A local chicken rice ball restaurant, hidden roadside shacks, a reopened satay favourite, and a gourmet burger cafe — here’s where to eat the next time you’re in Malacca.
Step away from the neon lights and pounding music of elaborately garnished rickshaws in Malacca’s Main Square, and you’ll find a thriving food scene tucked away in the shophouses and alleyways lining the river. It’s really a game of hide-and-seek when it comes to uncovering the best dishes here and we thought we had it all figured out — till the pandemic hit. 2020 and 2021 were rough for many, but hawkers and restaurant owners were especially affected by the various COVID-19 restrictions that limited customers and opening hours. Unfortunately, this led to many of our favourite spots shutting down. Thus, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to relocate the best things to eat in Malacca — that are still open — and hopefully help you along your foodie adventure.
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1. Bunga Raya Popiah
Image credits: Olive Flashpackers Melaka
This tiny roadside kiosk shot to fame after food bloggers and influencers got a taste of their now-famous spicy and crispy pork lard rolls. Just note that they are vehemently against photo-taking and will only stay open till they sell out. So get there ASAP!
Address: 124, Jalan Bunga Raya, Kampung Jawa, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Daily, from 12pm
For more information, call the restaurant at +60 10-786 9878.
2. Calanthe Art Cafe
Image credits: Calanthe Art Cafe
There have been mixed reviews regarding the service here but one thing’s for sure — people still come for their Nyonya Laksa. Plus, if you want some to take back with you, they even sell the paste in packets! Just keep it chilled and you’re good to go.
Address: 11, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75250 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday 10 am to 9 pm, Friday to Sunday 9 am to 11 pm. Closed on Thursdays
Find out more about the best things to eat in Malacca here.
3. Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant
Image credits: Tripadvisor
Fans of the 30-year old satay stall were disappointed when the owners announced the closing of the Bukit Cina branch last year. Yet, through a new partnership (and online sales) Capitol Satay Celup Restaurant was able to get back up and is now running at a brand new location. Despite its new surroundings, you can still expect the same fresh skewers and glorious pot of spicy peanut sauce. We can’t wait to go back!
Address: 30, Jalan KPKS 3, Kompleks Perniagaan Kota Syahbandar, 75200, Malacca
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 5 to 11 pm. Closed on Mondays
Find out more about the best things to eat in Malacca here.
4. Tong Bee’s Cockles Stall
Image credits: Tripadvisor
Bait for foodies and edgy hipsters alike, Tong Bee’s Cockles Stall is a no-frills seafood stand set up in an alleyway along Jalan Bunga Raya. Aptly named ‘longkang siham’, customers can expect to sit on short stools at low tables arranged between drains. The star here would be their dipping sauces — so make sure to look out for that when ordering your seafood.
To note: There are two stalls here, one is the celebrity-endorsed Capitol and the other is Tong Bee’s. While the former’s worth a try, we’re always fans of the underdog.
Address: 143, Jalan Bunga Raya, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Thursday to Tuesday, from 6 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
5. East & West Rendezvous
Image credits: Tripadvisor
Come for the Nyonya Zhang (Peranakan rice dumplings) that have been perfected over the course of 19 years. Fans also rave about Auntie Grace’s various kuihs and Hokkien rice dumplings — but our personal favourite has to be her Melaka Cendol, a sweet and creamy treat that sees red bean and jelly buried in shaved ice drizzled with gula Melaka.
Address: 52, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, closed on Wednesdays
Find out more about the best things to eat in Malacca here.
6. Heng Hong Tin Kee Restaurant
Image credits: Tripadvisor
There’s more to Hainanese cuisine than just chicken rice — and the folks at Heng Hong Tin Kee will gladly give you a taste. Must-order dishes include their Chin-Cha-Lok Omelette, Sweet & Sour Pork Skin, as well as their famous Signature Mutton Soup.
Address: 62, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Kampung Empat, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 12 nn to 10.30 pm, closed on Wednesdays
Find out more about the best things to eat in Malacca here.
7. Huang Chang Chicken Rice Restaurant
Image credits: Huang Chang Chicken Rice Restaurant
Don’t worry, Kedai Kopi Chung Wah is still very much open and selling their famous chicken rice. However, if you’d like to try something a little more local, why not give Huang Chang Chicken Rice Restaurant a go? Just be sure to come as early as possible to snag a seat (it can get crowded) and don’t leave before trying some of their homemade chill sauce!
Address: BB, 376, Jalan B B 1, Taman Damai, 75350, Malacca, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Friday to Tuesday, 8 am to 3 pm, closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Find out more about the best things to eat in Malacca here.
8. Pak Putra Tandoori
Image credits: Tripadvisor
Good things come to those who wait — a saying that couldn’t be more true for all who wish to get a taste of Pak Putra’s famous naans and tandoori. Brave the hour and you might be blessed with fluffy naans and creamy authentic curries.
We recommend trying their palak paneer and butter chicken — best washed down with a jug of watermelon juice.
Address: 56 & 58, Jalan 4, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 5.30 pm to 1 am. Closed on Mondays
For more information, call the restaurant at +60 12-601 5876.
9. The Baboon House
Image credits: VMO
For moments when the meat cravings hit, come by The Baboon House for gourmet burgers in a cosy cafe on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock. While most would go for their Pork Belly Burger and Aloha Cheeseburger (great options of course), vegetarians can look forward to their stellar Falafel Burger. For dessert, grab some of their freshly baked muffins to pair with some Vietnamese drip coffee.
Address: No. 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Tuesdays
Find out more about the best things to eat in Malacca here.
Uncover The Best Things To Eat In Malacca With YouTrip!
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