Melaka: What to eat – Food in Melaka that I have tried!

Hello! 😉
Thanks for surfing over to this page. I have listed here some Melaka eats that I have tried during my makan trips to this charming (but HOT!) city. I’m not originally from Melaka, do not claim this to be a list of “top eats/must visit” joints in Melaka but merely listing down the places that was recommended by my Malaccan friends who has generously shared their favourite eateries with me.

I welcome any suggestions or feedback about good food in Melaka – drop me a comment and I’ll try to seek it out for my next trip!
If you would like to bring me around or join me for my Melaka food trip, please do get in touch with me! 😀

1. Pinkberrys Cendol, Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall: I love the durian ice!
More pictures & review: https://www.rebeccasaw.com/pinkberrys-cendol-dataran-pahlawan-melaka-megamall/

pinkberrys chendol malacca-1

2. Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan Restaurant: Some say it’s the best naan & tandoori in Malaysia!
More pictures & review: https://www.rebeccasaw.com/pak-putra-tandoori-naan-restaurant/

pak putra tandoori -4

3. Really good coconut jam at Baba Low’s: Kaya – coconut jam : which do you prefer – lumpy or smooth?
More pictures & review: https://www.rebeccasaw.com/kaya-coconut-jam-Melaka/

good kaya - coconut jam in melaka-003

4. Melaka Pineapple Tarts on Jonker Street: Where’s the best? I reviewed Christina Ee, LW Pineapple Tarts House, Bibik, Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake, Pooh Keon, Taste Better and Nyonya Story!
Check out the table of comparison HERE –> https://www.rebeccasaw.com/pineapple-tarts-in-melaka/

pineapple tarts in melaka - review rebecca saw blog

5. Putu Piring @ Jalan Tengkera, Melaka – must try! Best eaten hot with their incredible palm sugar.
Related post: https://www.rebeccasaw.com/putu-piring-tengkera-melaka/

Putu Piring at Jalan Tengkera, Melaka -004

6. Pork Lard Popiah in Melaka: Comparing the popular Bunga Raya Popiah, Oriental Cafe & Poh Piah Lwee
Detailed ramblings here: https://www.rebeccasaw.com/pork-lard-popiah-in-melaka-lwee-popiah-bunga-raya-oriental-cafe-tengkera/

oriental cafe popiah - melaka - rebecca saw blog (9)

7. Peranakan “Tingkat” Set Lunch by Chef Baba William @ Casa del Rio Melaka:
In search of authentic Peranakan food in a comfortable setting? Try it here!
Detailed post & menu:
 https://www.rebeccasaw.com/peranakan-tingkat-set-lunch-by-chef-baba-william-casa-del-rio-melaka/

Casa Del Rio, Melaka - Peranakan Tingkat Set Lunch - Chef Baba William-005

8. Cockle (siham), Lala/Siput, Sotong Kangkung and “Fishcakes Rojak” – Hock Chin, Melaka: Really fresh, cheap and good!
Prices, description & location here –> https://www.rebeccasaw.com/cockle-siham-lalasiput-sotong-kangkung-and-fishcakes-rojak-hock-chin-melaka/

Hock Chin, Melaka - siham, cockles, sotong kangkung -009

9. Best Roti John in Melaka? Restoran Barkat Roti John @ Tanjung Kling, Malacca:
This I don’t quite agree. Anyone here has a better suggestion?
Why I don’t like it: https://www.rebeccasaw.com/best-roti-john-in-melaka-restoran-barkat-roti-john-tanjung-kling-malacca/

Restoran Barkat Roti John, Tanjung Kling, Malacca-001

I was in Melaka for a food trip while hosting Catherine Bell from Dish Magazine New Zealand in 2011.
Here’s the video. We sampled 10 different food in the span of 8 hours! 😀

1. Kedai Makanan Leong Heng for really special “Chee Cheong Fun”
2.Teo Chew porridge at Kedai Makanan Teo Seng
3. Chung Wah Chicken Rice Balls
4. Chendol Jam Besar by the Melaka River
5. Kedai Hassan Mee Rebus – Taman Jaya Padang Temu
6. Pink Berrys Durian Shaved Ice and Chendol
7. Bunga Raya Popiah & Ming Hut Sate
8. Aunty Lee – Nyonya food
9. Italy Bakery – char siew pau
10. Ban Lee Siang – satay celup

*Thanks to Daniel for hosting us that time! He’s truly one of the best guide for the best Melaka eats! 🙂

10. Moving on, don’t miss out on some authentic homely Nyonya kuih at Baba Charlie.
Kuih Bongkong is uncommon so do try it at least once. My favourite is the durian apam.
You can skip the pineapple tarts & nasi lemak.
https://www.rebeccasaw.com/what-to-eat-in-melaka-baba-charlie-nyonya-kuih-of-course/

baba charlie nyonya kuih - rebecca saw blog review-020

11. Juat Lye Melaka at Taman Peringgit Jaya is a low key coffeeshop and serves really good Nyonya laksa.
Link to post here –> CLICK.

juat lye Melaka - good curry laksa-004

12. Forget Chung Wah for Melaka Chicken Rice Balls.
Huang Chang Chicken Rice Restaurant is cheap, delicious and service is good! LINK –> CLICK.

huang chang chicken rice ball - best chicken rice balls in melaka-003

13. Chinese and Muslim friendly Claypot Assam Fish in Melaka – Asam Pedas Pasar Borong Taman Merdeka.
Very fresh, cheap and tasty curry!
Do remember to try the taufufa with its many topping likes sesame paste, lychee, wheatgrass, sea coconut, etc. There are other food options too as it is like a food court.
Check out what we ate here –> LINK

Melaka - Asam Pedas fish at Pasar Borong Taman Merdeka-015

14. Heng Hong Tin Tee Restaurant – Famous Malacca Hainanese Mutton Herb Soup.
This shop serves authentic Hainanese cuisine which can’t even be found in KL! Go for the pork chops, hainanese mutton soup, etc.
Read more HERE.

heng hong tin kee restaurant - famous malacca hainanese mutton herb soup-005

15. Melaka has got an active coffee culture going too. We checked out a very cute cafe which incidentally serves very good coffee.
Mods Cafe – near Jonker Street. Go for the single origins. Blogpost –> HERE.

mods cafe melaka - good coffee - review blog-010

16. Nadeje. Need I say more? These mille crepes are as synonymous to Melaka as Nyonya food itself!
We had a Royal Milk Tea and an alcoholic Rum & Raisin. Link –> HERE.

nadeje mille crepe cakes - melaka-001

17.  Sun May Hiong Satay House. Pork satay, spare parts (of the swine) and a unique tangy peanut pineapple sauce. This is uniquely found in Melaka (as far as I know). There are other pork satay joints but this is my choice for now. Link –> HERE.

sun may hiong satay house - pork satay melaka-003

18. The River Grill, Casa del Rio.
Usually steaks and semi-fine dining western cuisine doesn’t come to mind for a tourist in Melaka. But hey, you never know right? If the occasion calls for it, do hop in to Casa del Rio and chomp down a satisfying steak by Chef Allan by the riverside. A glass of wine is  imperative. Read more — HERE.

The Ribeye, River Grill, Casa del Rio, Malacca -005

19. Jalan Bunga Raya wantan mee – night only.
This Melaka wantan noodle has dded chili sauce and is quite different compared to the ones generally sold in KL.

Wan Tan Mee, besides oyster omelette bunga raya melaka-003

20. The famous Bukit Cina wantan mee. Here’s another one for comparison sake.
Which is better? Post HERE.

Hong Sheng Wan Tan Mee, opposite Bukit Cina-009

21. Restoran Mei Wei Xuan.
Duck Noodles is another popular Melaka dish. I still don’t see what’s so great about it aftr trying 2 different stalls. Here’s one that I have tried and though they are famous for their ducks, I wouldn’t personally recommend it.
Post HERE.

mei wei xuan melaka - duck noodles-002

22. Comparison of Nyonya changs (glutinous rice dumplings) from Sin Yong Seng, Pohpiah Lwee, Nancy’s Kitchen & Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake.
Post –> HERE.

Nyonya Chang in Melaka - sin yong seng, baba charlie, pohpiah lwee

23. BEST (for me) Chendol in Melaka is the Durian ice and chendol @ Justberrys Dessert House!
The vital ingredients – fine ice, thick fragrant gula melaka and pure coconut milk – the very recipe for a great chendol is obviously understood here at JustBerrys.
Link –> https://www.rebeccasaw.com/best-chendol-in-melaka-durian-ice-and-chendol-justberrys-dessert-house/

best chendol melaka - pinkberrys -001

24. Hunt for good nyonya kuih in Melaka – Yummy Garden Food Court, Jalan Ujong Pasir & Malay Kuih – Perhentian Kuih Kampong
It’s not only Baba Charlie ok, these 2 make good kuih too!
LINK –> https://www.rebeccasaw.com/hunt-for-good-nyonya-kuih-in-melaka-yummy-garden-food-court-jalan-ujong-pasir-malay-kuih-perhentian-kuih-kampong/

nyonya kuih good in melaka - Sg ujong food court-004

25. More good Nyonya kuih in Melaka – Bibik Ong @Jalan Ujong Pasir
I highly recommend Bibik Ong!
Check out the variety of her delicious kuih HERE –> https://www.rebeccasaw.com/more-good-nyonya-kuih-in-melaka-bibik-ong-jalan-ujong-pasir/

good nyonya kuih melaka - bibik ong-006

26. Comparison – Chendol in Melaka – Donald & Lily, Makko, Jeta Groves, Nancy’s Kitchen & Justberrys.
Which is better? 
I’ll tell you here –> https://www.rebeccasaw.com/chendol-in-melaka-donald-lily-makko-jeta-groves-nancys-kitchen-justberrys/

nyonya food lunch - restoran jeta groves-003

27. DIM SUM!
This 60 year -old Low Yong Moh Restaurant in Melaka makes good ‘tai pau’ (BIG pau) and dim sum!
LINK –> https://www.rebeccasaw.com/low-yong-moh-restaurant-melaka-for-good-tai-pau-big-pau-and-dim-sum/

low yong moh restaurant - melaka for good pau dim sum

28Bee Bee Hiong  – I love the fishballs/yong tau foo!
LINK –>https://www.rebeccasaw.com/bee-bee-hiong-good-fishballsyong-tau-foo-in-melaka/

Bee Bee Hiong – good fishballs yong tau foo in Melaka

29.  Restaurant Dong Fung Yong Tau Foo & fishballs & delicious fish head noodles for breakfast!
The yong tau foo is good, but look out for the Fish Head Noodles – absolutely lip-smacking. 🙂
LINK –> https://www.rebeccasaw.com/melaka-dong-fung-yong-tau-foo-fishballs-delicious-fish-head-noodles-for-breakfast/

melaka - dong fung restaurant -best fish head noodles

That’s all for now. I will be updating with more links over the next week as I’m writing the rest of the reviews as we speak.

Post 1 What to eat in Melaka – Baba Charlie Nyonya Kuih of course!
Post 2 Melaka Food Hunt: Chicken Rice Balls, Nyonya Laksa, Assam Pedas Fish, Hainanese Mutton Soup
Post 3 – Bukit Cina wantanmee, pork satay, Nadege mille crepe cakes, Roti John 
Post 4 – Yong tau foo, Melaka fried radish cake, Nyonya Chang – SOON to be updated!

Enjoy and be sure to drop me your feedback – whether you agree or otherwise on the food or if there are any changes – shop has ceased operations, moved to to another address or food standards has declined).
I still have a few more trips planned to this cultural Peranakan state for more gluttony pursuits so this list will be updated from time to time. 🙂

This Post Has 29 Comments

  1. cleffairy

    Hmm, I usually go the road less traveled when I’m in Melaka.

  2. cleffairy

    Hmm, I usually go for the road less traveled when I’m in Melaka.

    1. Rebecca Saw

      I would too! I’ll be sure to get some recommendations from you before I hit the road for my next trip 🙂

  3. daniel

    A very good guide. Keep the rest coming, I’ll be sure to have this bookmarked for any Melaka food hunt trips!

    1. Rebecca Saw

      Thanks Daniel! Do let me know what you think of the food then! 😀

  4. Sean Eat Drink KL

    wow, u’ve eaten more malacca food than i have! heheh. i do love the popiah, and the putu piring brings back good memories of when my aunt sometimes brought them home and we ate them warm as a teatime treat 😀

    1. Rebecca Saw

      Wow, the putu piring was sold during the day last time? From what I know, it is only from 6pm now. You guys were lucky then, get it to eat for teatime 🙂
      Hhahahaha don’t worry, at least you have homecooked Malaccan Nyonya before but I haven’t!

  5. Jaycee

    Great list! Good start for someone looking into exploring Melaka & it’s fabulous cuisine. Thankfully your list is not the usual crowded but commercialized outlets & restaurants

    1. Rebecca Saw

      Hhah yups yups – avoid those famous and tasteless ones! No point giving them more publicity if the food ain’t up to par right? :p
      Thanks for dropping by Jaycee! 🙂
      I hope you find the list useful on your next trip and will share it with your friends!

  6. Jacky

    Good compilation. Easy to refer. Thumbs up!

  7. Pamela B

    So many boxes of pineapple tarts at one time! But a really good idea as now at a glance I’ll know which to buy! Thanks becky!

  8. Uma Devi

    I must try that Pinkberrys. Just as surprised as you as I would have thought that good chendol would be found on the streets and backlanes of Melaka!

  9. Laura

    Lovely video! You should do more of these food tours Rebecca.

    -Laura Lee-

  10. Hong Wei

    Fantastic list. Helpful for anyone heading to Melaka for some culinary pursuits.

  11. Doreen

    Interesting travelogue (or should I say foodlog?) of Melaka so far. Waiting for more! I’m done with the usual crowded ones as well. Seeking alternatives now, especially for nyonya cuisine.

  12. Andrew

    Interesting. I like the video with Catherine Bell. You should do more such videos Rebecca.

  13. Haley Chin

    I have bookmarked all your Melaka posts! So excited, most of your recommendations are different from other blogs

  14. Victoria

    Thanks for this! A long weekend ahead is perfect for a drive to Melaka.

  15. Habib

    Mmmm .. this post of yours make me so so hungry, lol

  16. Johnd556

    Appreciating the time and energy you put into your blog and in depth information you provide. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed information. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account. cafeefdebabc

  17. Malacca Delights

    Wow…nice photos!

  18. gideon

    hi Rebecca, your website really good and post a lot good food in melaka. I was born in melaka and normally weekend i will bring my overseas to try good food in melaka. Your melaka food list is complete but can i suggest few more good food for you?

    1)if you go melaka you should try klebang original coconut shake, open daily from 12pm-6pm.
    2) another place serve good nyonya pork satay is in pokok mangga. operate more than 30 years and close every Thursday.
    3) ChingTu satay celup in krubong. claim to be first satay celup in melaka. close every mon and tue.
    4) after all the fattening food you should drink Joe and the only one mango juice. you can find it at Portuguese settlement last shop.
    5) for exotic food lover you can go to machap baru, food there quite cheap. recomment to go there if you love exotic food like biawak, bat, wildboar, landak, labi-labi, deer etc.
    6) by the way barkat roti john got few outlet in melaka, so don’t need to go all the way to tanjung kling just for roti john. i don’t really like their roti john, but i love their ayam golek.
    7) autie koh cendol at bukit rambai, must try really nice. when go there you also can try nyonya dessert – taibak. this shop operate weekend only from 10am to 12pm, but normally 11.30am already finish.

    last, i love food and glad to find your website. when you are in melaka please give me a call, i will bring you to try all the food that i mention.

    1. Rebecca Saw

      OMG Gideon! I just saw this!
      And like I said earlier, I just got back today after ONE night in Melaka because of an event!

      Ahhhhh! Well I have your email and I will note the above suggestions down! TQ so much. And yes, I would appreciate your company the next time I’m in Melaka again (which is soon I hope!). 🙂

      TQ TQ for taking the time to share all the yummy food places with me! 🙂

  19. May

    Hi Rebecca, I really love your website. Thank you for sharing. After reading your blog, I made a trip to Melaka, and tried out the food that you mentioned. Some are not that good anymore.
    Have you tried the newly opened Papa Rich in Nu Central. Food there are good esp char kuay tiau ( I added 2 half boil eggs that I ordered separately), ice cream with brownie cake, white bread dip in chicken curry, etc. I have tried quite a no, of their outlet. But tis Nu Central food is really good.

    1. Rebecca Saw

      Thank May for writing in.
      Gosh, Pappa Rich? Noted on that. If I head to Melaka soon I will consider dropping by! 😀

  20. Wong

    Ah Boy Asam Fish near Pasar Borong very famous. However, the owner is not honest. When their business in the shop is pack, they tried to put small plate meal into big plate and sold as big plate price. Please be aware when you visit next time.

    Ah Boy Asam Fish 近 Pasar Borong, 商家不诚实,欺骗食客,客流量多时把小碟菜剩去大碟,以高价出售。请帮忙提点食客,尤其是外乡人,万一把马六甲名给丢了就不好。

  21. Catherine

    You should try puteri Erra roti John. It’s deep fried. Guilty but it’s good

    1. Rebecca Saw

      Thanks Catherine!
      Did a google and the roti does look good! Will try! 😀

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