Mulan Malaysian Cafe & Restaurant is a welcoming neighbourhood dining destination located in Birkenhead, Auckland. Created by Chef James together with his wife Carol and their sons, the eatery is designed as a warm, comforting space rooted in genuine hospitality and family cooking traditions. Drawing on more than 25 years of culinary experience, Chef James brings the comforting, vibrant flavours of Penang and Malaysian family meals to the North Shore community.
The restaurant operates with a dual identity across the day. By day, Mulan serves an all-day breakfast and Malaysian-style brunch alongside a 'Good Old Days' menu of global and local favourites that blend beloved Western staples with Southeast Asian touches. As evening arrives, the kitchen transitions to authentic, homestyle Malaysian family cooking centred around dishes crafted to be shared around the table.
Mulan prioritises house-made cooking and collaborates with quality local New Zealand producers. Fresh Buffalo and Jersey milk comes from Te Arai Farm, artisan cheeses and yoghurts from Corner Paddock Farm, specialty coffee from Be Specialty Coffee, crafted kombucha from New Leaf, and loose-leaf teas from Tea Total. With local craft beers and ciders on offer alongside dedicated vegan and banquet menus, Mulan offers an inviting community setting for everything from morning coffee to celebratory family dinners.
Nestled in the heart of Birkenhead on Auckland’s North Shore, Mulan Malaysian Cafe & Restaurant represents a culinary philosophy rooted in comfort, heritage, and genuine hospitality. Founded by Chef James alongside his wife Carol and their sons, Mulan was built to be an inviting, neighbourhood haven where diners can slow down, unwind, and enjoy honest food prepared just like you would share with family.
Chef James brings over 25 years of professional culinary experience to the kitchen, drawing deep inspiration from his upbringing in Malaysia and the cherished homestyle cooking traditions of Penang. The result is a dining experience that feels both rooted in authentic culinary heritage and tailored to the local community.
Mulan seamlessly transforms its character as the day progresses. During morning and midday hours, the kitchen serves an all-day breakfast, Malaysian-style brunch, and a thoughtfully curated 'Good Old Days' menu. This daytime offering presents a comfortable harmony of familiar Western café classics alongside bold Southeast Asian ingredients, giving morning diners both classic wake-up favourites and vibrant new tastes.
As the sun sets, the restaurant transitions into a dedicated evening space celebrating authentic homestyle Malaysian cooking. Designed around the spirit of family gatherings, the dinner menu focuses on vibrant, fragrant shared plates made to be passed around the table. Whether you are dining as a couple or gathering with a large group, the kitchen caters to diverse preferences with comprehensive à la carte dining, banquet selections, and a full dedicated vegan menu.
At the core of Mulan’s ethos is a commitment to scratch cooking and strong ties to independent New Zealand suppliers. Every element is crafted in-house with care, supported by top-tier local producers:
Whether dropping by for an all-day brunch, gathering over sharing banquets, or picking up dinner takeaway, Mulan brings the authentic warmth and bold soul of Penang cooking right to Birkenhead.