About Us
Bentara Restaurant was first open in Connecticut in the town of East Haven in April of 1995. In May 1997, the operation was moved to our present location in the historic district of Ninth Square.
This is the second Bentara Restaurant established and the first in the United States. The first Bentara opened in 1980 in Kelantan, Malaysia and it is still in operation with the chef's mother at the helm. The name "Bentara" is a title for the King's highest servant. Malaysia is comprised of 14 states, and each state is varied in their culture and tradition. Food preparation and taste are also varied. Kelantan is also known as "States of Che' Siti Wan Kembang". Historically, Kelantan was once ruled by this great lady.
Beyond Others
The blending of all different ethnicity and influences from Indian and Chinese cultures as well as Dutch, Portuguese and English produces a unique mixture of dishes in the Malaysian dining experience. One dish that has been associated with Malaysia is Satay; skewered meat grilled over charcoal and served with a stewed peanut in coconut sauce and spices. This is accompanied with sliced cucumbers, red onions and ketupat (compressed rice cakes).
Bentara is Connecticut's finest Malaysian restaurant, with some of the spiciest and most creative dishes in Downtown New Haven. The spacious interior, carved out of a historic storefront in the Ninth Square neighborhood, is dramatic and elegant, combining an architectural eye with fascinating elements of Malaysian culture.
