Melaka is a haven for historical sites with plenty of sightseeing to be done. Besides all the tourist attractions, there are plenty of food options to explore. We have curated 10 things for you to eat in Melaka besides chicken rice balls.
- Capitol Satay Celup
Instead of dipping skewers of meat, seafood and vegetables in a soup, dip it in satay sauce instead! This family run establishment has been around for years and is a favorite haunt of Melaka residents, especially during the weekends. Be prepared for long queues that snake its way into the restaurant.
Non-halal
Address: 30, Jalan KPKS 3, Kompleks Perniagaan Kota Syahbandar, 75200 Melaka.
Contact: +6012-361 8694
- Calanthe Art Cafe
Actually, around Jonker Walk or Jonker Street, there are some interesting ports that you have to try when you get there. One of them is Calanthe Art Coffee, which is famous for its 13 State Coffee. This cafe is really hipster if you look at its interior decoration. It looks small on the outside but looks big on the inside!
Pork- & lard-free
Address: 11, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75250 Melaka.
Contact: +606-292 2960
- Hassan’s Mee Goreng
Are there any die-hard fans of noodles here? But for a moment, have you ever heard of this one noodle shop, called by a rather rude name which is Mee Bodoh or Mee Goreng Pak Hassan in Melaka. It may sound a bit strange, but this ‘stupid’ noodle business has been around for more than 20 years!
For those who have tasted the deliciousness of the mee, they are definitely willing to come just for a plate of mee goreng. Among the many names, why is it that this shop is called stupid? According to the loyal visitors of Pak Hassan’s fried mee shop, these noodles are fried without any seasonings or additives such as chicken, meat or squid. Plain fried noodles with only bean sprouts and sambal. But because of its delicious taste, customers keep coming to this stall every day.
To complete the meal, you can also add sunny side up eggs to complete the meal. There are also some customers who like to add soy sauce and vinegar. So for those of you who happen to be around Melaka, you can come to Pak Hassan’s shop to try for yourself how these stupid noodles are. Just be reminded, come early because by 11 o’clock, these fried noodles are already sold out. So invite friends or family members to have breakfast here.
Muslim-owned
Address: 390, Jalan Tengkera, Kampung Lapan Tengkera, 75200 Melaka.
- Nancy’s Kitchen
Although this Nyonya restaurant isn’t as popular as the other Nyonya restaurants in town, the dishes here are as authentic as it gets. There are still lines outside the restaurant during lunch hours, a mix of both tourists and locals. The most sought after dishes here are Sweet Sour Fish and Ayam Buah Keluak.
Non-halal
Address: No 13, Jalan KL 3/8, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka.
Contact: +606-283 6099
- Longkang Siham
Among all the interesting places to eat in Melaka, “Longkang Siham” can be said to be the most unique because it’s located in a hidden back alley from the main road. Here, there are 2 seafood stalls that sell various types of shellfish boiled in spicy sweet peanut sauce such as clams (siham), lala, pepahat, mussels, balitong, rice field snails and sea snails. In addition, you can also eat grilled octopus, clay pot tom yum seafood and even local oysters grilled with charcoal!
Customers who want to experience how people ate in the old days, can sit on a wooden bench. Otherwise, tables and chairs are still available. In the past, this back alley was quite dirty but it has been upgraded a few times, so the environment is cleaner and no longer smelly.
Pork- & lard-free
Address: Jln. Bunga Raya, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka.
Contact: +6019-364 3912
- Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan
Pak Putra restaurant serves dishes from North India – with a focus on tandoori and naan. You can order roti canai here, but the most popular food here is the tandoori chicken, naan cheese roti and the lassi. The tandoori chicken here is said to be juicy and the naan bread is quite popular because it’s quite soft.
Muslim-owned
Address: 56 & 58, Jalan 4, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka.
Contact: +6012-601 5876
- Restoran Laksamana Hakka Zhan
Laksamana Hakka Zhan Restaurant, within walking distance of Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan, is known for its Hakka cuisine. You will be transported back in time due to its tradition associated with Hakka culture. The recipe in Hakka cuisine was passed down from the owner’s father-in-law. The ‘home’ dishes make for delicious food for locals and tourists alike. We recommend ordering the Local Traditional Goat, Teochew Style Ikan Jenak, Hakka Yong Tau Foo, or Claypot Eggplant with Basil Leaves. Order their signature traditional lamb Steamboat if you are in a big group.
Non-halal
Address: 76, Jalan Laksamana 5, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka.
Contact: +6017-225 8373
- Tengkera Duck Noodles
Melaka-style duck noodles are usually tossed in gravy and chopped duck meat is placed on top. It’s served in a small soup bowl. These noodles can also be served with soup, depending on your preference.
Non-halal
Address: Malacca, Taman Kota Laksamana, Jalan Kota Laksamana 1/1, 邮政编码: 75200.
- Ikan Bakar Parameswara
If you go to Melaka, this is a grilled fish place that you must visit. It can be said that the menu is mandatory in Melaka apart from the asam pedas. This is quite crowded, but don’t worry. There are quite a lot of tables and chairs in this shop as well. It’s just that we don’t dare to make promises for Saturday and Sunday. This is the time to go out and spend time with family or friends.
Come to the counter, choose the seafood you like and weigh it. Then just choose the style of cooking that pleases your heart. The location of this restaurant is really interesting. It’s right next to the sea.
Muslim-owned
Address: Medan Ikan Bakar, Pengkalan pernu, 75460, Melaka.
Contact: +6019-979 9903
- Pak Boon Cafe
Located near Klebang beach, Pak Boon Cafe serves up generous portions of delicious authentic Malaysian dishes. Their must-try dish is their Asam Pedas Ikan Pari. They only use fresh stingray or ikan pari to ensure the best quality. For the past 10 years, they have been preparing a homemade paste for the hot and sour asam pedas gravy.
If you love noodle dishes, you’ll enjoy their Mee Bandung made with a homemade paste with secret ingredients. This dish originates from Batu Pahat in Johor. The ground peanuts are self-roasted (disangai) for a toasted nutty flavor.
Muslim-owned
Address: 125-1, Jalan Batang 3, Batang 3 Tanjung Kling, Village, 76400 Malacca.
Contact: +6016-240 1251
Written by Kartini Kannan
