Malacca's rich Peranakan culture has given birthed to a variety of delicious food that is spicy and sweet, referred to as 'Nyonya' food. The Nyonya style of cooking is the result of a fusion between Chinese and Malay ingredients and recipes, the result of Chinese traders in the past settling in Malacca and adopting the Malay way of living. Malaccan Nyonya food is also distinct from Penang Nyonya food, where it can also be found. Favouring more spices and coconut milk, the result is a sweeter blend of cooking with a fiery tinge. In comparison, Penang Nyonya food favours a more practical style of cooking, employing simpler ingredients with a helping of 'Belacan' (Black prawn paste). Malaccan dishes are definitely cooked up with more time in the kitchen, the women taking great pride in their wok. On the other hand, there's also plenty of Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes to savour. Not surprisingly, many tourists flock around the streets of Malacca to feast on the culinary delights that it has to offer. Eating is never a problem as there are plenty of restaurants and stalls to choose from just by driving through town.

GREAT NYONYA RESTAURANT


    SERI NYONYA PERANAKAN RESTAURANT

If you’re in need of a classier place to enjoy authentic Peranakan food, then head on over to Seri Nyonya at the Equatorial Hotel Malacca for an elegant decor, roomy floor spaces and attentive service. Seri Nyonya serves strictly Peranakan food only, unlike some restaurants that offer Chinese dishes as well, with highlights such as ayam pongteh (braised chicken in sweet bean paste) and ikan goreng cili garam (deep-fried fish with spicy chilli paste). Suitable for family gatherings, or those would like to dine in style.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 12:00 – 14:30, 18:30 – 22:30

Address: Hotel Equatorial Malacca, Banda Hilir, Malacca.

Tel: +606 282 8333


DESSERT



    GULA MELAKA CENDOL

Gula Melaka cendol is the quintessential Malaysian dessert. It is made with shaved ice, coconut milk, pandan-flavoured starch jelly and heavily drizzled with palm sugar (gula Melaka). Priced at RM3 onwards, it has a fragrant and creamy aftertaste thanks to the perfect balance of the palm sugar and fresh coconut milk. You can also opt for extra toppings such as red beans, peanuts, grass jelly, and durian (if you’re feeling rather adventurous). While there are plenty of dessert stalls and cafes that offer gula Melaka cendol, we highly recommend Jonker88 Museum Cafe in Jonker Street. Established in 1977, it’s well-frequented for its homemade durian cendol and signature Nyonya laksa (noodles with sweet coconut milk soup).

Opening Hours: Daily 10:30 – 17:30

Location: 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, Jonker Street



    NYONYA KUIH

Nyonya kuih is a variety of steamed desserts that’s popular amongst the Straits Chinese community. Commonly found in Jonker Street, these treats often come in attractive shades of pink, green, blue and orange. One of the must-try Nyonya kuih is the ondeh-ondeh, which is a smooth and chewy combination of glutinous rice flour and pandan extract, covered with copious amounts of fresh grated coconut. Best served warm, ondeh-ondeh also contains melted palm sugar (gula Melaka) filling that provides a delicious caramel-like flavour with each bite. We highly recommend getting your fill of Nyonya kuih at the ever-popular Nancy’s Kitchen on Jonker Street, which also serves other delicacies such as Nyonya popiah, pineapple tarts, and Nyonya cendol.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 11:00 – 17:30

Address: Jalan Hang Lekir, off JalanTun Tan Cheng Lock

Tel: +606 283 6099


DURIAN PUFF
A fluffy pastry filled with velvety and fresh durian cream, durian puff is another unique Malaccan dessert that’s very popular amongst fans of Southeast Asia’s ‘king of fruits’. This delicacy is priced at only RM1.50, making it one of the cheapest treats to enjoy after a day of exploring Jonker Street’s antiquated shophouses and century-old temples. Served straight from the refrigerator, it is also compulsory to pop the whole durian puff into your mouth as biting it in half will definitely cause a messy spillage onto your clothes. For authentic durian puffs and ice-cream, Taste Better Stall in Jonker Street is one of our definite must-visits.

 Opening Hours: Daily 10:30 – 17:30

 Address: Jalan Hang Lekir, Jonker Street

Tel: +6012 862 5272
BEST RESTAURANT
HARD ROCK CAFE
For years, Hard Rock Cafe has been the brand name that brings together awesome live music and great American favourites such as cheeseburgers and fries. Continuing the tradition is Hard Rock Cafe Malacca, and by the looks of it, this 9,000sqft double-storey building is on its way of turning into one of the hottest spots to hit in this once-sleepy UNESCO World Heritage City. Situated idyllically by the Malacca River, the cafe often sees a line of eager diners and music enthusiasts queuing by the entrance, so we advise you to arrive before 21:00 to if you’re planning to catch the live band while enjoying your dinner. Opened in January 2013, Hard Rock Cafe Malacca has a similar layout to the rest of the chain’s outlets all across the world – outdoor and indoor seating areas, together with a live stage, a bar, and the iconic Rock Shop selling Hard Rock Cafe Malacca memorabilia. Bringing distinctive Malacca flavour to the decor is the Straits Malacca-inspired patterned floor, with walls decorated with music memorabilia such as Bruce Springsteen’s signed guitar and Prince’s white dinner jacket. If live music is the reason why you’re thinking of visiting Hard Rock Cafe Malacca, you will not be disappointed. Entertaining guests from 22:00 onwards, the Hard Rock Cafe Malacca live band is engaging, playing crowd-favourite rock and roll hits, with a little pop and blues in between. Keep on the lookout for song requests – voice out your favourite songs to the band, and who knows, it might get played next!
Opening Hours: 11 am - 1 am (everyday)

Address: 28, Lorong Hang Jebat 75200 Melaka

Tel: +606 292 5188

CAPITOL SATAY CELOP

A well-frequented satay celup restaurant and also one of the cheapest eateries in Malacca City, Capitol is always packed with famished diners so make sure to head there early to avoid a long queue. It offers more than four and a half rows of food, consisting over 80 types of skewered seafood and vegetables, like chicken, cockles, abalones, fish balls, cuttlefish, and mushrooms, to vegetables, quail's eggs, shrimps, and fried bean curds.

Opening Hours: 4 pm - 1 am (Tuesday till Sunday) closed (Monday)

Address:  41, Lorong Bukit Cina, Bandar Hilir 75100 Melaka

Tel: +606 283 5503


BEST BREAKFAST
KEDAI KOPI CHUNG WAH

If you fancy starting your day the same as the locals do, head over to Kedai Kopi Chung Wah for a plate of freshly-made chicken rice balls. One of Malacca’s more unique dishes, chicken rice balls not only provide you with all the protein that you need to kick start your morning off, but the dish is also substantial enough to last you the whole day! A word of caution though: the queue for this chicken rice goodness might be long, as Chung Wah is immensely popular, so get there early to bag a seat.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:30 – 15:00

Address: 18, Jalan Hang Jebat, Malacca

 Tel: +606 286 0121



MODS CAFE

You can smell the aroma of coffee from a long way away when you’re walking towards Mods Cafe, and upon stepping inside, you’ll notice an eye-catching vintage Volkswagen camper van posing as its coffee work station. The rest of the decor follows the same 60s – 70s suit, with vinyl records on the wall and music from the glorious era, and while a cuppa is slightly more expensive compared to other Jonker cafes, it is certainly worth the price, as Mods owners painstakingly roast their own beans and are adventurous enough to serve exotic blends to customers each day. Never mind the art, we’re thankful enough that people are brewing quality coffee early in the morning! Pair it up with their homemade food such as bruschetta and cheese cakes, and you’re good to go!

 Opening Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 daily except Wednesdays

 Address: 14, Jalan Tokong, Malacca

Tel: +6012 756 444