One year ago, AK Dragon Malaysian Restaurant opened its doors in Huskisson with a simple dream to bring the vibrant, comforting flavours of Malaysia to Jervis Bay. To celebrate their first anniversary, owner-chef Alex and his family are hosting two exclusive Malaysian-style family degustation dinners on Wednesday 27 August and Sunday 31 August.
The milestone menus draw on his childhood and his mother’s recipes, presenting eight spectacular dishes that highlight seafood, slow-cooked meats, seasonal vegetables and of course a traditional Malay dessert. Each course will be individually plated, giving guests the chance to enjoy the full experience for themselves.
For Alex, who has lived in the Bay for seven years while working as a chef across the region, AK Dragon represents both a personal journey and a strong connection to community.
“I wanted to create something authentic for our area. When I first opened, I wasn’t sure how the restaurant would be received, and it was a challenge to find experienced staff – it still is in our hospitality scene. My wife, King, and our niece, Angela, work here with me, and I know they’ll always give our customers good service.”
When asked about his highlights over the past year, Alex doesn’t hesitate: “For me, it’s watching customers return first with their friends, then with their families. That’s given me real confidence that our restaurant has been received well. We also see many visitors who come here specifically looking for something traditional.”
Looking ahead, Alex keeps his vision simple: “By 2026, I want to see our customers just as happy, keep creating new dishes that reflect the seasons, and continue bringing Malaysian food to life here in Jervis Bay.”
You’ll often find Alex moving through the restaurant with his charismatic smile, checking in on guests and making sure everyone is happy. He’s always ready to share the story behind a dish, and just as quick to accommodate requests, creating the easy warmth of a Malaysian family restaurant.
Among the most sought-after dishes are the crispy pork belly, crispy chicken, his mother’s Malaysian curry chicken, and especially the 12-hour slow-cooked wagyu rendang.
“The marbling of five means it just melts in your mouth,” Alex says eagerly. “And you have to have it with roti to dip into the sauce, it’s so good.”
Seafood has also been embraced by locals, with the mud crab specials in XO, creamy garlic, or ginger and shallot proving to be a runaway success. These dishes, along with others, have quickly become firm favourites.
As for the upcoming degustation, Alex promises a little theatre in the mix. “There will be a surprise among the dishes, you will not be disappointed!” He is also offering their regular menu for those who wish to stick to their favourites.
The Anniversary Degustation will be held on Wednesday 27 August and Sunday 31 August. Lunch will run from 12–1pm, with dinner from 5–9pm. $88 per person, bookings are essential. Reserve your place via the restaurant’s Facebook page.
