By car, Malacca (also spelled Melaka) is just 3 hours away from Singapore and is a very popular spot for a weekend getaway. You don’t really get much time during such a quick escape, so we’re here to make your life a 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.
This guide is split into cafes, street foods, local restaurants and even late night drinking spots. So if you’re wondering where’s good to eat in Malacca, read on.
—Cafes in Melaka—
1. Bikini Toppings
If you’re in need of a cooling refreshment after pounding the pavements of Malacca, Bikini Toppings is the place to be. This cosy dessert shop serves an array of coconut-based desserts such as coconut jelly, coconut ice cream and coconut milkshake.
There are numerous other ice cream flavours and toppings to choose from. We opted for a scoop of yam, a scoop of cendol and a garnish of fresh lychee (RM11.90). 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.
46, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
+6012 316 6426
Sun to Wed & Fri: 11am – 6pm
Sat: 10am – 6pm
Closed on Thu
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2. The Daily Fix
Tucked in the back of a souvenir shop, smack-dab in the middle of Jonker Street is The Daily Fix. It’s quirky, fun and they serve a mean cup of coffee. The ambience is one-of-a-kind with old-school music humming in the background of this spacious cafe.
Known for their pancakes, The Daily Fix did not let us down with their assortment of pancake flavours such as durian and chocolate chip. We eventually opted for the Local Pandan Pancakes (RM17), made from pandan leaf extract and served with gula melaka and coconut. The pancakes were soft and fluffy on the inside with a nice crunch on the outside.
55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
+6013 290 6855
Mon to Fri: 8.45am – 5.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9.45am – 5.30pm
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3. Calanthe Art Cafe
Calanthe Art Cafe is a must-visit in Malacca as it serves a signature coffee from each of Malaysia’s 13 states. Unsurprisingly, the most popular coffee served here is that from…you guessed it, Melaka Coffee (RM6.50). The drink contains 70% coffee beans, and 30% sugar, salt and margarine. The end result is a strong, sweet cup of joe.
The interior of Calanthe Art Cafe is so quirky and fun that we easily spent a few hours working our way through the rest of the 13 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 IG-worthy backdrops, perfect for your new photo on the ‘gram.
11, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75250 Malacca
+606 292 2960
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 8am – 11pm
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4. Backlane Coffee
Tucked away behind a gift shop, Backlane Coffee provides a nice shelter from the madness that is Jonker Street. You’ll be greeted with the sumptuous smell of freshly baked goods when you walk in. 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 the Salted Caramel Tart (RM13), a chocolate pastry filled with chocolate ganache and salted caramel and the White Surprise (RM13), a hazelnut croustillant filled with chocolate mousse, raspberry coulis and topped with a praline string. Though both were delicious, the Salted Caramel Tart came out on top in this round of dessert wars.
129, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
+6011 5693 1550
Mon, Tue & Thu: 10am – 6pm (last order 5.30pm)
Fri to Sun: 10am – 7pm (last order 6pm)
Closed on Wed
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5. Old Mark Cafe
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, we totally recommend heading to The Old Mark Cafe. Situated in the newer side of town, this minimalist and modern cafe serves a wholesome variety of fusion comfort food and good coffee, but most importantly, their desserts are superb.
You can expect mouthwatering desserts like waffles, tiramisu and panna cotta. However, it was their signature souffle pancake that gained them a loyal following. They have a few flavours such as The Yellow Peach (RM19), The Whites Nutty (RM19), The Matcha (RM19) and The Tiramisu (RM19). The souffles are soft, airy fluffy pancakes served with maple syrup as well as whipped cream, with a scoop of ice cream on the side. Matcha lovers will be delighted to know that the souffle pancakes here are served with a creamy, milky homemade matcha sauce.
No. 39, Jalan KSB 11, Taman Kota Syahbandar, 75200 Malacca
+6017 899 1639
Wed to Mon: 12pm – 7pm
Closed on Tue
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6. Mods Cafe
Enjoy hipster decor? Consider adding Mods Cafe to your must-visit cafes list. This colourful den is complete with a Volkswagen caravan as the cashier along with cute little vintage trinkets and vinyls as decor.
Mods Cafe offers coffee made with specialty espresso beans for a smooth yet fragrant roast. A favourite among many coffee enthusiasts is their filter brew and milk-based drinks. Here’s the catch though — there is a minimum of one coffee order per person. And strictly no photography allowed!
We had Cheesecake, Espresso, and Piccolo. The Espresso was more on the acidic side and wasn’t hot, which was puzzling since it was 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.
Their regular Iced Latte is priced at RM13, but you can also try their Premium Latte — controversially priced at RM60. Maybe that’s why their tagline is “for serious coffee drinkers only”!
14, Jalan Tukang Emas, 75200 Malacca
+6012 756 4441
Thu to Tue: 10am – 6pm
Closed on Wed
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7. Nadeje
Nadeje has been baking mille crepes since 2006, when owner Nozomi Nishimura realised it was difficult to get fresh cream desserts in Malaysia compared to those in her home country, Japan. Each crepe cake at Nadeje is made with alternating thin layers of sponge and cream. It tastes so light you may as well be eating a cloud.
At Nadeje, they boast up to 30 different flavours of mille crepe cake and we opted for a slice of the Rum & Raisin mille crepe (RM16.50) [DISCONTINUED] from their ‘alcoholic’ range. It’s a seriously indulgent slice of creamy, boozy goodness. This is a great place to head for a lunchtime treat or dessert post-dinner.
They have 2 outlets available for you to visit in Malacca — but we visited the Plaza Mahkota one!
Plaza Mahkota Branch
Lot G, 23 & 25, Jalan PM4, Plaza Mahkota, 75000 Malacca
+60 283 8750
Daily: 10am – 7.30pm
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Jaya 99 Branch
G-01, Bangunan Jaya 99, Block A,, Jalan Tun Sri Lanang, 75100 Melaka
+606 227 7750
Daily: 12am – 10pm
8. The Stolen Cup
Looking for a resting place along Jonker Street in Melaka? Drop by The Stolen Cup, a cosy Malaysian cafe easily recognisable with its wide entrance. The rustic garden-esque interior greets with wooden tables and metal chairs amidst lots of potted plants. For a scorching weekday afternoon, the cafe is almost packed as tourists and locals alike drifted in for cooling homemade soft serves, icy drinks and snacks.
One of the must-tries includes the Signature Gula Melaka Latte (RM12 – RM14). The sweetness of the sticky gula Melaka sauce makes this drink well-balanced in flavour and not overly bitter. The Salted Egg Yolk Croissant is one of the favourites here. Crispy on the outside and overflowing with salted egg yolk sauce, you’ll be lapping up every last bit of the sauce.
12, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
+6017 789 5205
Fri to Wed: 9am – 5pm
Closed on Thu
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9. Alley No.5
Alley No.5 is a cafe that can be found in an alley known as Lorong Jambatan. The cafe was named Alley No.5 because it originally occupied unit No.5 in the middle of the alley. It moved out of Lorong Jambatan about 5 years back to another location in the old town and moved back to the alley, at unit No. 18. However, the cafe’s name remains unchanged.
Alley No.5 is known for its wide variety of unique cheesecake flavours: Onde-Onde Cheesecake (RM14), which blends Melaka’s palm sugar and rice cake with cheesecake, Lemon Cheesecake (RM14) and Matcha Cheesecake (RM14). Try also their indulgent Cholocate Brownie (RM16) paired with a cup of Latte (RM12 for hot, RM15 for iced).
18, Lorong Jambatan, Kampung Pantai, 75200 Malacca
+6016 415 5097
Mon to Thu: 2pm – 10.30pm
Fri: 2pm – 12am
Sat: 12.30pm – 12am
Sun: 12.30pm – 10.30pm
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10. The Upper
The Upper is a plant-filled retro cafe in Little India. It occupies two floors of a heritage building in the area, and has become popular for its Instagram-worthy decor which includes neon signs and vintage-inspired decor.
Aesthetic decor aside, the cafe serves Western cuisine such as steaks and pastas for hungry patrons. Start off with appetisers such as Potato Wedges (RM10) and Crispy Fried Calamari (RM16), before delving in their mains. Their menu features hearty dishes such as their speciality The Upper Fish & Chips (RM28) with in-house dipping sauce, and Smoked Duck Aglio Olio (RM20) which has a slight kick.
52, Jalan Temenggong, Kampung Banda Kaba, 75000 Malacca
+6012 679 9231
Thu to Tue: 12pm – 9pm
Closed on Wed
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11. Something Bakery
A trip to Malacca isn’t complete without stopping by the popular Something Bakery at Kampung Bukit Cina! Their signature crepe cake is famous not just in Malacca, but also across other states. You’ll find many tourists checking out this cafe, drawn by its renowned reputation and Instagrammable store front.
The famed mille crepe comes in various sizes and flavours. You can choose your desired portion with options like whole cake (RM110 – RM125) or slice (RM16 – RM18), or opt for a mixed-flavoured whole cake, which ranges from RM118 to RM135. The cake is available in 9 flavours, divided into 2 categories: Signature Series (RM16) and Premium Series (RM18).
The Signature Series throws in flavours like original, dark chocolate, genmaicha, macchiato cheese, coffee, coconut, and salted caramel. The Premium Series features matcha azuki and chocolate banana. Consider having a pot of hot tea to refresh your palate! Priced at RM15, the tea is suitable for 2 pax. You can choose from Genmaicha Hana Fubuki, Wuyi Oolong, amongst others. Be sure to arrive early as the cakes tend to sell out quickly!
11, Jalan Bukit Cina, Kampung Bukit China, 75100 Melaka
+6010 833 9090
Daily: 11am – 8.30pm
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—Melaka Street Food—
12. Jonker 88
Right smack in the middle of one of Malaysia’s hottest tourist destinations in Melaka, Jonker street, lies Jonker 88 — a restaurant known for serving up local favourites. Since its inception in 1997, this restaurant has long been a favourite of locals and tourists alike. Jonker 88 prides itself on being a museum cafe, especially since there are countless artefacts and pieces of memorabilia attached all over the walls, adding extra charm to the bustling space.
As far as the food goes, customers have regularly given praise to the cendol served here. We ordered a serving of Baba Durian Cendol (RM9) because durian is really quintessential in our lives. The durian cendol came fully adorned with red bean and peanuts. The durian tasted more like the paste sort instead of fresh durian flesh and it wasn’t too sweet.
The other dish we had was the Nyonya Asam Laksa (RM12) which we highly recommend. The broth is sour and spicy with the addition of tamarind, making it very appetising. 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.
88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
Sun to Thu: 9.30am – 5.30pm
Fri & Sat: 9.30am – 7.30pm
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13. Pin Pin Hiong
Pin Pin Hiong Restaurant is located just a couple of doors away from Cheng Ho’s Cultural Museum and is easy to find. The family-run coffee shop is popular among locals and tourists who know about their mee sua soup. 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 (RM10 for small, RM15 for medium, RM20 for large) and Mee Sua Soup (RM10 for small, RM20 for medium, RM30 for large). The mee sua was seriously good, we could not get enough of the salty, savoury broth. Whilst our omelette was thin, crispy and packed with tiny, juicy oysters. This was the ultimate comfort food pit stop, and one of our favourites.
786, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
Mon to Sat: 7.30am – 1pm
Closed on Sun
14. Cristina Ee Nyonya Cendol shop
On the outside, Cristina Ee Nyonya Cendol Shop will probably just look like any other snack shop that you can find along the way but do not be fooled— it actually serves up quite a kickass bowl of cendol.
The Nyonya Cendol (RM6) 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 sells square-shaped pineapple tarts that are extremely aromatic and buttery. They are also the distributor of it nationwide, so why not try and bring home a pack or two when you’re around the area?
29, Jalan Hang Lekir, 75200 Malacca
+6012 618 2023
Mon to Wed & Fri: 10.30am – 6pm
Sat: 10.30am – 8.30pm
Sun: 9.30am – 6pm
Closed on Thu
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15. Low Yong Moh Restaurant
Located near Jonker Street yet away from the hustle and bustle, Low Yong Moh Restaurant is an old-school dim sum joint that has been around for decades. The restaurant opens as early as 7am and draws a pretty consistent crowd made up of locals and tourists alike. It is not a big space and there’s no air-conditioning. You’ll just find huge round tables where it is not uncommon to share tables with other fellow diners. The atmosphere is chaotic, with staff shouting orders across and ushering diners to their tables.
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 place for dim sum, it does give the complete Malacca experience with throngs of locals swearing by it. The dim sum prices start from RM4 and goes up to RM6.
32, Jalan Tukang Emas, 75200 Malacca
+606 282 1235
Thu to Mon: 6am – 11.30am
Closed on Tue & Wed
16. Putu Piring Melaka (Putu Piring Tengkera)
If you happen to drop by Malacca and are already sick of the many touristy foods that require lining up under the hot sun, this Putu Piring Melaka stall at Jalan Tengkera could provide a more pleasant experience. Equipped with only a steamer and a table, the stall’s setup is as simple as it gets but the middle-aged couple makes some of the best putu piring in Malacca.
Putu means ‘rice’ in Tamil and it is called piring, which is named after the shape of the plate. Putu Piring is made with rice flour with a filling of palm sugar or gula melaka, and topped with coconut flakes. The best time to enjoy the putu piring (RM1.60 a piece) is while they are still warm and fluffy.
252, Jalan Tengkera, 75200 Malacca
+6017 672 8971
Mon, Tue & Fri: 1pm – 4pm
Sat: 1pm – 3.30pm
Closed on Wed, Thu & Sun
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17. Hoo Khiew Prawn Cracker Noodle
Hoo Khiew Prawn Cracker Noodles is a stall located at Jalan Tengkera, Malacca serving mouth-watering prawn crackers and fish ball noodles that will definitely evoke nostalgia. Operated in a converted house where the front yard is turned into a dining area and an unmoving pushcart where the owner would cook the delicacies, this joint has been around for years now.
In each bowl of Fish Ball Noodle (RM6.50 for small, RM7.50 for large) that they serve, you will get a pile of delightful crispy deep-fried prawn crackers and springy fish balls. However, there are no usual garnishes like spring onions or bean sprouts added in the soup except for crunchy fried shallots in oil that give it the perfect touch of flavour. Since this stall is only open on weekends, be prepared to wait quite a bit for a table.
345, Jalan Tengkera, 75200 Malacca
+606 284 3803
Sat & Sun: 6am – 1pm
Closed from Mon to Fri
18. Klebang Original Coconut Shake
Behold, Klebang Original Coconut Shake, the original stall that made coconuts boom into stardom in Malacca. Packed with patrons on the daily, the place is rarely not full. But customer turnover is pretty quick so if you opt to dine-in, you’ll be able to find a seat in at most 10 minutes.
For takeaways at the outside booth, however, will have you waiting for a longer time. You’ll see cars parked alongside the booth, waiting to get their drinks to-go. There are various kinds of coconut shakes here.
The standard one is just coconut water mixed together with vanilla ice cream. The special comes with an extra vanilla ice cream scoop on top of the mixed drink. Creamy, fragrant and refreshing, a Coconut Shake Regular (RM4.25 for dine-in, RM4.55 for takeaway) will surely wash away all infamous sweltering Malacca heat.
Lot 130, Solok Kampung Bahagia, 75200 Klebang Besar, Malacca
+6013 399 4061
Sat to Thu: 11am – 6.30pm
Fri: 2.30pm – 6.30pm
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19. Capitol Seafood Longkang Siham
I typically enjoy dining at joints hidden in alleys or by the roadside, with seats casually scattered around the stall. If your tastes align with mine, you should visit Capitol Seafood Longkang Siham. True to its name, the eatery is situated alongside a longkang in Kampung Jawa.
Be mindful when you visit because there is a similar stall in front of Capitol that also sells longkang siham. The authentic eatery is located beyond the signage, as shown in the first image. They offer a variety of blanched seafood and tomyam claypot, with a specialisation in siham (cockles). Make sure to try their signature blanched cockles, priced affordably from RM3 to RM5, depending on size.
Additionally, they have recently introduced a new item: raw or baked oysters, priced from RM13 to RM15 for 2 pieces. Fresh, plump, and perfect for those who love a taste of the sea! Explore other shell seafood options such as lala (RM3), river snails (RM3), mussels (RM5), siput kongkong (RM5), and more to enjoy a variety of flavours. And don’t forget to order a plate of Sotong Kangkung (RM8 – RM15)— it’s soooo good!
Jln. Bunga Raya, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka
+6019 364 3912
Wed to Mon: 6pm – 11pm
Closed on Tue
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—Local Restaurants & Supper—
20. Asam Pedas Claypot
Among the food that Malacca is known for is asam pedas. There are many places in Malacca where you can dine to enjoy this dish but Kota Laksamana Asam Pedas Claypot is one of the more well-known restaurants in Malacca.
This restaurant is different from other asam pedas restaurants as the dish is served in claypot which is something that is uncommon. The food here is served with salted egg, some veggies and sambal (RM17.50 – RM27.50).
The dish is made of chilli and asam jawa extract, with ladies’ fingers and your choice of fish or beef. The taste of this dish is spicy with a hint of sour, and absolutely mouth watering. The spiciness level may vary depending on the chef cooking so you probably should determine how spicy you want it before placing the order.
86, Jalan Laksamana 5, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Malacca
+6012 680 0790
Wed to Mon: 5pm – 2am
Closed on Tue
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21. Restoran Res Porridge Shop
If you’re in need of a late night supper, Res Porridge Shop is worth a visit. It’s located outside the historical centre but it’s a bustling spot that was still going strong when many others were closing.
Their Special Seafood Porridge (RM15) was comforting, salty and satisfying. We loved the relaxed atmosphere, mixed clientele and speedy service. If you’re ever 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.
129, Jln Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Malacca
+6012 683 2855
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 11pm
Closed on Sun
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22. 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 really an awesome setting.
Famed for its burgers, we were not disappointed with our selection. We tried the Baboon Beef Burger (RM23) and the Teriyaki Porkchop Burger (RM20). 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 6 people per table so it’s not suitable for large groups. Finally, be sure to keep your voices down as this is a tranquil spot so it’s not suitable for large, rowdy get-togethers. Service can be unstable at times, but nonetheless, it’s an absolute must-visit in Malacca.
No. 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Malacca
+6016 766 7898
Mon, Wed & Thu: 10am – 5pm
Fri to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Closed on Tue
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23. Nancy’s Kitchen
Nancy’s Kitchen is very popular for its 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 Omelette Cincalok (RM9 for small), Salted Vegetable Duck Soup (RM18 for small) and the Rendang Chicken (RM16 for small). Though 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.
13, 13-1, 13-2, Jalan KL 3/8, Taman Kota Laksamana, Seksyen 3, 75200 Malacca
+6014 925 6099
Mon, Wed & Thu: 11am – 5pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 9pm
Closed on Tue
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24. 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 turned into a restaurant.
Helming the reins now is the third generation, with the founder having cooked for over 50 years. The Oyster Noodle (RM16.90) was fantastic, a must-order and highly recommended. The goodness is in the thick sauce and the fat succulent oysters. The secret weapon is likely in the pork lard bites that camouflaged so well in the dish.
No 6, Jalan KL 3/7, Seksyen 3, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka
+6014 981 9118
Wed to Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
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25. 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 (RM15.90) 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.
56 & 58, Jalan 4, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Malacca
+6012 601 5876
Tue to Sun: 5.30pm – 1am
Closed on Mon
26. Restoran Laksamana Hakka Zhan
Hakka Zhan serves 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 2 outlets in Malacca.
We had the Hakka Local Traditional Mutton Soup (RM30), Hakka Muy Choi Pork (RM22), Hakka Yong Tau Fu (RM12), Hakka Wine Chicken (RM35) and Hakka Fried Eggplant with Basil Leaf (RM10).
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 2 to 3 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.
76, Jalan Laksamana 5, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka
+6017 225 8373
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 2pm & 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Closed on Mon
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27. Restaurant Baba Kaya
What could be more relaxing than enjoying a local Malaysian breakfast by the historic Malacca river? Savour a bowl of authentic nyonya laksa while soaking in the morning breeze at Restaurant Baba Kaya in Melaka Tengah. I promise, the vibe and atmosphere will definitely start your day on a good note.
This buzzing eatery in Malacca is known for its local fare, including mains, desserts, and drinks. An honorary standout is the Baba Kaya Signature (RM6), a must-try if you visit. The bread is toasted with butter and sprinkled with cinnamon, then served with the star of the dish— homemade 3-colour nyonya kaya dip. Super instagrammable!
Indulge in the rich flavours of local classics like the Signature Nyonya Curry Laksa (RM15), available with yellow mee, bihun, or kuey teow; or even a mix of noodles if you can’t make up your mind. The restaurant also thoughtfully offers a vegan-friendly option: Nasi Lemak Omelet (RM8), featuring aromatic butterfly pea rice cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaf, served with scrambled eggs, homemade achar and papadum.
13A, Jln. Bunga Raya, Melaka Tengah, 75100 Melaka
+6011 1771 1910
Mon, Wed & Thu: 8am – 2pm
Fri to Sun: 8am – 2.30pm
Closed on Tue
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—Late Night Drinks—
28. Geographer Cafe
Although the name states cafe, Geographer Cafe 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 want to 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 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 a pint of ice cold beer.
83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
+60 281 6813
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 12am
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29. Old Merchant
It appears Malacca has also caught up with the times with its very own speakeasy bar known as the Old Merchant. From a first glance, this place carries a heavy oriental vibe to its atmosphere as it was evolved from an ancient private bank that dates back to the 1920s. The interior is pretty fabulous with a hexagonal bar, filled with bottles and lit with red Chinese lanterns and neon characters.
The speakeasy is also located along Jalan Kampung Pantai, which was the original Chinatown back in 15th century Malacca. The Old Merchant also sticks true to the heritage of being a speakeasy as it will be a bit of a task to locate. Starting from RM35, you can get Malaccan-inspired cocktails and mocktails like Love in Melaka and Made for Nyonya. Bartender’s’ creations are inspired by the rich history of the township, so expect lots of local flavours such as lime, soursop, asam boi, chilli and pandan.
88, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Malacca
+6019 627 9020
Tue to Sun: 5pm – 2am
Closed on Mon
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30. [TEMPORARILY CLOSED] BUDI Melaka
Inspired by the golden days of Dondang Sayang clubs, BUDI Melaka is a hidden bar that offers more than just a good ol’ Old Fashioned. Sin See Tai cafe by day, and BUDI Melaka by night, the bar serves a bevy of unique cocktails made using local produce including a vegetable-forward menu which incorporates homegrown ingredients like bitter gourd, eggplant, corn and sweet pea into its concoction.
Take a sip of their Kebun cocktail series, featuring thirst-quenchers like Peria, Labu, and Jagung — all priced at RM55. The multi-level bar is eccentrically designed, giving a sense of mystery and cosiness at the same time. We recommend that you make a reservation before heading over because seats are pretty limited.
56, Jalan Tokong, Kampung Dua, 75200 Melaka
+6017 718 8269
Mon, Wed & Thu: 6pm – 12am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 1am
Sun: 5pm – 12am
Closed on Tue
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31. Sin Hiap Hin
If you’re looking for something authentic and old-school, your visit to Malacca will be incomplete without a drink at the 100-year-old vintage bar, Sin Hiap Hin at Java Lane. This drinking hole is a living heritage, and is managed by Aunty Doris, the bartender in charge of serving and pouring you some of the most unconventional spirits in the market.
When visiting the oldest bar in historic Malacca, you’ll get more than cocktails and shots, but anecdotes of good ol’ Melaka from Aunty Doris. Fun fact, Sin Hiap Hin used to be an opium den before it was converted into a bar.
5, Kampung Jawa, 75200 Malacca
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 4.30pm
