Chilli Padi Newcastle: The Best Malaysian Restaurant in the North East (My experience 2025)

Chilli Padi Newcastle has been serving authentic rendang, laksa and nasi lemak since 2015. Here’s my honest review of why this place is still packed nearly a decade later.

I still remember when Chilli Padi first opened back in 2015. The news spread like wildfire amongst my Malaysian and other South East Asian friends who were absolutely dying to try it. I grabbed the opportunity to check it out with my friends before watching Magic Mike XXL (yes, that really was my priority that evening!).

Now ten years later, Chilli Padi is still going strong. They’ve moved to a much bigger space on Leazes Road, and they have just opened another restaurant in Durham, and even have a food truck now. And I still adore their food, one of the best for comfort food in England.

Here’s what you can expect from Chilli Padi Newcastle, what you can and should order, prices, vegan options and they are also halal.

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What’s Different about Chilli Padi Now

That original tiny spot was cosy and always packed. You could barely move when it got busy, which was basically every evening. The new location at 6-10 Leazes Park Road is massive in comparison. They have a big restaurant vibes now rather than that cramped little place we all fell in love with.

The interior is modern with this stunning graffiti art on the counter that gives it personality to replicate a mamak stall. Floor to ceiling windows let loads of natural light in. It feels like a welcoming atmosphere where you genuinely feel like you’re being invited into someone’s home for dinner.

The menu has basically doubled in size. When they first opened, there were loads of options but nothing like now. Rice dishes, noodle dishes, congee, sharing plates of whole fish and seafood, plus masses of starters.

Oh, and they take cards now! Back in the day it was cash only, though there was a free cash machine literally across the road so it wasn’t too much hassle.

The Chilli Padi Durham Branch

In 2024, Chilli Padi opened a second location in Durham at Aykley Heads House. I haven’t made it there yet (though it’s on my list if when I do visit Durham!), Also Durham is a lovely town to have a day to explore if you are new to the area.

They also have a food truck now bringing Malaysian street food to different places around the North East. Check their Insta or Facebook page to see where it’s parked each week because the menu changes depending on what they’re serving from the truck.

What you can order and should order in Chilli Padi

My favourite dish to order is their Chicken Laksa (£13.5), I ordered it with vermicelli or mixed it with egg noodles. Their fried chicken is to die for, I truly don’t know how they spice or make it, it’s so good! Secondly their Nasi Lemak, their sambal is so nice and be warn it is generally spicy, and again same boneless chicken, and quite abundant, this nasi lemak is probably better than the ones I had in London and also more value for money other than being delicious, yes I said it but it is my opinion.

Their Char Kway Teow is so good, it’s flat noodles stirfry with veg, and fish balls and chicken, and you can change the spice levels if you like. This is always the dish I recommend to someone who has never been to Chilli Padi, and it’s always a hit.

They have Beef noodle version, and it’s ok, not personally the best for me but some might like it, more simple flavours. I don’t particularly recommend their Hainan Chicken Rice, a classic Singaporean dish and personally I say skip this, there are far better options.

Their Smoked Chicken is quite frankly, legendary now and justified. It’s sweet, sticky and savoury at the same time. I was dubious at first cause it’s not well, traditional per se that I know of (could be wrong), but glad I tried it, it was actually really nice! You have to try it.

Also love their Chilli Padi dry pan mian (12.9) which is a dry, spicy noodle dish and so flavourful.

Additionally on a cold day, my go to is their Wan Tan hor or in Chilli Padi, it’s called Hua Tan Kueh Teow (13.9) , this dish is the soupy version of Char Kway teow, flat noodles with seafood and chicken swimming with white egg sauce, don’t let the “white egg sauce” deter you if it did, it’s so comforting, savoury meal and it is hot as in not spicy hot, so it’s great for colder weather.

For starters, my go to is Roti Canai, delicious flaky fried roti with a portion of curry, and their salad Youtiaw, this is a fried dough stick filled with mashed seasoned prawns with their signature sauce, so good! Charles (Owner) was like you have to try it, and I did, and never looked back, I need the recipe for that sauce. And Smoked chicken of course, which you can have as a starter or a main.

Vegan and Vegetarian food at Chilli Padi

There’s a good selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes at Chilli Padi, I used to visit here with my vegan friends and it’s so good to find good and delicious dishes to get instead of the dishes that’s like an after thought.

Their Aubergine claypot (12.5) is so good, I get it sometimes for myself. Kangkung with garlic sauce (13.9) is another delish, it’s leafy green vegetable and so common back in South East Asia hence only a quarter of the price compare to here but import is expensive I know. They also have the Buddha’s delight, a proper vegan noodle dish, it’s quite common to have this as temple food or for Chinese New Year sometimes, theirs is ok, not too bad, the Aubergine claypot (14.5)is just that much nicer.

Always double check with the server and they will be able to help you more with which dishes to try and ingredients and so on.

Drinks at Chilli Padi

Back in 2015, they had bottles of sugar syrup on the tables so you could adjust your ice lemon tea to exactly how sweet you wanted it. I absolutely loaded mine with syrup because I’m a proper sugar fiend and have no shame about it! They don’t have this anymore sadly. Probably a good thing. Their ice lemon tea is still lovely, and try their Teh tarik!

Chilli Padi now offers cocktails and a variety of drinks you can order. From non alcoholic drinks to wines, beers and their own cocktail creations as well. They are not a BYOB anymore. Lychee cocktail was lovely!

What It’s Like Eating at Chilli Padi

The restaurant is so much bigger now. Spacious dining area with loads of seating for couples, families, big groups. They are also Wheelchair accessible which is brilliant, there’s a ramp by the door to get to the main restaurant. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming without any pretension whatsoever.

What I love seeing is the number of Malaysian and Asian families eating there. When you walk in and hear people speaking Malay sometimes while tucking into their food, you know it’s the real deal. And there’s also loads of local Geordies getting stuck into Malaysian food and absolutely loving it, which makes me so happy.

It’s perfect for casual dinners with mates, family meals, or even date nights if you want somewhere a bit different from Newcastle’s usual restaurant offerings.

The vibe is relaxed and friendly. Nobody’s going to judge you if you don’t know what half the dishes are. The staff are brilliant at explaining things and making recommendations based on what you like.

But make a reservation first for big groups and weekends evening just in case.

What Does It Cost?

Starters are between £4 and £9. Main courses range from £10 to £18. Rice dishes for sides are £2 to £4. Drinks are £2 to £5.

On average, you’re looking at £20 to £30 per person including a starter, main, rice and a drink.

Given the massive portions and quality of the food, it’s great for a night out or to try comfort food. You’re basically getting two meals for the price of one if you take leftovers home! Or do family style and share with your group.

I prefer the noodle dishes and a rice dish which is like rendang and rice or nasi lemak, as it’s great portion for protein and rice and for 13 pounds.

Their Service is Lovely

From walking in to leaving, everyone is so friendly and helpful. The staff are genuinely eager to explain dishes and answer questions, which is really useful when you’re faced with a menu this massive.

Recent reviews consistently mention how attentive and accommodating the staff are. Multiple people talk about how staff spent time explaining vegan options and which dishes can be made gluten free. They’re clearly used to dealing with dietary requirements and do it well.

The only thing I’ve seen mentioned is that when the restaurant is absolutely rammed, service can slow down a bit. But honestly that’s normal for any restaurant when they’re at full capacity. The food quality never suffers though.

And if you are looking to come with a big group or weekend evening, especially match days and holiday period, do book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Portion Sizes Are Absolutely great

This comes up in literally every single review. The portions at Chilli Padi are enormous.

People keep mentioning having to take half their food home. One reviewer said their waiter actually tried to warn them about portion sizes and steer them towards smaller dishes, but they ordered big anyway and were completely stuffed by the end (though they said it was worth it).

A family of five shared multiple starters and mains and still had plenty left over. Two people ordering two courses each plus drinks came to about £75, and they had enough leftovers for lunch the next day.

So here’s my advice. Either turn up absolutely starving, plan to share dishes between you, or be prepared to take food home in boxes (which the staff provide happily). Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Also for me, I like doing that, I can have lunch the next day and not worry what to eat, then again I’m a sucker for leftovers, and hate wasting food.

If You’re Worried About Spice Levels

Malaysian food can be spicy but not everything will blow your head off. Here’s a rough guide based on what I’ve tried and what others have mentioned:

Not too spicy: Nasi lemak, just ask for the sambal to be place seperately and you can can add bit by bit. Their stirfry noodle dishes can be made to order or most of them at least. Sweet and sour options are safe bets. And their smoke chicken and kungpao chicken are more on the sweeter side.

Medium spice: Their laksa for me is medium spice, if you can handle some heat, as the dish gets slightly colder, it gets less spicy for me. Their Rendang can depend, sometimes spicy, sometimes it’s just right level of spice. As always please check first.

Properly spicy: Dishes with multiple chilli symbols on the menu are going to be spicy. Char kway teow is apparently quite spicy according to recent reviews but as I said you can ask them to reduce or increase their spice level.

There’s chilli oil on every table if you want to add extra heat yourself. I still loved the beef rendang because it was manageable for me while being full of flavour.

FAQ about Chilli Padi Newcastle Upon Tyne

Where is it:
Chilli Padi Newcastle
6-10 Leazes Park Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 4PF

The Durham branch:
Chilli Padi Durham
Aykley Heads House
Aykley Heads
Durham DH1 5TS

Opening hours: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Check their website or give them a ring for exact times because they vary.

Phone: 0191 230 1133
Website: chillipadi.co.uk

1. How do you book at Chilli Padi?

You can book via their website, phone them directly. Definitely recommended for weekends because the place gets packed.

Does Chilli Padi Newacstle take cards?

Yes, They take cards now! Credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments. No more cash only like the old days. Just in case, there is a free Atm just down the road next to Tesco, about 2 mins from the restaurant.

2. Does Chilli Padi cater to Dietary requirements

Halal options are clearly marked on the menu. They do vegetarian and vegan dishes. Gluten free options are available if you ask the staff. They’re really knowledgeable about allergies and ingredients.

3. Is there Parking at Chilli Padi?

There are loads of car parks near St James’ Park stadium and behind Eldon Garden. Some are free after 6pm. The restaurant is also walkable from most places in Newcastle city centre.

4. How about Wheelchair access at Chilli Padi

Completely wheelchair accessible with plenty of seating options, and they have a ramp directly on your left as soon as you enter the main door.

5. Does Chilli Padi do Takeaway and delivery?

Yes they do, they also provide doggie bags if you can’t finish Available through their website, Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

6. Food hygiene rating?

5 stars, which is excellent.

Other Asian restaurants Options in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Chilli Padi is hands down my top pick for Malaysian and comfort food, but Newcastle has other Asian restaurants worth checking out.

For Chinese food, Master Wang does these incredible hand pulled biang biang noodles that are properly authentic. There are various sushi spots dotted around Newcastle city centre if Japanese is your thing. Several Thai restaurants on Stowell Street in Chinatown if you fancy Thai curry.

Is Chilli Padi Worth Going?

One hundred percent yes. Whether you’re Malaysian and desperately missing proper home food, you’ve travelled to Malaysia and fallen in love with the cuisine, or you’re just curious about trying something different from the usual Chinese or Thai options, Chilli Padi delivers every time.

The beef rendang alone and their Smoked Chicken is worth making the trip for. Add in the enormous portions, genuinely friendly service, authentic flavours and reasonable prices, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant that’s earned its place in Newcastle for nearly a decade.

Chilli Padi is about a 10 minute walk from Newcastle’s main shopping areas, which makes it easy to pop in for lunch or dinner while you’re exploring the city.

Give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates on where their food truck is parked, any special menus they’re running, and events they’re doing.

They certainly still have my seal of approval nearly ten years after I first walked through their doors!

Courtney xx

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More Newcastle Upon Tyne Travel and Food Adventures on WhatsupCourtney:

Want to explore Newcastle’s food scene further? Here are some guides that might help:

25 Things to Do in Newcastle Upon Tyne : My complete guide to the city including more food recommendations

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Things to Do in Tynemouth : Including Riley’s Fish Shack, one of the best seafood spots in the North East

Climbing up Grey’s Monument : Climbing Grey’s Monument: Is it worth it and the Costs?

Riley’s Fish Shack Review: The Famous Riley’s Fish Shack in Tynemouth: Is it worth it?

If you’re visiting from abroad, grab an eSIM before you arrive so you can easily look up bakery opening hours and directions while you’re exploring.

Courtney xx

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