25 Best Foods in Malacca to Eat and Drink Like a Local
By car, Malacca or Melaka is just 3 hours away from Singapore and a very popular weekend getaway spot. You don’t get much time during such a short weekend getaway, so we are really here to make your life a tad bit easier with a comprehensive food guide.
Our team went forth to try out Malacca’s famous Jonker Street eats and beyond, curating only the best and compiling into our very own ultimate Malacca food guide. We managed to hit a couple of bars along the way too.
We stayed at Jonker Boutique Hotel during this trip, which was situated at the heart of Malacca’s Jonker’s street for the most efficient eating experience.
This Malacca food guide is split into cafes, street foods, local restaurants and even late night drinking spots. If you’re wondering where to eat in Malacca, feast on.
— Malacca Cafes—
1. Bikini Toppings
Ice Cream (RM6.90). If you’re in need of cooling refreshment after pounding the pavements of Melacca, Bikini Toppings will provide a welcome break. Serving an array of ice creams that come served in a coconut alongside refreshing coconut shakes, this is exactly what’s in order on a hot day.
We opted for a scoop of yam, a scoop of chendol and a garnish of fresh lychee, though there are numerous other ice cream flavours and toppings to choose from.
We couldn’t resist joining in with the ‘graffiti’ on the chalkboard walls whilst we were there. Let us know if you go and spot our tag!
Bikini Toppings: 46 Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Facebook
2. The Daily Fix
We loved the old fashioned vibe of The Daily Fix. It’s quirky, fun and serves a mean coffee. Old school music hums in the background of this spacious cafe, whilst a young, cool crowd make up most of the clientele.
Famed for it’s pancakes, we were not disappointed with some of the unusual flavours on offer. Whilst we were tempted by the Durian and choc chip flavours, we eventually opted for Pandan (RM 13.90). The pancakes were soft and fluffy on the inside with a nice crunch on the outside.
Pumped full with gula melaka (which we are now officially addicted to) these were a naughty but nice treat.
The Daily Fix: 55 Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Facebook
3. Calanthe Art Cafe
Serving a signature coffee from each of Malaysia’s 13 states, this is a Malacca must visit. Unsurprisingly, the most popular coffee served here is that from – you guessed it – Melaka. Containing 70% coffee beans, and 30% sugar, salt and margarine, the end result is a strong, sweet cup of joe.
The cafe itself is so cool we could easily spend a few hours working our way through the rest of the 12 Malaysian state offerings. The interior is an eclectic mix of vintage meets traditional Malay meets coffee hipster.
Be sure to walk through the main cafe area at the front to check out the nooks and crannies of the spaces at the back. You’ll find a treasure trove of Instagram worthy backdrops.
Calanthe Art Cafe: 11 Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Website
4. Backlane Coffee
Salted Caramel Tart (Rm13.00), White Surprise (Rm13.00). If you’re looking for a hipster cafe hangout, this is most definitely it. Exposed brick walls, an industrial vibe, cool lighting fixtures, home brew coffee – this place has got it all.
Whilst they do serve pizza – which, by the way, looked delicious – we couldn’t resist the choice of cakes and sweet treats that were on offer. We opted for a ‘white surprise’ (white chocolate mousse, raspberry coulis, hazelnut croustillant & praline string) and the ‘salted caramel tart’ (chocolate ganache, salted caramel, chocolate pastry).
Though both were delicious the bitter, salty, sweet caramel tart come out on top in this round of dessert wars.
Backlane Coffee: 129, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Facebook
5. Ola Lavanderia
Ola Lavanderia is a small, minimalist cafe that is perfect for a coffee break. We’re also a fan of their white Melaka cheesecake. It’s light, a little zesty and has a delicious blueberry centre.
My favourite thing about this place? It doubles up as a launderette. A mere RM4.80 will get you 1kg of clothes, washed, ironed and folded. Bargain! Sit back and put your feet up whilst someone else does all the hard work for you.
Ola Lavanderia: 25 Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Facebook
6. Mods Cafe
Piccolo (RM9.00), Espresso (RM7.00), Cheesecake (RM10.00). Mods Cafe will definitely win your heart over with their cute and vintage interior. Hola hipsters, this is your den complete with a Volkswagen caravan as their cashier and coffee brewing site, vinyls as decor and cute little vintage trinkets.
Here’s the catch though, there is a minimum of one order per person. We had a cheesecake, espresso and piccolo. The espresso was more on the acidic side and it isn’t hot, which is puzzling since it is extracted on site.
The cake was rather gelatinous in texture and it is more milky than cheesy but the piccolo was well balanced, saving the day.
Mods Cafe: Jalan Tokong, Melaka, Malaysia | Tel: +60 12-756 4441 | Website
7. Nadeje
If cake is your thing head on over to stuff your face on the mille crepes at Nadeje. Made with alternating thin layers of sponge and cream, these bad boys are dangerous. It tastes so light you may as well be eating a cloud, though we’re sure one slice alone must contain at least a million calories. Oh well, YOLO.
We opted for a slice of the rum & raisin mille crepe (RM 12.60) from their ‘alcoholic’ range. It’s a seriously indulgent slice of creamy, boozy goodness. A great place to head for a lunchtime treat or dessert after dinner.
Nadeje: G-23 & 25, Jalan PM4, Plaza Mahkota, 75000, Melaka, Melaka, 75000, Malaysia | Website
—Malacca Street Food—
8. Loi Satay – Lung Ann Refreshments
Satay (RM0.70 / stick). Along the streets of Jonker is Lung Ann Refreshments and you wouldn’t be able to miss it because the aroma of freshly barbecued satay skewers will lead you there. Much like a coffeeshop, Lung Ann Refreshments focuses on only selling satay and well, refreshments.
The meat used in the satay skewers here is pork, unlike the usual mutton and chicken. Though it can get slightly salty, it is definitely something interesting and unlike the usuals. There’s a slight difference in texture and the peanut sauce pairs well. It opens from 1pm till 4pm and is closed on Thursday.
Loi Satay Lung Ann Refreshments: 93/807, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | website
9. Kedai Kopi Chung Wah
Half Chicken (RM24.60), Rice Ball (RM0.40). Famed for their chicken rice balls, Kedai Kopi Chung Wah is the most popular Hainanese Chicken Rice on Jonker’s Street – Day after day, lies a snaking line right outside the stall, all in hopes of getting their famous chicken rice ball.
So if you’re looking to try it, I’d definitely suggest that you go down real early before lunch to beat the crowd because that’s what we did and we didn’t have to queue. Sleep is for the weak my friends.
While the Kampong chicken is pretty average, their chicken rice balls are worth the try. Glistening balls of chicken rice, packed with flavour and because of its petite size, it’s really convenient to pop them incessantly before knowing you’ve had one too many.
Do remember to have it with the chilli sauce because no chicken rice is complete without it.
Kedai Kopi: 18, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
10. Jonker 88
Baba Durian Chendol (RM5.00).
Hard to miss, Jonker 88 sits amidst the busy Jonker Street that Malacca is famous for. What we first noticed is its crowd, beckoning us in as it piqued our curiosity as to what this stall entails to render such a crowd.
Casual and packed, Jonker 88 is an eatery that offers up local fare like assam laksa, chendol and many more.
Who could ever get enough of chendol really, so we ordered a serving of chendol with durian because durian is really quintessential in our lives. The durian chendol came fully adorned with red bean and peanuts. The durian tasted more like the paste sort instead of fresh durian flesh and it isn’t too sweet.
The other dish we had was the assam laksa and we highly recommend it. The broth is sour and spicy with the addition of tamarind, making it very appetising and I couldn’t stop myself even when I was pregnant with a food baby.
The noodles used aren’t the usual laksa noodles, think glass noodles but thicker, which makes for an excellent accompaniment to the light broth with its silky texture.
Jonker 88: 88, alan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Tel:+60 19-397 5665 | Website
11. Pin Pin Hiong
Do not overlook this great little restaurant serving awesome Hainanese food. With just one old Uncle doing all of the cooking, you might have a bit of a wait for your lunch to arrive but it’s totally worth it.
It was packed when we visited with a completely mixed crowd and, it would seem, young or old locals cannot get enough of this delicious home cooked food.
We recommend their oyster omelette, Mee Sua soup and the pork chop. The Mee Sua was seriously good, we could not get enough of the salty, savoury broth. The pork chop was soft, meaty and smothered in the most delicious gravy. Whilst our omelette was thin, crispy and packed with tiny, juicy oysters. The ultimate comfort food pit stop and one of our favourites.
Pin Pin Hiong: 786, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
12. Cristina Ee Nyonya Cendol shop
On the outside, Cristina Ee Cendol shop will probably just look like any other snack shops that you can find along the way but do not be fooled, it actually serves up quite a kickass bowl of chendol.
The chendol is pretty to look at with its myriad of colours and of course delectable to have with its strong gula melaka flavour pairing well with the coconut milk and jelly, proving to be a worthy way to cool down from the sweltering heat.
Cristina Ee also sell square-shapped pineapple tarts that are extremely aromatic and buttery. They are also the distributor of it nationwide, so why not have a try and bring home a pack or two when you’re around the area.
Cristina Ee Nyonya Cendol Shop: 8, Jalan Hang Lekir, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
13. Low Yong Moh restaurant
Closed on Tuesday, Low Yong Moh restaurant is a traditional casual dining place that serves up dim sum as breakfast. Very popular amongst the locals, it stocks up a variety of dim sum and you’d better be quick to get your orders before they run out. Though it isn’t the best dimsum, it does give the complete Malacca experience with throngs of locals swearing by it.
The prices start from RM1 to RM3.70 for the most expensive dim sum.
Low Yong Moh: 32, Jalan Tokong, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Tel:+60 6-282 1235 | Website
14. Ah Gu Wanton Mee
Wanton Mee (RM4.00). One of the oldest wanton mee stall in Malacca, Ah Gu Wanton Mee has a story to tell. The original owner of the stall is none other than Ah Gu, whom has sworn celibacy back in the days, Ma Jie, as we know it.
She then started selling wanton mee and made a name for her wanton noodles and herself. With a great backstory, she has now successfully passed the business on to her god daughter to continue this legacy.
So we had to try it, for obvious reasons. Ah Gu Wanton Mee could be very easily missed, so do keep a lookout. It is a fuss-free, functional and traditional looking space that is dedicated to serving noodles. Do head down early as the stall tends to close by 3pm.
On the first mouthful and we knew what was different about it. The noodles were tossed in a generous serving of pork oil, making it more fragrant than the usual ones we get. The wantons were packed with flavour and ah gu’s wanton mee is definitely comforting and hearty with all the pork lard glistening glory.
Ah Gu Wanton Mee: Medan Selera Cheng Ho, Malacca, Malaysia
—Local Restaurants & Supper—
15. Asam Pedas Claypot
Asam Pari (stingray RM3.80). Though it can be quite a walk from Jonker Street, it is well worth your time. Much like the supper area we have in Bedok, the Asam Pedas Claypot serves roti cenai, goreng-goreng, asam pedas, otah and many more.
There is a choice of indoors and outdoors and I’d say it’s rather spacious. It is sour and spicy all at the same time, with the stingray flesh being really tender and pairing well with the rice. Also ordered a neighbouring mamak’s store otah, which is slightly sweeter than the version we get back home.
The salted egg goes very well with the stingray, providing a contrast of flavours, definitely something I’ll devour after a night of drinking. It opens from 6pm – 4am, so you get the drift. The spiciness level may vary depending on the chef cooking so you probably should determine how spicy you want it before placing order.
Asam Pedas Claypot: 86, Jalan Laksamana 5, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Tel: +60 12-680 0790
16. Restoran Res Porridge Shop
If you’re in need of a late night supper, this busy Porridge Shop is worth a visit. It’s located outside of the historical centre but it’s a bustling spot that was still going strong when many others were closing.
Their classic seafood porridge was comforting, salty and satisfying. We loved the relaxed atmosphere, mixed clientele and speedy service. If you’re craving porridge this is definitely the spot for you, though with plenty of other standard Chinese dishes on the menu you’ll probably end up ordering more than you intended.
Restoran Res Porridge Shop: Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000, Malaysia
17. Indah Sayang
Another dinner or supper destination, Indah Sayang serves up authentic Nyonya food praised by many locals. On the outside, it has this almost stained glass-like entrance while the interior is a down-to-earth casual dining area. We ordered ourselves a Nyonya Chap Chai and Nyonya Assam Fish.
Nyonya Chap Chai (RM7.50), Asam Fish (seasonal).
The chap chai (preserved vegetables) is sour and appetising with a variety of vegetables that gives a crunchy texture altogether. The assam fish was a little fishy on its own but when paired with the fragrant chilli, it becomes absolutely delectable. I’d buy back a pot of the chilli if I could, it is not overly spicy but one that is enjoyable and with a subtle hint of zest that offsets the fishiness.
Indah Sayang: 138, Jalan Melaka Raya, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000, Melaka, Malaysia | Tel: +60 6-282 0285 | Website
18. Baboon House
In our view, Baboon House serves the very best western style food in Malacca. Before we talk about that, it’s worth noting just how darn cool this place is to look at. As well as being a restaurant it’s also an art gallery/restoration project/home, it’s unsurprising then that photography is not permitted inside.
You’ll just have to take our word for it that Baboon House is filled with interesting art hanging, murals and greenery. It’s an awesome setting.
Famed for it’s burgers, we were not disappointed with our selection. We tried the classic beef burger (RM17.80) and the Teriyaki pork burger (RM16.80). Of the two, the winner hands down was the classic beef burger. It was big, bold and juicy, one of the best burgers we’d tried in a long time.
It was served with a side of deliciously crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside chips.
A few things to note, you have to ring a doorbell to get in. It took 5 minutes for someone to answer the door when we rocked up so be patient. There is a maximum of six people per table so it’s not suitable for large groups.
Finally, be sure to keep your voices down, this is a tranquil spot so it’s not suitable for large, rowdy get togethers. Service can be unstable or even rude at times, nonetheless, it’s an absolute must visit in Malacca.
Baboon House: Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 China Town, Melaka, Malaysia
19. Nancy’s Kitchen
Nancy’s Kitchen is very popular for their authentic Peranakan food and do note that it has moved from its previous location. The interior is a casual and clean style, where you can kick back and have a heartwarming meal. We recommend you call in for reservations.
We ordered the fried egg cincalok, salted vegetable duck soup and the rendang chicken. While the omelette can get a little greasy, the salted vegetable duck soup is extremely appetising while the curry is rich and fragrant. It can be quite a walk from Jonker Street (about 15 mins) but hey, work off some calories before eating.
Nancy’s Kitchen: 13, 13-1, 13-2, Jalan KL 3/8, Taman Kota Laksamana, Seksyen 3, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Tel: +60 606-2836099 / +6013-6183608 | Website
20. Teo Soon Loong
Having moved from Jonker street, Teo Soon Loong started out as just a place selling alcohol in a corner of Jonker. The owner then started cooking and slowly expanded it till it became a restaurant. They made the decision to move to their current location as the previous kitchen is too open and that isn’t allowed in Malacca.
Helming the reins now is the third generation, with the founder having cooked for over 50 years in operation. Do try their balanchan that is infused with belachan, which is amazing because I couldn’t help myself and possibly consumed the whole container. Order their oysters noodles if you’re a fan of ee fu mian.
Teo Soon Loong: No. 42 & 44,Jalan KPKS 1,Kompleks Perniagaan Kota Syahbandar,75200 Melaka., 75200 Malacca, Malaysia | Tel:+60 6-288 0209 | Website
21. Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan
Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan has the best tandoori and naan, hands down. Just a few steps away from the Asam Pedas Claypot, Pak Putra will wow you away with their juicy and tender tandoori chicken.
Forget all the dry tandoori you get at most places, Pak Putra serves them succulent with a fluffy naan that is oh-so-fragrant. Pair it with their decadent lassi and you’re never going to think of Indian fare the same way again.
Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan: Jalan Laksamana 4, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Tel: +60 12601 5876
22. Restoran Laksamana Hakka Zhan
Hakka Zhan serves up authentic Hakka cuisine and is a stone’s throw from Nancy’s Kitchen. The interior boasts of a quaint and very traditional-like decor, complete with a wall mural that describes the nomad origins of the Hakka group. The restaurant opened in 2007 and there are two outlets in Malacca.
Hakka Local Traditional Mutton (RM25.00), Hakka Muy Choi Pork (RM15.00), Hakka Yong Tau Fu (RM12.00), Hakka Wine Chicken (RM20.00), Hakka Fried Eggplant with Basil Leaf (RM8.00).
Hakka Zhan’s secret recipes are handed down from the owner’s father-in-law and we really loved the mutton soup. The broth is light yet rich in flavour and thoroughly comforting. The mutton has been boiled for two to three hours and they are imported from Australia. I’d definitely drop by for a meal and you should too, if you want a taste of Hakka food.
Laksamana Hakka Zhan: 76, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75000, Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia | Tel:+60 16-666 8938 | Website
—Late Night Drinks—
23. Geographer Cafe
Although the name states cafe, Geographer is clearly more pub than cafe.
You’ll never miss this place with its striking yellow walls and green panels, and that’s a good thing because you really wanna have a pitstop in this casual and laid back ‘cafe’, al fresco or not. With weekly live music shows and other events, there’s always something going on in there that’s worth your time.
Stop by to freshen up or refuel with a plate of nasi lemak or pesto pasta, or if you’re only looking to have a drink, order an organic coconut to beat the heat. End it off with a cocktail or just a pint of ice cold beer.
Geographer Cafe: 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia | Tel: +60 6 281 6813 | Website
24. Kafe Bonjor
Dotted along the river side, Kafe Bonjor boasts of a large interior with a private karoake room and al fresco terrace where you can enjoy your drink with a view of the river. Opt for outdoors if you’re for more casual drinks with the breeze streaming in. If you’re looking for a good cathartic screaming session, gather a bunch and book out the private room where you can run wild, young and free.
Kafe Bonjor: 68 Jalan Kampung Hulu, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Tel: + 60 0163446678 | Website
25. Skydeck
Swanky is what Skydeck is. Atopped EcoTree Hotel, Skydeck is a roof top bar complete with a swimming pool, ample dart machines and performance stage for live music. Think neon lights and loud music and we’re good to go. The only rule is that everyone has to order a drink before entering.
Skydeck: 1, Jalan Melaka Raya 9, 75000 Malacca, Malaysia | Tel: +60 6-292 1888 | Website
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