The latest ethnic kid on the block is the unassuming Malaysian eatery, Yi Ah Loh, situated in an obscure alley next to the large Dazhong store on the northeast Third Ring Road. While the resto seems intent on luring hungry diners to a far-flung local with the promise of tasty repast, unfortunately, the place is more snoozing gecko than a sleeping giant waiting to the pounce on the Beijing dining scene. The interior is typical Beijing style: large LCD screens, gaudy chandeliers, white tableclothes, ugly chairs and an excess of over-eager and clumsy waitresses (sadly no traces of Malay decoration to be found at all). The menu is indeed extensive and after careful consideration we chose to begin our culinary sojourn into Malay with a papaya salad (¥28) and fried hot and sour hot fun noodles (¥22). The salad was nicely crisp and tangy but the noodles were non-descript, limp and bland. Aside from the name, neither dish left much of an impression. The surprisingly drinkable house white (¥20/glass), did however pique our interest and kept us in our seats. The stir-fried prawns in braised sambal sauce (¥58) made staying worthwhile. It is truly a delicious dish of moist and plump prawns coated in a rich and lingering sauce. The side of mixed veggies (¥22) was just that, mixed veggies, nothing more, nothing less. Besides the prawns, the only saving grace of the meal was the delectable dessert of sago and coconut cream pudding (¥28). The little square bamboo-leaf wrapped gems were sweet, smooth and addictive. While there is no denying the restaurant offers reasonably priced and decent food, with all the other fabulous ethnic venues in Beijing, this one does little to distinguish or draw itself above the pack. -CR