Until recently, if you wanted Malaysian food in Chinatown there was only one option: the usually-packed Penang that is part of a small Northeast chain. Now that Golden Leaf is up and running on Hudson street, those seeking a little Malay escape have another option.
Golden Leaf was my third Last Meal in Boston (if you've been following the series). We went on a Saturday afternoon. The decadent dining room, complete with waterfall set into the wall, had an elevated stage-type floor that was partly see-through, so you could glimpse the smooth rocks and pebbles below. Opulent, but more refined than Penang's Disneyesque bamboo hut theme.
For appetizers, we ordered the roti canai, a Malay staple that is thin chewy pancake (similar to naan but lighter) with curry sauce. The curry was as good as the version at Penang. The New England fried oysters (yes, we succumbed to a little fusion) came heaping on a large plate and could easily feed 2 as an entree or 4 as an appetizer.
The Hainanese chicken entree was juicier and more flavorful than any version I've tried in Chinatown, which is saying something because this is essentially a Chinese dish. The Kari Mee, a curry noodle dish with seafood, chicken, and vegetables in a coconut curry broth, was delicious as well. I didn't think the dish was too spicy, but if you need something to cool you down, a wide assortment of iced drinks, including lychee, longan, rambutan, and Malaysian iced teas will do the trick.
Golden Leaf
20 Hudson Street, Chinatown
I didn't even know this place existed! Wow thanks 'cause now i will most definitely check it out. For such a long time Penang was the only malaysian restaurant in Chinatown but luckily i have another option now in golden leaf. The New England fried oysters sounds quite yummy!
Posted by: Dezhen | July 16, 2005 at 07:27 PM