Melaka, Malaysia
About the Place
Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic coastal city in Malaysia known for its multicultural charm and culinary diversity. The city’s food scene is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences, offering a mouthwatering array of local dishes that reflect centuries of cultural fusion.
Highlights
Authentic Peranakan (Nyonya) cuisine
Famous Asam Pedas Melaka
Iconic Chicken Rice Balls
Spicy-sweet Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish)
Cooling Coconut Shakes
Sweet & sticky Kuih Keria Gula Melaka
Things to Do
Embark on a Food Trail: Start your culinary journey at Jonker Street and sample traditional Nyonya dishes, satay celup, and handmade kuih.
Join a Nyonya Cooking Class: Learn to make traditional Melakan dishes like Ayam Pong Teh and Nyonya Laksa.
Snap Foodie Shots: Capture vibrant dishes like coconut shakes and kuih keria for Instagram-worthy moments.
Explore Local Markets: Head to Pasar Malam or Melaka Sentral for fresh produce, local snacks, and street bites.
Top Local Dishes You Must Try
1. Peranakan Food
Peranakan cuisine in Melaka is a harmonious blend of Chinese and Malay flavours, using ingredients like galangal, lemongrass, and shrimp paste.
Must-try Peranakan dishes:
- Nyonya Laksa
- Mee Siam
- Ayam Pong Teh
Recommended Restaurants:
- Nancy’s Kitchen
- Kocik Heritage
- Cottage Spices Nyonya Restaurant
- Restoran Nyonya Makko
- Ba & Nya Heritage
2. Asam Pedas
This iconic spicy and sour fish curry is a Melakan favourite, cooked with tamarind juice, chilli, and herbs. Best served with white rice.
Top Spots for Asam Pedas:
- Asam Pedas Kota Laksamana
- Asam Pedas Kambing Jonker
- Asam Pedas Station
- Asam Pedas Pak Man
3. Ikan Bakar
Ikan Bakar, or grilled fish, is marinated with sambal, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled over charcoal—spicy, juicy, and full of smoky flavour.
Best Places for Ikan Bakar:
- Ikan Bakar Parameswara
- Medan Ikan Bakar Seri Serkam
- Restoran Ikan Bakar Malim
- Hub Nelayan Medan Hj. Musa
- Anjung Muara Sungai Duyung
4. Chicken Rice Balls
Melaka’s twist on Hainanese chicken rice—served in bite-sized, flavour-packed rice balls.
Top Chicken Rice Ball Restaurants:
- Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball (Halal)
- Famosa Chicken Rice Ball (Pork-Free)
- Kedai Kopi Chung Wah (Non-Halal)
- Huang Chang Chicken Rice Restaurant (Non-Halal)
5. Coconut Shake
The ultimate Melakan refreshment—fresh coconut juice blended with coconut flesh and topped with coconut ice cream.
Must-visit Coconut Shake Spots:
- Klebang Original Coconut Shake
- Bikini Toppings
- Coconut Shake Kampung Hulu
- Batu Berendam Coconut Shake
6. Kuih Keria Gula Melaka
These donut-like snacks made from sweet potatoes are coated in sticky palm sugar. A must-have tea time treat!
Top Kuih Keria Places:
- Kuih Keria Antarabangsa Haji Jalil
- Kuih Keria Semabok
- Kuih Keria Batu Berendam
Top Stay Options Nearby
For food lovers visiting Melaka, here are some great hotels to base yourself:
- The Majestic Malacca – Colonial charm and luxury
- Casa del Rio Melaka – Boutique riverside hotel near Jonker Street
- Courtyard by Marriott Melaka – Modern and central
- Jonker Boutique Hotel – Ideal for night market adventures
- Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka – Family-friendly with eateries nearby
How to Get There
By Car: Around 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur via North-South Expressway (Exit Ayer Keroh)
By Bus: Frequent buses from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) KL to Melaka Sentral
By Train: KTM to Pulau Sebang/Tampin, then Grab/taxi into town
By Air: Limited domestic flights to Melaka International Airport (MKZ)
Nearby Attractions
After indulging in local food, explore these attractions nearby:
- Jonker Walk Night Market – Street eats and local handicrafts
- Dutch Square – Iconic red buildings and colonial architecture
- A Famosa Fort & St. Paul’s Hill – Historical landmarks with scenic views
- Melaka River Cruise – Great for sightseeing and spotting food spots
- Cheng Hoon Teng Temple – The oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia
Top Food Point in Melaka
Jonker Street (Jonker Walk) is the undisputed heart of Melaka’s food culture. From coconut shakes and fried snacks to Nyonya delicacies and night market eats—this is where you can taste the best of what Melaka has to offer, all in one street.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a casual traveller, Melaka’s local food will leave a lasting impression on your tastebuds. Don’t miss these authentic dishes that bring together centuries of culture, spice, and passion—all in one unforgettable dining experience.
