Norwich's reputation for diverse and delicious cuisine continues to grow as a new Malaysian restaurant has opened its doors. 

The unit above Evans Cycles in Westlegate has been vacant since 2021, but the space is now bustling once more. 

My Makan offers the tastes and feel of Malaysia, with the Tardis-like space transformed with plants, wooden panelling and vibrant colours. 

Eastern Daily Press: Inside My Makan along Westlegate in Norwich Inside My Makan along Westlegate in Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The first My Makan restaurant was opened in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh in 2020 by business partners Imran Abidin, 50, who is Malaysian, and Turki Salim, 37.

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They went on to open another branch in the country but have now teamed up with Mathew Wilcox, 44, who lives in Norwich, to expand the business in the UK.

Eastern Daily Press: An assortment of dishes from My Makan Malaysian restaurant An assortment of dishes from My Makan Malaysian restaurant (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Mr Wilcox met the pair while working in food manufacturing in Saudi Arabia and there are now My Makan restaurants in Leeds and Norwich. 

Mr Wilcox said: "We serve authentic Malaysian dishes using ingredients you can't buy in the UK to take it to a different standard.

Eastern Daily Press: Inside My Makan Malaysian restaurant in Norwich Inside My Makan Malaysian restaurant in Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"It sits between cuisines like Thai, Indian and Chinese so if you like one of those you will enjoy Malaysian food. 

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"We have had an amazing reaction so far and people have said it is what Norwich was missing." 

Eastern Daily Press: Imran Abidin and Mathew Wilcox inside My Makan, above Evans Cycles in Norwich Imran Abidin and Mathew Wilcox inside My Makan, above Evans Cycles in Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The menu ranges from satay to rendang curry and there are plenty of vegan options too.

Though it is alcohol-free you can get 0pc wines and beers along with a range of soft drinks to complement the food. 

Eastern Daily Press: One of the drinks available at My Makan One of the drinks available at My Makan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

My Makan is currently open daily from 5pm to 10pm, with lunch service from 12pm to 2.30pm launching next week and weekend breakfasts are coming soon. 

Mr Abidin said: "The UK is really diverse and we spotted a big gap in the market for authentic Malaysian food - we want to expand to other parts of the UK."