Penang’s Best Malay Food stands out, and Kak Ayu’s cooking made an impression right away. Back when Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen was still around, her fresh ingredients and bold flavors kept me coming back. Since those early days, Kak Ayu’s dedication to quality has only grown. With Qually’s Syok Segarnya, she continues to create dishes that reflect her passion for fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Her approach keeps her cooking distinct in a city known for its incredible food.
In this post, I’ll share my experience at Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen and why Kak Ayu stands out as one of Penang’s iconci chefs. If you’re heading to Penang, try Qually’s Syok Segarnay. No excuses, no hesitation…..just go. Her reputation and her food speaks for itself.
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The Birth of Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen
In 2019, during the uncertainty of the pandemic, Kak Ayu found herself facing a crossroads. When the pandemic hit in 2019, she started cooking from her home. What began as small-scale meal deliveries for people in need quickly grew. She cooked for frontline workers and people in need during the pandemic.
Kak Ayu’s focus was never on profit. She used her cooking to help her community through uncertain times. From her kitchen, Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen was born, becoming a beacon of support for those around her. Each dish she prepared told a story of resilience and love for her heritage, setting the tone for what Qually’s would become.
What stood out was her ability to make something extraordinary out of the ordinary. She used fresh ingredients and added her personal touch to every meal. Her meals gave comfort to those who needed it most.

Earning Recognition in Penang
It didn’t take long for people in Penang to hear about Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen. Kak Ayu’s cooking, rooted in fresh ingredients and bold Malay flavors, gained attention fast. People came for dishes like chicken satay with rich peanut sauce and perfectly grilled snapper, but they stayed for the heart she put into every meal. Her ability to deliver Penang’s Best Malay Food through her bold flavors gained attention quickly.
Lunch hours at Qually’s became a favorite for workers and families alike. Each plate felt personal, reflecting her dedication to both quality and heritage. Beyond lunch, her private dinners offered something rare: a fully customized dining experience that allowed customers to explore her cooking in a new way. This personal connection with her diners helped Qually’s become more than just a place to eat, it became a community hub.
Kak Ayu’s reputation wasn’t just about the food. Her commitment to cleanliness, organization, and thoughtful presentation made every visit feel special. In just a few years, Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen had established itself as a go-to spot for authentic Malay food in Penang.


This video features Qually’s Nustantara Kitchen:
A Culinary Philosophy Rooted in Freshness
Every morning, Kak Ayu woiuld head to the wet markets. She picked out the freshest ingredients herself. This daily ritual ensured the quality and flavor of everything she served.
Her commitment to sourcing daily ensured that each plate at Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen was full of bold, authentic flavors. Whether it was tender chicken satay or grilled snapper, the ingredients always stood out. Kak Ayu believes that great food starts with great ingredients. This philosophy made her stand apart in Penang’s food scene.
By focusing on freshness and paying attention to every detail, she created something memorable with every bite. It was never just about filling a plate. Each meal reflected care and attention. Her constant commitment to quality guarantees you will find some of Penang’s best Malay food


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The Unique Dining Experience at Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen
At Qually’s, lunch followed an omakase-style approach. Kak Ayu chose the menu each day after her morning market visit. The dishes changed daily, always reflecting the freshest ingredients she could find.
Dinners were by reservation only and reserved for groups of eight or more. Guests would choose the main ingredients such as fish or lamb, and Kak Ayu decided how to prepare them.
The private dinner reservations would mean yet another trip to the markets in the afternoon for fresh ingredients. And her efforts paid off. These gatherings felt intimate, like sharing a meal cooked just for you, and captured the essence of Malaysian hospitality.
Some Standout Dishes from Qually’s Private Dinners
- Jenahak Bakar (Grilled Snapper)
Jenahak bakar, or grilled snapper, is a standout for its simplicity and flavor. Marinated and grilled, the snapper’s natural taste takes center stage, complemented by a touch of spice and a squeeze of lime. - Balitong in Spicy Chili Curry
This dish delivers bold heat and deep flavor. The balitong, or snails, simmered in a spicy curry, highlights the adventurous side of Malaysian cuisine. - Kerabu Kerang (Cockle Salad)
Kerabu kerang has a mix of tangy, herbal, and spicy flavors that hit just right. Every bite reminds me why Malaysian salads deserve more attention.



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The Evolution of Qually’s Syok Segarnya
Building on the success of Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen (QNK), Kak Ayu launched Qually’s Syok Segarnya (QSS) with an entirely new vision. While QNK’s private dinners were about intimate, customizable dining, QSS took a bold step forward. It introduced a modern, interactive approach to Malay cuisine, making it one of the most exciting dining experiences in Penang.
QSS blends tradition with innovation. The name ‘Qually’ is a nod to her parents’ love for her and the word ‘kuali,’ which means ‘wok’ in Malay. The Q represents quality, a value she holds in every dish she creates. Daily market trips remain a part of the process when necessary, but Kak Ayu has embraced a farm-to-table philosophy for many items. The centerpiece of this approach is her own fish farm. Fresh cuts of fish are displayed daily, allowing patrons to select their preferred catch. Once chosen, diners decide how they’d like it prepared. Grilled, steamed, or fried and what type of curry or sauce will accompany it. This level of choice is rare, even in a city known for its culinary excellence.
QSS isn’t just about fresh ingredients; it’s about redefining how diners interact with Malay food. By giving customers a say in how their meals are prepared, Kak Ayu has created an experience that feels both personal and revolutionary. The focus on local sourcing and bold flavors remains, but the format makes it accessible to a wider audience.
In a city filled with iconic food spots, QSS stands out as a beacon of what modern Malaysian dining can look like. A place where tradition meets progress, and where every meal celebrates the best of Penang’s culinary heritage while pushing its boundaries. Qually’s Syok Segarnya takes Penang’s Best Malay Food to the next level.


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Kak Ayu: Penang’s Iconic Chef and Culinary Trailblazer
Kak Ayu has built her reputation on her dedication to fresh, quality ingredients and bold, unforgettable flavors. Her work stands out in Penang’s already competitive food scene. Her ability to combine tradition with creativity is what sets her apart.
At Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen, she redefined how people experienced Malay food, emphasizing intimate and customizable dining. With Qually’s Syok Segarnya, Kak Ayu has raised the bar again. She has blended a farm-to-table approach with interactive dining. Her in house fish farm and focus on daily market sourcing highlight her commitment to fresh, authentic flavors.
What drives Kak Ayu is her connection to her parents’ memory and the love they instilled in her. Every dish she creates is an homage to the values they passed down. These values include respect for quality, pride in heritage, and the belief that food is a way to bring people together. Her parents’ influence is reflected in the smallest details, from the way she sources ingredients to the care she takes in preparation.
More than her cooking, it is her philosophy that stands out. For Kak Ayu, food is not just about taste. It is about connection. Her meals tell a story rooted in her heritage and her family’s legacy while always looking forward. She represents what modern Malaysian cuisine can be while staying true to its roots.
Kak Ayu’s contributions go beyond her restaurants. She is reshaping what it means to dine in Penang, inspiring a new generation of chefs and food lovers alike. Her ability to adapt, innovate, and elevate Malay cuisine has solidified her status as an iconic chef in Malaysia.

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Penang’s Best Malay Food Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
Kak Ayu’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and passion. From the humble beginnings of Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen to the innovative dining experience of Qually’s Syok Segarnya, she has consistently pushed boundaries. At the heart of it all is her parents’ enduring influence, which continues to shape her approach to food and life. Their memory lives on in every dish she creates as a testament to the love and lessons they shared.
Whether you are a seasoned foodie or new to Malaysian cuisine, a visit to Qually’s Syok Segarnya is a must. Kak Ayu’s story, Her story, her take on Penang’s Best Malay Food, and her vision are things you will carry with you long after your meal.