WAU opens as Milan's first authentic Malaysian restaurant

WAU, the first restaurant in Milan dedicated to authentic Malaysian cuisine, has opened on Naviglio Pavese in Via Ascanio Sforza. The project is led by founders Dato’ Freida Pilus and Fareed Hamzah, alongside executive chef Fairuz Zani Bin Ahamad.

The restaurant’s philosophy focuses on the concept of 'rempah', a fresh aromatic base made from spices such as turmeric, ginger, galangal, lemongrass, cloves, and star anise. The menu emphasizes slow cooking, high-quality ingredients, and traditional Malaysian flavors, including 100% halal meat.

Key dishes include Satay Ayam (marinated chicken skewers) and Nasi Kerabu Terung Percik, which features naturally blue rice colored by butterfly pea flowers. The dining experience incorporates the 'hidang' tradition of serving food in the center of the table for sharing, while adapting to Italian customs through the use of cutlery. The establishment features 60 seats and an atmosphere inspired by Malaysian culture, including graphics and decor referencing the Borneo forest.