A beloved Auckland Malaysian restaurant is shutting its doors after 35 years of service.
Locals have long regarded Sri Pinang as Auckland’s premier Malaysian dining spot, where generations of patrons have been welcomed with the warm smile of owner Ange Siew. Now, Siew and her husband Kun, who is the chef, are stepping away due to Kun’s health concerns. Instead of selling Sri Pinang, Siew explains to RNZ’s Saturday Morning why she’s choosing to close the business.
“Maintain my name, my baby,” Siew says. “I want to keep Sri Pinang for myself only.”
Sri Pinang opened in 1991 and has since celebrated its 35th year in operation.
Siew reflects on the restaurant’s emotional highlights: watching families grow and follow one another through the doors, with one couple dating, marrying, and returning with their children to the eatery. She recalls another family gathering to celebrate their grandmother’s birthday. “They still remember me; they call me aunty,” she shares, noting that being called ‘aunty’ signals acceptance as family.
Telling customers about the closure was a difficult moment, but family always comes first.
“Who knows? One day, we might come back again.”
The decision to close stems from Kun’s health issues.
Siew emphasizes that her priority is her husband’s recovery. “Health is more important; we’ll rest him now, then we can plan our next steps.” For now, Kun needs time at home to recuperate.
Kun learned to cook at a young age and, recognizing his passion, explored diverse cuisines and took numerous classes. Siew notes that he relishes the culinary challenge and keeps experimenting until he masters a dish. He favors using fresh ingredients and has preserved the authentic Malaysian flavors without tailoring them to suit a New Zealand palate.
In running Sri Pinang, home often felt like a place to shower and rest, with long hours stretching from 10am to 11pm most days. Closing a restaurant that has been a labor of love will be a difficult transition for Siew, who says she will miss the space deeply.
“I’ll really miss this spot. I love this restaurant so much.”
