16 cafes in Melaka – WIFI, cakes, brunch, coffee, waffles & more

1. Eat Canteen – Altitude Emporium

What they serve: Affordable western dishes such as grilled meats (chicken, lamb) as well as pasta.
Prices: Affordable. RM5 – RM20.
Coffee beans: Not focused on coffee.
Food: Yes.
Cakes: No.
Pork-free/Halal: Pork-free. No alcohol served. Malay run & owned.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: So-so. There are a few spots for photography.
WIFI: No.
Tax: No.
Service: Warm and helpful.
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Comfortable. Casual.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: Yes.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited (indoors).
Parking : Roadside. Easy.
Payment: Eat first, then call for bill to pay.

Rebecca’s summary:
EAT! (Food Space) – groundfloor & Madbros (Barber Shop) – upstairs are under the same management and together it is known as Altitude Emporium.
I like this place for its wallet-friendly prices and good food. The staff are obliging and truly hospitable. We were early and I made a few changes to my orders but they got everything executed as per my request.
Our lamb was tender, sauces were served separately and my juice prepared with no added sugar.
The nasi kukus wasn’t ready at the time of order so the staff said he would let me know once it is ready and he did.

We saw a large open grill at the back of the kitchen where the meats are freshly cooked upon order.
Our mix grill consist of a whole chicken thigh and 2 large pieces of lamb. Meats are well marinated and juicy.
Portions are big. Both sauces are tasty; one tomato-based with pineapples and celery which is sweet and another black pepper based, also sweet rather than peppery.
I believe the sauces are made in-house. Fries were passable and the coleslaw had too much mayo.
The Nasi Lemak was more like Nasi Kukus since it wasn’t infused with coconut milk. The sambal is black, dry and slightly spicy.
I love it as it is unlike the watery, classic versions commonly served with nasi lemak at other eateries. The chicken was juicy though a bit lacking in the taste department. Perhaps longer marination hours would fix that.

I requested for watermelon juice (RM4) without sugar and I was pleased that it wasn’t watered down.
Food is of better quality than your usual mamak and the ambience much cosier too.

Mixed Grill – RM22. Watermelon Juice (RM4). 

Nasi Lemak Kukus Ayam Kashmir (RM7).

One of the potential Instagram-spots.
What I wore/OOTD: Tropical flower dress. Heels from Charles & Keith.
Hair by Kevin Woo of Centro Hair Salon.

Menu:

Interior:

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Altitude-Emporium

No.34 Jalan PM3, Plaza Mahkota, Bandar Hilir
75200 Malacca
Contact:  012-6804636 call/sms + 019-3094822 Whatsapp
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 5pm – 1am
Friday-Sunday: 5pm – 2am
Close: Mon.
WAZE: Not on Waze. Look for “Jalan PM 3” instead.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

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2. – The Huskitory Cafe

Key attraction: The dogs! 🙂
Prices: Affordable. RM5 – RM20.
Coffee beans: Nespresso.

Food: No food other than coffee, some non-coffee beverages and mille crepes.
Cakes: Limited. Displayed at the chiller.
Pork-free/Halal: Pork-free. No alcohol served.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: Very. With the huskies of course.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka
Tax: No.
Service: Warm and helpful.
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Comfortable. Relaxed.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: No.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited.
Parking : Roadside. Easy.
Payment: Eat first, then call for bill to pay.

Rebecca’s summary:
This is uniquely (and probably) the only Husky cafe in Malaysia.
Huskitory is primarily a pet store and pet grooming salon.
There are 9 huskies on rotation for patrons to play with throughout the day. Reservations are a must for weekends/PH (heard it is fully booked for weeks now), but it is quiet on weekdays, which makes it the best time for visits as you do not have to jostle with the other patrons for your playtime with the dogs.

I was there on a Wednesday and only 3 tables were occupied, including ours.
There is no minimum order imposed. We ordered a drink (RM8.90) and added a peanut butter & jam mille crepe (RM9.90) as a snack.
I’m not a fan of Nadeje, but these were not any better.
Food on the menu is for dogs, of which I’m assuming that if you bring your furkids, that would be your kiddo’s meal.

Well, food and drinks are not the focus here. Just enjoy yourself with the dogs and try to visit during feeding hours which is 5-6pm or 7-8 pm daily.
This is the only time you can see all the huskies at once.
We were there from 12 pm to about 2pm so we missed the feeding hour. What we got was ONE husky to play with.

Meet Candy. She is 2 years old.

OOTD: Ashincans Romper.
Hair cut & color by Kevin Woo of Centro Hair Salon. 

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/huskitory

27, JALAN TAMAN ASEAN, TAMAN ASEAN,
75250 Malacca City, Malaysia.
Contact:+606 – 3342602
Hours: Tue-Sun: 12:30 pm-10:30 pm
Close: Mon.
WAZE: Not on Waze. Look for “JALAN TAMAN ASEAN” instead.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

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3. Coffee Bear Cafe

Signature: The teddy bears of course!
Prices: Slightly on the high side for the food they serve.
Coffee beans: Not particularly focused on coffee.

Food: Yes. Waffles, chicken chop, pastas.
Cakes: Yes but limited. Displayed at the chiller.
Pork-free/Halal: Serves pork.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: Very.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka
Tax: No.
Service: The staff serve you as they should, nothing more.
Your orders are served to your table.
Ambience: Comfortable. Relaxed.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: No.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited.
Parking : Roadside. Easy.
Payment: Eat first, then call for bill to pay.

Rebecca’s summary:
Opened in the first week of August, I look forward to an improved level of service as the cafe team gets its bearing. Our food took a while to reach our table.
The staff seems more interested to chat among than themselves than to see to your needs.
Taste-wise, the meat barely passed muster while the portions seemed tiny to me for the price. I guess you are paying for ambience more than anything here.

Cheese Grilled Pork Chop. RM14.80.

Root Beer Float (RM6.80).

Teddy bears are everywhere and in all sizes!

What I wore/OOTD: Abstract multicolored dress – The Velvet Dolls. Wedges from Vincci.
Hair cut & color by Kevin Woo of Centro Hair Salon.

Oh, have I mentioned that it is an extremely Instagram-friendly cafe? 😛

Interior:

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coffee-Bear-Cafe/

No.46, Jalan KPKS 1
Kompleks Perniagaan Kota Syahbandar, 75200 Melaka
Contact:+ 6016 -6971013
Hours: Tues -Sun : 12 pm-12 am
Close: Monday
WAZE: Not on Waze. Will provide Google Map soon.
Google map: TBU (to be updated). You can find a map here –> https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coffee-Bear-Cafe/

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4. Alley No. 5 

What I wore/OOTD: Dress from Topshop. Silver wedges – Charles & Keith.

This retro little cafe is probably in one of the most hidden location in Melaka. It is right in town (Jonker area) but a real challenge to find.
Anyhow, look for The Bridge Loft, which is on Waze.

Signature: Coffee.
Prices: Standard cafe prices. Our rootbeer was RM6 nett.
Coffee beans: The Roast Things.
Food: Only cakes.
Cakes: Limited to cheesecakes and creme brulee, their in-house specials.
Pork-free/Halal: Pork- free.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: So-so.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka
Tax: No.
Service: Warm and helpful.
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Casual.
Aircon: NO.
Outdoor seating: Yes, one.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited (1-2).
Parking : Challenging.
Payment: Eat first, then call for bill to pay.

Rebecca’s summary:
Alley No.5 exudes more of an old coffeeshop vibe than a cafe.
It is wonderfully quiet with a zen aura. We love the place as being ideal for writing, reading and quiet conversation.

A no-frills outlet, beverages are limited to coffee and soft drinks. For nibbles, their house-baked cheesecakes and creme brulee are highly recommended and the options for these vary daily.
“It is depending on the availability of ingredients and time”, the owner had said.

Oh, do say hi to the resident cat. 🙂

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alley-No5-五号/1411295249150289

No.5 Lorong Jambatan,
Kampung Pantai 75200 Melaka.
Contact: +60164155097
Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Sun: 10:00 am-2:00 pm

Close:
WAZE: Not on Waze. Look for “The Bridge Loft” instead. It is upstairs from the cafe and shares same management.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

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5. Limau Limau Cafe

Signature: Breakfast sets, their ciabatta and pancakes.
Prices: Standard cafe prices. RM10 or so for a drink. RM15 for a meal. (Prices are approximation, dependent on your actual order).
Coffee beans: Lavazza.
Food: Sandwiches (ciabatta), pancakes, lasagne, salads, soups.
Cakes: No but I saw an apple crumble on the menu.
Pork-free/Halal: Pork- free.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: Not really.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka
Tax: No.
Service: Warm, helpful, cheerful. The Botswana guy deserves a special mention here.
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Comfortable. Relaxed.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: Yes. There is space upstairs too.
Powerpoints for charging: NO.
Parking :Challenging. Roadside, around Jonker.
Payment: Eat first, then call for the bill to pay.

Rebecca’s summary:
Not a new kid on the block, Limau Limau began operations years before the current wave of hipster cafes in Melaka. Its location right in the heart of Jonker ensured a steady stream of customers despite its lack of marketing efforts.
Many visit for their pancakes, their ciabatta sandwiches and for the value added breakfast sets with coffee/juices. I personally like Limau Limau for its cosy ambience and fresh, good (some are healthy) food.

Most dishes are in-house specialties and portions are generous for the price.
We had the highly recommended Chicken Ciabatta with Mangoes (RM18.90), a serving heavily stuffed with thick cuts of chicken breast and big enough to be shared.
Taste-wise it was acceptable; not particularly mind-blowing but it had enough flavour from the mayo- pepper combo and added delicate sweetness from chunks of mangoes.
Don’t expect an actual ciabatta though. It looks like one but it is a thinner, crispier version. However it worked well in this case since they are generous with the ingredients.
More chicken and mangoes in every bite is better than bread right?

For drinks, I chose a healthy mix of yogurt, papaya and lychee (RM11.00) (lassi version rather than the milkshake as the milkshake version has ice cream which makes it sweeter), a tall glass of satisfyingly thick and heavy -with-the-promised-fruits beverage.

Interior: I regretted not heading upstairs to check it out.
The veranda is lavishly decorated but it didn’t feel cluttered. Instead, it conveyed a charming, artistic vibe.

What I wore/OOTD: Blue halter cheongsam from a Penang boutique.
Hair cut & color by Kevin Woo of Centro Hair Salon.

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://fb.com/pages/Limau-limau-cafe

9, Jalan Hang Lekiu,
75200 Melaka.
Contact:+6012. 609 9088
Hours:
Mon: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Thu-Sun: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Close: Tues, Wed.
WAZE: Waze for “Limau-Limau Cafe”.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

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6. Kaya – Kaya Cafe 

Signature: Malacca Elvis — a pancake version of Elvis Presley’s favourite peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich.

Prices: Fair for both quality, portion and taste of food.
Coffee beans: Java Arabica.
Food: Grilled chicken chop, French toast, pasta, soups for mornings.
Coffee, tea, beers, soda, juices and their signature beverages ‘Welcome to Malacca” – soy milk with gulf melaka & herbal jelly (commonly known to us as Michael Jackson) as well as the ‘See U Again’ – panda leaves and lemongrass drink.
Cakes: Yes, but limited to carrot cake and brownies for now. No cake chiller display.
Pork-free/Halal: Pork- free.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: Very.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka
Tax: No.
Service: Warm, helpful and cheerful!
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Comfortable. Relaxed.
Aircon: No.
Outdoor seating: Yes.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited.
Parking : At Jonker St. area so parking is challenging.
Payment: Eat first, pay later.

Rebecca’s summary:
I love this place. The service is excellent, the food satisfactory, coffee is good and the ambience lovely.
My advice? Venture beyond the usual Malacca Elvis (which everyone orders) and try the Salted Egg Spaghetti (RM16) instead.

I was thrilled as this was one of the better breakfast grub I’ve had for a Malaccan cafe.
The spaghetti was redolent with the fragrance of curry leaves and the taste of salted egg, yet not overwhelmingly so. It was so good that we excused the slightly over al-dente pasta.
However we couldn’t forgive the dry, hard pieces of chicken breast that came with it. Otherwise it would have been a perfect dish.

There is an afternoon tea set priced at RM38 for 2 pax that I would be interested to try next time. 

Also, pictured here is their popular Kaya Cheese Toast (RM7) (not our order) with their home-made kaya.
I wanted to buy a tub since I love kaya but was told they don’t sell it commercially as the freshly made egg custard has no added preservatives and is temperature sensitive thus it doesn’t keep well.

We shared a cappuccino (RM8) and stayed for an hour to enjoy the peaceful and old charm of this heritage building.

Interior:

I love, love, love open courtyards like this. 🙂

At the entrance:  Rattan chairs, jars, a spiral staircase. Great for photography!

What I wore/OOTD: 3 -quarter high waisted jeans, white bralet. Brogues from Korea.

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/kayakayacafelol

32, Jalan Tukang Besi,
75200 Malacca
Contact:+ 60189845351
Hours: Mon-Tue: 8:00 am-8:00 pm
Thu-Sun: 8:00 am-8:00 pm
Close: Wed.
WAZE: Waze for “Kaya kaya”.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

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7. The Daily Fix

Signature: Pandan Gula Melaka Pancakes.
Prices: Slightly higher compared to, say, Kaya Kaya.
Coffee beans: From Papa Palheta, KL.
Food: Yes.
Cakes: Yes, a fair variety are displayed at the chiller.
Pork-free/Halal: Pork- free.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: Very.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka
Tax: No.
Service: Warm and knowledgable. Cheerful.
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Comfortable. Relaxed.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: Yes – open air at the courtyard.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited.
Parking : Along Jonker so challenging.
Payment: Eat first, then call for the bill to pay before you leave.

Rebecca’s summary:
There are few cafes as spacious and as inviting as The Daily Fix.
Sunny and welcoming, we felt right at home here.

There are a few sections to the long space and each provides a different vibe and a whole lot of opportunities for photography.

The team is patient, ever-smiling and knowledgable about the menu. They assisted with our orders; helped me to make up my mind on the dessert – a durian cake with durian cream and was able to explain about the coffee beans used in their brew.
No one stopped us though we took a lot of photographs around the cafe. As courtesy, we were careful to not disturb other patrons in the cafe.

Food-wise the “durian” cake (RM12) turned out to be a butter cake with pungent durian cream and gula melaka drizzled over it.
The Lot (RM19.90) is a standard platter of breakfast items and wasn’t particularly superior to any other. Our cuppa – a full bodied cappuccino gave us the necessary jolt to the day.

Interior:

Could you recognize my cheongsam? 🙂

As I said, The Daily Fix is lovely and Instagram -friendly, so come prepared to take photos. There are vintage decorative items around such as tiffins and old suitcases which came in useful as props in our photos, and we handled them with utmost care of course.

This is the popular wall for photos here.

What I wore/OOTD: Batik cheongsam bought at the shop itself. Wedges by Pedro.
Hair cut & color by Kevin Woo of Centro Hair Salon.

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/thedailyfixcafe/

55 Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker St),
75200 Malacca City, Malaysia
* Located inside a batik shop, Next KK on Jonker St (Jalan Hang Jebat). Picture of entrance as below. 
Contact: +606-283 4858
Hours: Daily: 10 am to 5.30 pm
Close: NA
WAZE: Look for ” Daily Fix Cafe“.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

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8. Locahouz

Signature: Homemade desserts.
Prices: Fair for the quality and quantity.
Coffee beans: Uses local coffee beans.
Food: Large portions, unique in-house baked desserts and pork, pork, pork.
Cakes: Yes, a fair variety are displayed at the chiller. Check their FB page for updates on daily desserts.
Pork-free/Halal: Serves pork.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: Quite. The back and the front of the cafe plus the art pieces at the entrance could be the backdrop for photo opportunities.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka.
Tax: No.
Service: Excellent. Engaging and cheerful owner.
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Comfortable. Relaxed.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: No.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited.
Parking : A quiet street near Jonker that isn’t as busy so parking is easier on weekdays but might require some luck during the weekends.
Payment: Eat first, pay later.

Rebecca’s summary:
We stayed longer than expected, for it was hard to say goodbye.
The cafe is long and narrow, manned by hospitable staff and decorated charmingly with an eclectic combination of art pieces and old family heirlooms.

Overall, it exudes a cosy, welcoming vibe. The menu is diverse with local favourites (loh mai kai) co-mingling with western (sandwiches).
Staying loyal to local traditions, coffees offered are our beloved “kopitiam” cuppa with the choice of “O” (black) or with milk. It was served in the cherished old cup that we know, and could easily rival any version from a local kopitiam.

We recommend the house-brewed Orange Beer (RM8.50), a convincing replica of an actual beer.
It contains about 3-5% alcohol, less gassy than your ordinary beer with a mild tang from the orange plus a slight bitter aftertaste expected of any beer.
Unique and refreshing, it is the perfect thirst relief from the infamous Malaccan heat.

Food for us was the Pork Belly with Homemade Hot Sauce (RM18.90).
The house-baked ciabatta is large, lightly herbed and crusty with springy insides.
Its size and texture was the perfect foil for the thick, large pieces of pork belly which has an agreeable balance of fat to lean meat.
Though not as “hot” as its name suggested, it was tasty nonetheless due to its sweet and slightly spicy marinade.
Served with a side salad, this could easily feed 2.

OOTD: Lace white dress, wedges from Pedro.

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Locahouz/

No 53, Jalan Tokong,
75200 Malacca, Malaysia.
Contact: +6 0196793993
Hours:  10.30 am – 6.00 pm.
Close: Wed.
WAZE: Look for “Locahouz”.
Google map: TBU (to be updated). Map below is from their FB page. 

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9. Eat @ 18 

Signature: In-house baked artisanal breads, desserts/cakes, cookies under Knead & Simple brand.
Prices: Almost similar to KL cafe (food and beverages) prices.
Coffee beans: Lavazza.
Food: Yes, soups, quesadillas, sandwiches, burgers, steak.
Cakes: Yes, displayed at the chiller. Check menu and check with staff on availability.
One of the interesting desserts I saw on the menu is a cookies skillet dough.
Pork-free/Halal: Pork- free.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: Very.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka
Tax: YES. 10%.
Service: So-so.
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Comfortable. Relaxed.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: Yes, at the open inner courtyard area.
Powerpoints for charging: No.
Parking : Roadside at Jonker area, a bit challenging in the afternoons.
Payment: Order, enjoy and pay before leaving.

Rebecca’s summary:

Eat @ 18 may be hard to spot from the front, but this two-storey shophouse doubles as a boutique hotel (upstairs – Opposite Place) and cosy cafe on the ground floor.

The front area isn’t much to shout about; narrow space with bar-style sitting at the front of the counter.
Once you move to the back, it’s like an Aladdin cave opened up.
The middle area has a communal table where you can bid goodbye to your privacy since it is meant for sharing. We were there early (about 10 am) so that wasn’t an issue for us as there were only 2 other diners at one end of the table. Naturally we took the far opposite corner.

I love the courtyard area, sunny ambience and the pebbled floor. Service is shaky though the staff tried their best. We dealt mostly with a Chinese lady that I found to be a wee bit snobbish but it could just be the way she carried herself.

Hot Chocolate (RM12.90 + 10%).

My breakfast was the Fresh Cream Rolled Pancakes with Fresh Berries Compote, available from 830- 1130 am.
I love it! It was stuffed with the lightest, dreamiest cream ever. A highly recommended order.

Interior:

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/eatat18

No 18 Jalan Hang Lekiu,
Malacca 75200, Malaysia
Contact: + 6062814679
Hours: Mon: 8:30 am-6:00 pm
Wed-Sun: 8:30 am-6:00 pm
Close: Tues.
WAZE: Waze for “Eat 18”.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

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10. Nadeje 

What I wore: OOTD: Bustier romper, no brand bought from a boutique in Melaka.
PS: Anyone has recommendations of good shopping boutiques in Melaka? Or where to get good kebayas? Let me know! 🙂

Signature: Handmade Mille Crepes.
Prices: Fair, standard cafe prices. RM10 or so for a drink. RM10 + per cake.
Coffee beans: Not focused on coffees.
Food: Yes. Sandwiches, other non-mille crepe cakes, pastas and set lunches.
Cakes: Yes, about 10 – 15 flavours of mille crepes are displayed at the chiller.
Pork-free/Halal: Pork- free but some mille crepes are alcohol-infused.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: So-so.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka.
Tax: Yes. 6%.
Service: Warm and helpful.
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Comfortable. Relaxed.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: No.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited.
Parking : Roadside. Easy.
Payment: Eat first, then call for bill to pay.

Rebecca’s summary:
For some, a trip to Melaka isn’t complete without Nadeje mille crepes. Some regard Nadeje mille crepes almost as synonymous as Melaka is with chendol and nyonya food.

Halfway through my Melaka cafes list, it dawned on me that almost every cafe offers mille crepes in their dessert repertoire, though not necessarily Nadeje’s.
Despite having three branches in KL, KL-ites still make it a point to pack some back affirmed by their belief that those from the original outlet are still superior.
I’m not a fan, but you can’t ignore Nadeje when they operate 3 branches in Melaka and all branches are considered as cafes.
Thus Nadeje is in this list.

I like the Milk Tea flavour. The alcohol versions of Tiramisu and Rum & Raisin are popular but I personally find them too mild in alcohol.

Interior:

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/nadejefans

G-23,25 & 27 Jalan PM4, Plaza Mahkota,
75000 Malacca City, Malaysia
*For other outlets please refer to their FB page. 
Contact:062838750
Hours: 24 hours
Close: NA
WAZE:  Waze for “Nadeje” and a few options will appear. Then select the branch you want.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

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11. Backlane Coffee

Signature: House baked desserts. The owl latte.
Prices:  Standard cafe prices. RM10 or so for a drink. RM15 for a meal. (Prices are approximation, dependent on your actual order).
Food: Yes – pizza, sandwiches, breakfast items.
Cakes: Yes, a fair variety plus macarons are displayed in the chiller.
Pork-free/Halal: Pork- free.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: Very.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka
Tax: TBA.
Service: Weak. Asked the staff behind the cashier and another wait staff about coffees and cakes and they couldn’t response adequately.
Ambience: Comfortable. Relaxed.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: No.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited.
Parking : Roadside. Jonker area but a bit away from the main busy streets so potentially easier to find a spot.
Payment: Pay upon ordering.

Rebecca’s summary:
I was surprised to read the negative comments on their FB page (under Reviews) and was glad that we didn’t encounter any such experience during our visit (save for the blur “barista”/counter staff).

We were there on a weekday afternoon and there were only 2 tables occupied.
The Wifi works, the coffee was ok and it is unquestionably a great place with nice decor and pretty interior space. There are books and games on the shelves for guests reading/playing pleasure.
The cake and affogato wasn’t particularly memorable though the cake was of better quality than most cafes within Malacca town.
The owl latte scored points for presentation but unfortunately not for execution. The hot milk couldn’t melt the icy espresso cubes fast enough so the drink was milkier at first and only had coffee flavour after a good 15 minutes of stirring.

Would I return?
Yes because I’m curious about the other cakes (any cafes that bakes their own desserts are worth a mention) and I do like the sunny space.
I just hope there are knowledgable staff for me to converse with on my next visit!

Chocolate Desire (RM12). Affogato (forgot the price!).

Mr Owl Iced Latte (RM12).

What I wore: OOTD: Bodycon red dress – no brand.

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Backlane-Coffee/

No.34 Jalan PM3, Plaza Mahkota, Bandar Hilir
75200 Malacca ( It is at the back of Fomecs building at the side of Jonker Walk main stage)
Contact: 012-698 4917 (Sharen)
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9am – 7pm
Friday, Sunday: 9am – 8pm
Close:
WAZE: Look for “Backlane Coffee”.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

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12. Roots Patisserie

OOTD: Heels @charleskeithofficial, multi-color top & 3-quarter high waisted jeans from some random shop somewhere. 🙂

Signature: Churros, baked desserts.
Prices: Standard Melaka cafe prices.
Coffee beans:
Food: Savoury items are quiche and small pies.
Cakes: Yes, a wide variety are displayed at the chiller.
Pork-free/Halal: Pork- free.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: So-so.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka.
Tax: No.
Service: Warm and helpful. Cheerful.
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Comfortable. Relaxed. Busy.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: No.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited.
Parking : Roadside. Easy.
Payment: Eat first, pay later.
Rebecca’s summary:
The Root Pâtisserie Café stood out among the rest of the cafes for its desserts.
Its cake chiller went beyond the generic cheese and chocolate cakes and everything look pretty! Dessert fans would be hard-pressed to make a choice; should you try their macarons? Or the eclairs?
Perhaps the lava cake with ice cream? Or maybe a tall panna cotta?

I decided on the pretty pink Lychee Rose Raspberry Profitrerole (RM12), my favourite matcha cake and a serving of their signature churros.
After several cups of coffee based drinks at a few cafes, we jumped at the alternative of a Pandan Coconut Blended (RM11.90) which promises to be a refreshing blend of coconut juice with strong pandan flavour. We were also assured that the pandan was genuine extract with no flavourings added.

The beverage delivered on its promise, while its signature Churros was good too; non-greasy yet spongy inside.
Instead of boring old chocolate, a duo of lemon custard and chocolate caramel took its place.
I loved them both, but gravitated more to the mildly zesty lemon custard for its sweet sour flavour.

Service was excellent as the young staff was helpful and obliging. The decor isn’t as photogenic as say, Kaya Kaya or The Daily Fix, for it doesn’t carry the vintage theme (except for a few decorative items) but it offers more in terms of food and beverages.
All in all, Roots is a worthwhile visit.
The only downside was unexpectedly the prettiest one; the rose profiterole which suffered the fate of being dry and hard.

Interior:

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/root.patisserie.cafe

No.57, Jalan KL 3/8, Taman Kota Laksamana Seksyen 3,
75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Contact: +60108856659
Hours:
Mon: 1:00 pm-6:00 pm, 7:30 pm-11:30 pm
Wed-Sun: 1:00 pm-6:00 pm, 7:30 pm-11:30 pm
Close:
WAZE: Look for “root patisserie”.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

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13. Plat Kitchen

What I wore: OOTD – Denim tube dress (no brand), black velvet wedges from Vincci.

Signature: Sambal Hebi Pasta.
Prices: Standard Melaka cafe prices.
Coffee beans: Home blend beans from Sumatra, Ethiopia and Brazil.
Food: A pretty complete menu where the kitchen offers more than the standard cafe grub. Most of their menu items are given a twist in one way or another, sort of a union of Asian and western influences.
Cakes: Yes, a fair variety is displayed at the chiller. On the menu there’s RED WINE brownies!
Pork-free/Halal: No pork but got alcohol (an interesting one to note is the Guinness Ice Cream beverage).
OOTD/Instagram friendly: So-so.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka
Tax: No.
Service: Warm and helpful. I was served by a young cheerful girl who even helped me to take photos!
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Comfortable. Relaxed.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: Yes.
Powerpoints for charging: 15 points in the cafe and more outside.
Parking : Roadside. Easy.
Payment: Eat first, then call for bill to pay.

Rebecca’s summary:
I like Plat Kitchen a lot.
50% of my positive experience was attributed to the cheerful girl who served me, another 20 % for the quiet outdoor seating space with power points and 30% to the food and drinks.

Well-deserved brownie points goes to the mastermind of the menu for its diverse and creative fusion of Asian and western style preparations.
The Ah Ma’s Sambal Hebi Pasta was delicious; all umami from dried shrimps with a dusting of fragrant, crispy garlic bits. Protein was from a skewer of aromatic, tender pandan chicken.
A small wedge of lime was provided but I ignored it at first, tasting the pasta as it was. It wasn’t al-dente, but that’s the acceptable texture for the locals and it is understandable that the kitchen have to please the masses.
After the initial bite, I squeezed some lime juice over my pasta and found the next bite considerably enhanced; for the lime juice provided a sharp tang to the spicy flavour of the dish.

The Affogato Gong Thng (gong thng is the local peanut candy ) is certainly a first for me. It is a novel idea; adding crushed local peanut candy to the ice cream and espresso.
You will think that the gong thng adds texture and a bit of sweetness, but not overly so. I didn’t like the ice cream used but after visiting almost 20 cafes, I’ve accepted that most cafes in Melaka uses Walls’ ice cream. If you are fussy like me, perhaps you should avoid ordering affogatos or in Plat’s case, ask for a Haagen Daaz substitution (charges apply).

Affogato Gong Thng (RM11).

Ah Ma’s Sambal Hebi Pasta (RM18.50).

Interior:

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/platkitchen

596, Jalan Melaka Raya 10, Taman Melaka Raya,
75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday: 11am – 12am
Saturday to Sunday: 10am – 12am
Close: NA
WAZE: Waze for “Plat Kitchen”.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

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14. Paddles and Beans Cafe. 

Signature: Waffles.
Prices: Fair for a cafe in Melaka. RM8 – RM10 for coffee, food about RM10 & above depending on your order.
Coffee beans: Coffex.
Food: Sandwiches, burgers, waffles, nyonya laksa, fish & chips, pasta and nasi lemak
Cakes: Yes, a fair variety is displayed at the chiller. Some are alcohol infused.

Pork-free/Halal: Pork- free.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: So-so.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka
Tax: Yes. 5%.
Service: Warm and helpful.
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Comfortable. Casual.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: Yes.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited.
Parking : Roadside. Easy.
Payment: Pay upon order.
Rebecca’s summary:
This is a nice, casual cafe with chirpy, helpful staff. The waffles was so-so in terms of taste but the variant I ordered was a good choice as the peanut butter and tasty fried chicken wings helped in the flavour department.
The chicken was fried well, non-greasy and juicy within. Rm14.90+5% for this.

We can’t complain about the affogato either. While most Malacca cafes seems to be fond of using Walls ice cream, the staff assured us that they sourced their ice cream from a local home supplier.
For RM8.90, the affogato was good.

Interior:
The Marilyn Monroe picture is obviously the eye-candy here. We like the pop of color the turquoise wall provided for the inner space. Tastefully low hanging bulbs and natural sunlight from one side illuminates the cafe while furniture are kept simple.
Outside, the long table is popular with the young groups. I thought the tall, sectioned shelves with ornaments, pots of flowers as well as the chalk-written blackboard is a nice touch.

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/paddlesandbeans

No 2, Jalan KSB 1, Taman Kota Syahbandar,
75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Contact: +606 -2880368
Hours: Mon: 11:30 am-12:00 am
Wed-Sun: 11:30 am-12:00 am
Close: Tuesday.
WAZE:  Waze – look for “paddles and beans cafe”.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

OOTD: Romper from Singapore. Black studded wedges from Vincci.

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15. Todd’s 

What I wore: OOTD: Denim tube dress (no brand). Blue strappy wedges: Pedro.

Signature: Tapas.
Prices: Slightly higher than your regular eatery.
Coffee beans: The staff was not able to provide the information.
Food: Tapas, wines, full dining.
Cakes: Yes, a fair displayed at the chiller and a few options of mille crepes.
Pork-free/Halal: Serves pork.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: So-so.
WIFI: YES, spotty like everywhere in Melaka
Tax: YES. 10% + 6%.
Service: Weak. We asked about some items on the menu and among 2-3 staff, they were not able to answer.
Since service tax were charged, your orders are served to you at your table.
Ambience: Comfortable. Casual.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: NO.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited at the back section.
Parking : Roadside. Easy.
Payment: Eat first, then call for bill to pay.

Rebecca’s summary:
Food isn’t great. At least not for the pork burger and paprika pork chop that we had. One was too salty (the pork patty) while the other (paprika pork chop) was one-dimensionally spicy.
The bun for the burger was dry and hard while commercial sliced cheese was used and the fries over-fried. The usual ketchup and chilli sauce are supplied since there are no special house sauce.
For RM28++, it was a disappointment.

Overall food execution was poor for the two dishes we had. The good news is the menu offers a wide range of tapas, burritos, seafood and meat based mains so perhaps ordering the pork burger was not the right choice.
Our original pick of pork ribs were out though we were there at 6pm+ (Todd’s open at 4pm). The sous vide lamb rack was highly recommended by the staff so that could have been a better choice.
Oh, they offer some interesting desserts such a pork bacon ice cream so that might be worth a shot.

The beverages were fine. I had a “Remembering Your ABC” (RM11.90) (carrot, apple, ginger, lemon, beetroot) while my partner had a Banana Milkshake.

Todd’s Pork Burger: RM28 ++.
150g of homemade pork patty, streaky bacon, iceberg lettuce, tomato slices, cheese, sunny side up egg, sandwiched between homemade buns.

Paprika Pork Chop (26++).
Grilled paprika pork chop with a touch of hone mustard served with warm mashed potatoes and greens of the day.

Interior:

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page:  www.facebook.com/toddsrestaurant/

NO 16, JALAN KSB 12, TAMAN SHAHBANDAR,
75200 Malacca City, Malaysia
Contact:  +6 06 -2880201
Hours:  Mon-Sun: 4:00 pm-2:00 am
Close:
WAZE: Look for “Todd’s“.
Google map: TBU (to be updated).

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16. Khaki’s Coffee Bar 

Signature: House roasted coffee beans/Single origins.
Prices: Standard cafe prices.
Coffee beans: Changes weekly. Single origin.
Food: Limited to 1-2 desserts (tiramisu, creme brule) and a few variants of croissant sandwiches.
Cakes: No.
Pork-free/Halal: Pork free.
OOTD/Instagram friendly: NO.
WIFI: NO.
Tax: No.
Service: Girl is nice. LOUSY customer service for the guy. Read the story below.
Your orders are served to you.
Ambience: Casual.
Aircon: Yes.
Outdoor seating: No.
Powerpoints for charging: Limited.
Parking : Roadside. Easy.
Payment: Eat first, then call for bill to pay.

Rebecca’s summary:
This place is an absolute sorry excuse for a cafe in terms of SERVICE.
My personal experience was a negative one and I will NOT revisit.
Here is why.
To be fair, the coffee isn’t bad.
The sweet girl who served us deserve a mention for her patience considering the late hour of our visit (they close at 6pm & we were there at 5pm or so), there wasn’t much desserts left to order (the tiramisu was out) and I was disappointed. However she patiently replied my queries such as which the type/brand of ice cream is used for their affogato.
When she replied it’s Wall’s ice cream, I immediately changed my mind about ordering it since I don’t fancy Walls.
But the girl said “We find Walls ice cream good and matched perfectly to our coffee for the affogato.” Well, to each their own.

We settled for an iced mocha (RM12 nett). It tasted like iced coffee with milk, with absolutely NO HINT of chocolate whatsoever.

The girl who served us disappeared to the back for a while. Meanwhile, a guy took her place at the front and was talking to some customers.
He looked and acted like one of the staff (manager or owner) so I thought, “Hey, if you have a question, why not ask someone who knows? This guy looks like he knows his coffee“.

So I went up to him and informed him we ordered an iced mocha earlier but found it to be completely lacking in chocolate flavour.

I was taken back when he threw me a disgusted look, and asked in a condescending tone; “Where have you drank mocha before?”
I replied I came from KL, and we have many cafes there but my orders are different during my cafe visits.

He continued in that annoying tone and said they used Costa Rica beans here, and prefer to let the coffee flavours be prominent rather than be masked with other flavours such as chocolate.
I was baffled, but politely agreed while the coffee flavour must be present of course, but since it is a mocha, shouldn’t there be some flavour of chocolate at least?

He just gave me another look (that said you don’t know your coffee) and said no, that’s the way they make their mocha here. They do not use syrup or add a lot of chocolate.

I didn’t wish to continue the conversation further since I was handed that brush-off attitude.
Generally he had acted as if ordering a mocha was a crime in the first place.

Heck, some people like americano, some of us lattes, some prefer piccolo. Not all of us want to have cold brew or espresso all the time.
I fail to see anything improper with my enquiry and if I’m ignorant, why can’t you, as a person who is knowledgable in coffee, be patient and generous to impart your wisdom?

Let me be clear here; this isn’t a complaint about the food, ambience (which is non-existent by the way ) or the coffee.
What I am dissatisfied about is the condescending way he had handled the conversation. We are customers and we deserve basic service, regardless of what we ordered.
You put it on the menu, we have a right to order it. It seems that we paid RM12 for an iced mocha that he is disapproving of.

Coffee snobs might like this place since there are reviews claiming their coffee to be good.
If you wish to visit, go ahead.
But I have an extensive list here for you to select from, and I can assure you that other cafes offer better hospitality, ambience, food, cakes and beverages to warrant your time, money and effort.

There is no WIFI and there are only 3 tables with chairs. More seats are available at the bar counter.
No cakes are displayed, no outdoor seating provided but there are a few powerpoints near the tables so you can work and charge your laptop if you wish.

Details: Where, how to get there, hours, etc:
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Khaki-Coffee-Bar/

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