By Ricky Fernandez
MELAKA, Malaysia – Located just a short two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and a three to four-hour journey north of Singapore, Melaka is a dream destination for food enthusiasts.
However, it is important to do a bit of research to find the best spots to eat, drink and vibe. Luckily, we’ve done some of the groundwork for you during a hosted visit to experience some of the staggering 786 ‘Visit Melaka 2024’ products encompassing history, culture, agritourism, recreation, gastronomy, and more.
Here are some of the Editor’s choice of Melaka’s iconic foods and the best places to enjoy them.
Atlantic Nonya Restaurant
Melaka is where you’ll find some of the best Peranakan food in Malaysia. At the Atlantic Nonya Restaurant, you’ll taste some of the most authentic and scrumptious Peranakan food in the whole of Melaka.
You’ll find that this cuisine loves explosive and sharp flavours that take a few bites to get accustomed to. To sum it up: sour, spicy and spicier.
Some dishes you won’t want to miss are the Ulam Bendi (Sour Chilli Okra), Ayam Buah Keluak (tangy and spicy chicken dish) and the Nasi Nanas (fried rice served in a pineapple).
Joan and El’Chico’s Portuguese Seafood
Craving Portuguese seafood? Believe it or not, the Portuguese Settlement on the picturesque promenade that overlooks the Straits of Malacca waterfront offers surprisingly authentic Portuguese dishes prepared by the local ‘Eurasian’ people (European Asian), with recipes passed down for generations.
Some of the popular dishes you must try are Debal’s Curry, dry curry crabs, Portuguese baked fish and fat and juicy prawns.
Restaurant Peranakan Place (Jonker Street)
The iconic Jonker Street features endless little shops and restaurants that look like they’ve been standing there since the 14th century, and that’s because many have. Jonker Street is perfect for walking, eating and snapping a few pics.
You’ll find traditional Peranakan restaurants like Restaurant Peranakan Place, pop-up durian carts, Melaka Cendol and Ais Kacang (famous shaved ice desserts) stalls.
On weekends, the street comes alive with its world-renowned night market from 6 pm to midnight.
Kedai Kopi Chung Wah and Hoe Kee Chicken Rice
Tender slivers of chicken breast accompanied by tightly packed rice balls infused with chicken broth, Melaka Chicken Rice Balls are a unique take on the Hainanese Chicken Rice you’ll find just 3 hours south in Singapore.
There are long lines at this popular rendezvous from morning to evening, but it’s worth queuing up for.
Restaurant Jonker 88
Cheap, hearty and rich are three words to sum up the experience of slurping down a bowl of Laksa. This coconut milk-based dish is served with chicken, prawn or fish in a sweet and spicy broth.
Arguably the most famous laksa bowl in Melaka is found at Restaurant Jonker 88, but it won’t be hard to find a delectable bowl at any corner of Melaka.
Chan Mari Chan
Robot waiters serve you Dim Sum, Tomato Egg, Teochew Style Rojak Chicken, Sago Gula Melaka and dozens of other Chinese halal foods at the Chan Mari Chan restaurant.
Chan Mari Chan also features a counter for ordering chicken rice and pre-portioned dishes to give you a taste of a wide array of flavours.
However, the standout dish is the Asam Pedas Ikan Pari (Fish Curry), with velvety soft meat and a tangy sauce that’s to die for.
Restoran Asam Pedas Selera Kampung
Restoran Asam Pedas Selera Kampung is a favourite spot for the locals, and it gives you a true sense of the day-to-day foods that Melakans enjoy.
The restaurant offers you a taste of classic dishes like the Asam Pedas (fish stew), Siput Siput (snails curry), and creamy crab curries.
BACKSTORY: Melaka welcomed 15 million visitors and generated RM12.68 billion in revenue in 2024, announced Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh Seri via the Bernama news agency.
Editor: The Southeast Asia Festival www.seasia.co.nz will showcase the largest ever selection of heritage Southeast Asian dishes that are made exclusively for visitors.
Save the date and join the celebration on 8th March 2025 from 10am to 9pm at Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane.
