I just discovered Sedap Malaysia — a new Malaysian eatery tucked away in Naenae. It’s quite the mission for us Wellingtonians to make the trip out there, but since I’m on school break, I figured I’d take the opportunity to explore the Hutt for the day and grab some lunch. Sedap wasn’t exactly what I expected — it’s a small, no-frills spot about the size of a fish and chip shop, with just three tables, run by a lovely couple who clearly put a lot of heart into their food.

Since I’m still hunting for the best curry laksa in Wellington, I couldn’t pass up the chance to try Sedap Malaysia’s version. I also grabbed a mee goreng to take home for dinner—after all, I made the trip out here. Now, I’m not entirely sure how you make a curry laksa look good—maybe a sprinkle of spring onions, a dollop of chilli sauce, or even that onion chutney Satay Kampong used to add to theirs. Speaking of which, you might be wondering why I’m bringing up the now-closed Satay Kampong. Well, that’s because, in my books, they used to serve the best curry laksa in Wellington.

Their laksa came generously packed with noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, three whole prawns, fish balls, tofu squares, and half a boiled egg. But the real test of a great curry laksa is always in the broth, and this one absolutely delivered. The soup hit all the right notes, rich, smooth, and full of bold flavour. Even though it wasn’t particularly cold outside, it still managed to wrap me in a comforting warmth. It was, honestly, a bowl of happiness.

The mee goreng was another standout. I couldn’t resist digging in as soon as it landed on the table, and even when I reheated the rest for dinner later, it didn’t disappoint. I don’t know how long they’ve been using that wok, but the wok hei—that smoky, charred aroma you can only get from a well-seasoned pan—was incredible. You could tell this was a wok that’s seen some serious cooking and has a story to tell.

The seasoning was spot on, and everything came together beautifully. The thinly sliced chicken breast was tender and juicy, not dry. The potatoes had soaked up all that rich flavour, and the mix of ingredients just worked. Honestly, the whole dish was still radiating heat and flavour hours later—it was an absolute win.

This place is an absolute gem if it’s not apparent by now. I’m already planning my next visit to try more of their menu. The only catch? It’s a bit of a mission, with the drive taking over 30 minutes each way. Still, it feels worth it. The couple running the place are incredibly kind and welcoming, and you can tell the eatery is already building a solid reputation in the community.

Next on my list is their Claypot Rice. Based on how good the laksa and mee goreng were, I’ve got high hopes—it’s probably another winner waiting to happen.

I returned to Sedap about a month later and ordered the Hainanese Chicken Rice, a slice of their Pandan Chiffon Cake, and a Char Kway Teow to-go. The pandan chiffon cake was absolutely incredible—super moist, fluffy, and full of rich pandan flavour. Looking back, I wish I’d ordered an extra slice to enjoy later with the char kway teow.

When the Hainanese Chicken Rice arrived, I was immediately excited. The chicken looked silky and tender, and I was especially pleased to see a generous serving of chilli sauce. The garlic rice was packed with flavour, and the chicken was wonderfully tender, topped with crispy fried garlic bits that added a great crunch. But the true standout was the housemade chilli sauce—spicy, vibrant, and served in abundance. It tied everything together beautifully. Overall, an excellent take on a classic dish.

Before heading out, I had some leftover chilli sauce and decided to spoon it over the char kway teow. That turned out to be a great decision. The noodles were perfectly cooked, the chicken was tender, and the addition of Chinese chives and bean sprouts gave it great texture and flavour. With the kiss of “wok hei” and the added chilli heat, it turned into a fantastic, deeply satisfying dish.

Facebook Page: Sedap Malaysia

Address: 45 Treadwell Street, Naenae, Lower Hutt 5011

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