than Italian food….it’s great, but I want a change.
Hi Kylie-Oh cool! Have a great time Kylie!
Hi Belinda-Me too! It tastes better the next day too
I do too, I think that if you’re going to go to the bother why not?
Hi celia-Hehe no you’ve got a good idea of price! It was so reasonable
I’m getting hungry remembering it!
Hi Ingrid Kassler-Oh I’ve tried a few recipes for roti but I’ve yet to perfect one although one came quite close. let me work on it!
I love roti so I love making it! Thank you 
Hi Dirtgirl-I know, I wish it were closer but agree, we are really spoiled for choice in a good way!
Oh yay I’m so glad that you liked it! 
Hi Elisa-Oh really? I must admit that I love all leftovers, pizza included
Oh cool! Sounds like a great month of trying places!
Hi Kristy-I think you’re right, there are certainly different ways to measure value!
Hi Rebecca-Hehe I ate myself silly in Singapore!
Yes that’s true!
Hi Claire-Yes especially if it’s something that is hard to do at home!
Hi Gillian-Oh wow, that’s an amazing price! I haven’t visited Malaysia yet!
Hi Blond Duck -Hehe a bit different from Southern fried chicken huh!
Hi Michelle-Ahh so do prices frustrate you here? Because compared to Singapore and Malaysia, food is much more here
Hi Gastronomous Anonymous-LOL ahhh yes! They can be such tough critics can’t they!
I adore ice kacang in Summer! 
Hi Carolyn-I know, it’s our favourite complement too! I can’t get enough of it
Hi Erin-It was really good! I really want to perfect my recipe for it
Hi Betty-hehe yes I wonder if anyone brings their own containers!
Hi Daisy-Oh how delicious!
Hehe yes it’s best just to try it and not think that there are beans and corn in it for people not used to it 
Hi Tina-It’s great! Oh it sounds like I definitely need to return one day
I wish it were closer! true true! 
Hi BuBbles-hehe ok really!
I’ll consider myself warned 
x
Hi Charlie-Yes the prices are fantastic!
Ahh now that I’m a driver parking is definitely a consideration! 
Hi Victoria-Thank so much! I think you’re right, being “taken” for a ride is definitely not good!
Hi cindy-Hehe I promise I’ll work on it!
Hi Mary-Oh dear, you didn’t like it too? Haha!
Hi Maureen-that’s great!
Yes it’s no good if you can better it at home-that is disappointing. LOL I have a hungry husband 
Hi Belinda-Oh wow that’s impressive!
Hi kimberley-Me too!
Hi Eha-hehe they are so reasonable I agree!
good for you!
Hi Marissa-Oh that was perfect! I would order that again in a heartbeat!
Hi Hannah-haha now that might not work!
I wish!
Hi Katrina-Oh lucky you having it so close!
I’d be tempted to visit every second day 
Hi Choc Chip Uru-I agree
Hi Baker Street-Yes some flavours develop even more afterwards!
You’re welcome!
Hi Debra-I know what you mean, I love different cuisines
Came here on a Saturday night and was super irritated at how long it took for our food to reach our table, and they forgot our dessert – I was thinking of visiting on a less busy night, because what we actually received was pretty good! Will have to try that lemongrass pork.
What a lovely birthday celebration, Lorraine. Yes, value means a great deal to us, measured against food quality, service and ambiance and not usually quantity. In Canada, we are not yet charged for take-away containers, but I can see it catching on! I usually take about half my food home since I’m always watching my portions.
Lorraine:
Do you have a recipe for the roti in your recipes?
I would love to try to make these.
Thanks for sharing
Have a Joyful Day
Charlie
Look at that roti, that laksa…
Thye are my weakness…
Yum, I am so hungry now!!
Dear Lorraine,
Malaysians generally are the worst offenders in converting prices to their local currency when eating in Sydney and lamenting on the subjective issue of “authenticity” in food.
They simply fail to realise that Australia is now one of the richest first world countries operating with far superior quality products and services whilst Malaysia’s currency is shrinking like the rest of the country into irrelevance in Asia.
Hello Nigella,
Great to read about your experience at Temasek in Parramatta.
Wandered I’d you like Indian food and if so do you cook Indian yourself?
I run a restaurant called Nilgiris in Sydney and also do a blog every Wednesday on Indian food.
If you get a chance Please do read it.
Regards,
Ajoy
nice to see you were in my part of town
have you been to Circa yet? let me know when you do…..would love to give you extra dishes to snap shots of!
The honesty of your ptoisng shines through
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