Malacca (also Melaka), a UNESCO World Heritage city, is full of multicultural heritage buildings, ancient landmarks and colonial structures.
A port city ideal for trade between China, India and Indonesia. It was Melaka where the colonial forces first made contact with Malaysia.
With so many countries coming into contact in such a small area, it wasn’t just the power of rule that swapped forces with this port city. Spices, flavors, cooking techniques all influenced, traded, and intertwined together.
Still heavily influenced by Peranakan Cuisine, eating in Melaka is like eating from multiple parts of the world at once, yet nowhere in the world will ever taste like Melaka.
A city easy to walk and admire, but for me, even more fun to explore and taste the history.
Peranakan Cuisine
Chinese ingredients with various distinct spices and cooking techniques used by the Malay/Indonesian community which results in tantalizing aromas, spices, and flavors.
If you want to take a more in depth look at some Peranakan dishes, you can here.
There are numerous Peranakan restaurants in Malacca here are a couple which I enjoyed.
Our Place
I think this place really defines Peranakan cuisine, eating something that feels like it comes from the home. Head chef Susan is doing high quality work and is a talented chef. Her main strength though? Cooking with one of the most important ingredients in the world, love.
Address: 668A, Jalan Bukit Melaka 1/2, Taman Bukit Melaka, 75450 Bukit Beruang, Melaka, Malaysia
Open: Closed Sunday; 10:30am – 3:30pm
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Kocik Kitchen (Halal)
A great option if you need to eat halal. You feel the history here as you walk in and see all the worn down interior and pictures.
I still dream about their sambal and eggs dish to this day.
Sambal with fried eggs and onion
Address: 100, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Open: See Google Maps Below
Satay Celup
I am not sure what mad genius thought of this, but they must have loved sauce as much as me.
Satay Celup is a hot pot filled with satay sauce.
Multiple refrigerators lined up and filled with as many variations of vegetables, tofu, meat, and other things that you could imagine!
Just grab a tray, pile on the sticks, and dip in your hot pot full of satay sauce!
Ban Lee Siang
There are mainly two restaurants talked about in Malacca for Satay Celup, Capitol Satay and Ban Lee Siang.
Since it was the weekend and I heard Capitol Satay was where most tourist go, I decided to go to Ban Lee Siang. I also heard the prices were cheaper here, which is a good thing because those sticks will sneak up on you!
Address: 45-E, Jalan Ong Kim Wee, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Open: Daily 3:30pm -12:30am
Nyonya Laksa
Also called Laksa lemak for the addition of coconut milk. This bowl is a slurp it up until nothing is left bowl.
Baba Low
Special homemade sambal chili that is made fresh daily and served with a heavy hand. If you love your coconut milk, this is the laksa for you as they use an excessively delicious amount.
Address: Jalan Siantan Sek 2, Off, Jalan Tengkera, Kampung Lapan, 75200, Malacca, Malaysia
Open: Closed Friday; Monday - Thursday 7am- 6pm, Sat & Sun 7am - 4pm
Nyonya Chang
One of Malacca's most iconic foods.
East & West Rendezvous
Try to come by on a Saturday when they are usually making the Chang from scratch!
Watching the time and labor intensive prep will give you a real appreciation for the masterpieces these are.
Address: 52, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Open: Closed Wednesday; Thursday - Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Asam Pedas
With a name that translates to “sour spicy”, it’s probably no surprise this ended up on my must eats recommendation.
A dish that is Malay and Minangkabau, so it is loved in many places, yet seems to be a little something extra special here in Melaka.
Make sure to get it with either ikan tenggiri (Spanish mackerel) or ikan pari (stingray) for a traditional taste.
Asam Pedas Claypot 2
I will be completely honest, I wasn’t completely blown away by the meal here. I enjoyed the dish, but I feel like there is much better in Malacca.
No matter, still a great atmosphere to enjoy the night with good company.
Address: 86, Jalan Laksamana 5, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Open: Closed Tuesday; Wednesday – Monday 6pm – 4am
Bunga Raya Popiah
Not for the light hearted. Well, probably not good for anybody’s heart. This is also known as “Fat Mans” Popiah and is the most popular in Malacca.
A Hokkien-Nyonya fusion style popiah infused with crispy bits of pork lard.
Also with scrambled eggs, bean curd, bean sprouts, peanuts, turnips, sweet sauce, and chili sauce.
This stall is take away only.
Address: 78, Jalan Bunga Raya, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia
Open: Daily 12pm – 6pm
Cendol
Aunty Koh Cendol
Home to the sweetest person and equally sweet cendols.
Aunty Koh has been running this stall for almost 20 years. Waking up at 1am to prepare the coconut milk each day (She said she is fussy and has to have it just right).
You cannot complain if the coconut milk and gula melaka portions are not to your liking as they are self serve.
If Aunty Koh and her heavenly cendol doesn’t make this place feel like home to you, well…washing your dishes afterwards sure will, as it is a must do for eating here.
Ujong Pasir Nasi Lemak
Hard to eat here as you do not really know what day they will set up shop. However, your efforts will be rewarded.
To this day, one of the most impressive nasi lemak stalls I have been to. The Lauk (side dishes) here seem endless. Pick from classics such as ayam rendang, ayam goreng, fried fish, and more or feel free to adventure and try one of my favorites sambal petai.
Come earlier than later so you won’t be disappointed by your favorite lauk being sold out, okay lah?
Address: Jalan Ujong Pasir, Taman Sui Mei, 75050 Melaka, Malaysia
Open: Days Vary; 6pm- sold out
Klebang Original Coconut Shake
Not so much in Malacca city, but instead a 10-15 minute drive outside of the city center. Come do as everybody else and enjoy a coconut shake topped with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream to help beat that Malaysia heat.
TIP: If you use an app for a taxi, you may have trouble being able to find one for returning. Not that I would know from experience.
Address: Lot 130, Solok Kampung Bahagia, Klebang Besar, Melaka, Kesibang, 75250, Malaysia
Open: Saturday – Thursday 11am – 6:30pm; Friday 2:30pm – 6:30pm
Chicken & Rice Balls
Now legend has it, wait hold up. I am not really sure which legend is true as I have heard three stories as to how these rice balls became a Melaka staple.
I guess I’ll share the one which I have heard the most.
Long story, short…
A woman married a Melakan fisher man. The fisherman, Hoe Kee, was caught pursing a catch in Indonesian waters. He was detained and while so his wife was struggling to make enough money to feed the children. She took to peddling Hainanese chicken rice at Melaka’s main jetty.
Her customers were the men who loaded and unloaded boats. However, there was no official lunch break as time was money. Figuring she would be able to sell more rice if she could make it easier to handle. She began making them into balls and selling them.
At last, a Melaka specialty was born.
Don’t worry though the rice balls are no longer a gimmick and instead infused with garlic, ginger, and cooked with chicken stock for a delicious pop in your mouth bite.
Kedai Kopi Chung Wah
Address: 18, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Open: Daily 9am – 3pm
Nyonya Kueh
Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake
Operating since 1988, this shop is best entered with a game plan or you may buy more kueh than you ever expected.
A true kid in a candy store moment.
Try and get the ondeh ondeh(Right pic) right as they are being freshly made so the insides are still slightly warm and ooey with gula melaka.
Address: 72, Lorong Tengkera Pantai 2c, Kampung Tengkera Pantai Dua, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Open: Closed Thursday; Friday – Wednesday 9am – 5pm
Portuguese Meal
Having been under Portuguese rule for around 130 years (1511-1641) you can bet the Portuguese have left their mark on more than the cities monuments, but cuisine as well.
Restaurant Portuguese & Nyonya Cuisine
A must order for me is the Devil's Curry. A pork curry that will tantalize your tastebuds with all the spices and flavors packed into this dish.
If dining alone or in a small group I would recommend going at lunch as portions are smaller and cheaper so you will be able to order an array of dishes to truly taste Portuguese cuisine from Malacca.
Address: 16-18-20, Jln KLJ 4, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Open: Closed Tuesday; Wednesday - Monday 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm
Dim Sum
Dim Sum is something I really enjoy tasting all over the world after having lived in Hong Kong for a year. While overall it may not be as good, there are a few dishes that I seemed to really enjoy.
Low Yong Moh Restaurant
Supposedly the oldest and first dim sum restaurant in Malacca operating since 1936. Having been open so long this place has really built a following. On weekends you can see a line extending down the block by 8am.
Constantly bringing around trays of freshly steamed dim sum, yet you will have to ask for the salted egg custard buns, char siew buns, and loh mai gai separately.
Which I just realized, were the three things I would order if I went back. Skip the siu mia, har gow, and fried spring rolls.
Hoo Khiew Prawn Cracker Noodles
Prawn crackers so crunchy, that no matter how long they sit and marry with the broth, they do not lose their crunch.
The broth is light bodied and subtle with sweetness and fish flavor. I love the customizability of these as well. All you do is pick you bowl size, type of noodles, and if you want extra ingredients (extra prawn crackers are a must for me).
Address: 345, Jalan Tengkera, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Open: Daily 6am - 2pm
Famous Lao Lee Char Siew
I heard the char siew was good here.
The irony is..
I liked the siu yuk better.
While the actual roast meats here do not compare to my Hong Kong standards, I will say, I love the Malaysian adaptation. Cafeteria style and you can get a plate of rice piled high with an assortment of dishes.
Curries, vegetables, roast meats, chili sauces, all combined over rice. One of my favorite ways to eat no matter which country.
Address: Jalan Bendahara, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia
Open: 10am - 2pm
Pak Putra
Yes, this North Indian and Pakistan restaurant is as much Malacca as any of the others.
Come here any night of the week and you will see every table filled with happy locals and tourist enjoying some of the best tandoori chicken and fresh baked Naan, maybe in Malaysia.
The tandoori chicken is charred and spiced, yet succulent and juicy. The Naan is delivered directly from the tandoori, pipping hot and wafting that fresh baked bread and roasted garlic smell. Don't be like me and forget to order their famous butter chicken, as it is a proven fact that the tables that order the butter chicken are happier.
Address: 56 & 58, Jalan 4, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Open: Closed Monday; 5:30pm - 1am
Wish List
- More Satay Celup
- A Good Kopitiam
- More Peranakan Restaurants
- Duck Noodles
- More Asam Pedas
- Portuguese Baked Fish
- Fresh Boiled Cockles At Tong Bee
- Tau Kua
- Fishball Salad
What a guide! This small city really won my heart during my stay here, I was really sad to go, luckily I was headed to Penang next, ha!
If you try any of these dishes or places out let me know in the comments or if you see anything that I need to add to my already long “wish list” make sure to comment so I will know to look for it!
