Studies show most restaurants close during their first year of operation and seventy percent of those make it past the first year close their doors in the next three to five years. Trends come and go, but these 8 western restaurants have stood the test of time and still today, they remain some of the top favourite western restaurants in Malaysia. Here are 8 western restaurants that have lasted for more than 20 years, and still going strong.
1) Coliseum Café – Since 1921
Established in 1921, Coliseum Café is one of the oldest and longest serving western restaurants in the country. Nearly a century old, the Coliseum Café still continues to operate in the same premise at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, at the same time has expanded to new locations such as Mid Valley Mall, Sunway Pyramid Mall and more locations in Klang Valley. Coliseum Café is famously known for its Western Hainanese Cuisine. Its signature dishes includes Oxtail Soup, Baked Crab, Sizzling Steaks, Hainanese Chicken Chop and more.
2) Eden Restaurant @ Hutton Lane– Since 1964
There may be many Eden outlets today but there is only one oldest Eden at Hutton Lane, George Town. This restaurant started in the 60’s catering mainly to the Aussie servicemen stationed in Penang. Eden Restaurant has always been associated with fresh seafood, lobsters and steaks. If you fancy classic western cuisine in a cozy environment, head down to this gem at Hutton Lane.
3) The Ship – Since 1972
The Ship and its delicious old school western cuisine such as sizzling steaks and baked escargots need little introduction. Complementing the name is the interior which is renovated to look like a ship. Topped with service provided by captains and crews in maritime uniform, The Ship remains one of the top favourite western restaurants in Malaysia today. Helmed by twin brothers Mr. Foo Hee Hoon and Mr. Foo Hee Loon, the first branch of The Ship opened in Kuala Lumpur, at Jalan Sultan Ismail in 1972. They chose The Ship as the theme because of the simplicity and the fact that they were both sailors before.
4) Jake’s Charbroil Steaks – Since 1981
Nestled in the leafy enclaves of Damansara is Jake’s Charbroil Steaks which has been operating for more than 30 years now. Inspired by American steakhouse and Australian home cooking with hints of Tex-Mex brilliance, Jake’s is known to many for its top quality steaks, prime cuts and seafood. The fact that Jake’s uses char-boiled technic i.e. grilling on a rack over charcoal makes the difference. Jake’s is also operating at Starhill Gallery.
5) Victoria Station – Since 1989
“What if, there was a fine steakhouse set exactly in a train setting?” This was how it all began for Victoria Station, a legacy of 3 generations. Besides the unique train setting, Victoria Station prides itself on its recipe of preparing fine steaks. The secrets of preparing ‘steaks better than how the British make it’ have been passed down from father to son. Victoria Station started off at Medan Damansara and now have 5 branches across Klang Valley and Penang.
6) Chili’s – Since 1994
Chilli’s is all about a place you’d want to go and hang out with good friends over good food. Since it’s opening in Malaysia in June 1994, Chilli’s has successful introduced and instilled this concept in our culture. Chili’s Grill & Bar is an American casual dining restaurant chain that features Tex-Mex-style cuisine and it was founded in 1975. In Malaysia, the first Chili’s outlet is in Bangsar Shopping Centre. Their other outlets are located at Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall, 1 Utama, G Hotel in Penang and many more.
7) TGI Fridays – Since 1994
TGI Fridays is an international chain focusing on casual dining, with over 1000 restaurants in 58 countries. The first TGI Fridays in Malaysia opened in year 1994 at Life Centre, Kuala Lumpur and today has expanded to many branches all over Malaysia. Famous for fresh food and mouthwatering American classics from appetizers perfect for sharing to memorable burgers, TGI Fridays is fun, delicious and ultimate destination for diners looking for something distinctive and different.
8) Souled Out -1996
Souled Out served its first customer way back in 1996 in Hartamas. The secret of success for Souled Out is perhaps a combination of different elements from lip smacking food to thirst quenching drinks, couple with great service and a friendly ambience. These are the reasons why Souled Out stood the test of time and still remains the place-to-go for people of all ages today. Souled Out is also now in Ampang and Bangsar South, and the name of the game here is as good as a hug!
