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Restaurant

Istana Restaurant

15/230 Pennant Hills Rd, Thornleigh NSW 2120, Australia

Recommended by 0 people

Updated

Find Istana Restaurant

15/230 Pennant Hills Rd, Thornleigh NSW 2120, Australia

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+61 2 9481 8855
HoursMonday: 4:45 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:45 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 4:45 – 9:30 PM Friday: 4:45 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:45 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:45 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:45 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:45 – 9:30 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Istana Restaurant

Istana serves hearty Chinese-Malaysian cooking in Thornleigh, turning out generous family banquets with lightning-quick service. Longtime regulars lean into whole poached Hainan chicken paired with bottomless bowls of seasoned ginger rice, pungent kangkung belacan stir-fried with dried shrimp, and pipis tossed in XO sauce. Tables fill fast with multi-generational crowds sharing plates across simple, unpretentious dining rooms. Dinner winds down with scoops of house-made durian ice cream.

  • Bottomless chicken rice: Dine-in orders of Hainan chicken come with unlimited refills of seasoned chicken rice.
  • House-made durian ice cream: Rich, pungent house-made durian ice cream offers a traditional finish to savory banquets.
  • Family-style banquets: Fast table service and sizable portions easily cater to large family groups and celebrations.
RestaurantMalaysianRestaurant

What's On at Istana Restaurant

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Istana Restaurant

Why Thornleigh locals and Malaysian food lovers choose Istana for authentic dining

  • Perfectly Cooked Hainanese Chicken

    Istana's signature Hainanese chicken features tender, expertly prepared chicken accompanied by seasoned rice and house dipping sauces.

    The Hainan chicken is to die for - the meat is cooked to perfection and the various condiments are just on point

    Alice H

  • Unlimited Refills of Fragrant Chicken Rice

    Dine-in guests ordering chicken rice can enjoy bottomless refills of fragrant, seasoned chicken rice.

    If you dine in, it's pretty much unlimited refill of chicken rice.

    Lydia Leung

  • Family Gatherings That Please All Ages

    Accommodates multi-generational family groups and celebrations with rapid service and dishes that satisfy both kids and adults.

    Kids of our friends are not easy to please when it comes to food and to see them helping themselves to the array of food and have 3rd helpings are proof that the food served at Istana is scrumptious.

    Harlee Q

  • Fast Kitchen Execution for Large Parties

    Even during full-house rush hours, large parties and celebrations receive swift service from order to table.

    Speedy cooking of the food (we are a group of 19 people)

    Giovanni Mellisa Soesanto

  • Nostalgic, Old-School Dining Atmosphere

    Welcoming, personable hospitality and a characterful dining room lend a classic, homey charm to every visit.

    old school, the way we like it. Non-pretentious and clean.

    Harlee Q

  • House-Made Creamy Durian Ice Cream

    Istana serves rich, house-made durian ice cream dessert for diners seeking an authentic tropical treat after dinner.

    The durian ice cream is also well worth a mention. Creamy and pungent !

    Lisa “Food Digger” C

Beloved Chinese-Malaysian specialties celebrated for traditional flavors and hearty portions

  • Hainan Chicken Rice

    This place has been around for a long time and is famous for its Hainan Chicken Rice.

    Lisa “Food Digger” C

  • Kangkung Belacan

    The kangkung belacan was a hit, my husband loved it! You could really taste the fried shallots and ebi (dried shrimp), super flavourful.

    L Hilman

  • Homemade Tofu

    Homemade Tofu is a 10/10, silky and smooth with a light sauce and crisp vegetables.

    Jamie Tan

  • Hawker Style Pipis

    The pipis reminded me of a childhood dish, so nostalgic and comforting.

    L Hilman

Before you head over

Practical advice on reservations, parking, and ordering to make the most of your visit

  • Maximize Chicken Rice & Dessert Orders

    Dine in with half or whole Hainan chicken to enjoy bottomless chicken rice refills, and finish your meal with the house-made pungent durian ice cream.

  • Reserve Ahead for Groups and Families

    The dining room fills up rapidly during peak dinner hours and family gatherings, so book a table ahead—especially if you require child seats, which are limited in number.

  • Use Basement Parking

    Navigation apps can give awkward turns into the complex; take advantage of the ample basement parking to stay sheltered from the rain and access the restaurant easily.

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