Home Food Reviews Top 10 Food to Eat in Melaka

I received many emails from readers asking me to recommend food places to eat in Melaka, also known as Malacca. While I can stomach 40 types of food in a day – with some help of course, most people can’t. So here’s my summarized list of Top 10 Food to Eat in Melaka. I feel these dishes represent Melaka as a whole as you have Chinese, Malay, Nyonya (a combination of Chinese and Malay culture) and dessert. This gives you an overall taste of the best Melaka has to offer.

Baba Low

IMG_0079 copy

Nyonya Laksa

This humble stall specializes in Peranakan food and is located in the backyard of a colonial-style bungalow. Try the Nyonya laksa, popiah and pai tee. The laksa is pungent, rich and well flavoured from the spices and chillies. Pai Tee (also known as top hats) is a crunchy flour cup filled with julienned vegetables, omelette and fried shallots. Very nice with chilli sauce.

The popiah is one of the better ones in Melaka, where the egg wrap is generously filled with ingredients, sweet sauce and piquant chilli sauce. Good stuff! For my full blog post on Baba Low, click here.

Baba Low
486 Jalan Tengkera
Malacca 75200
Malaysia
Tel: 06 283 1762
GPS Coordinates: N02 12.286 E102 13.902

 

Duck Noodles

IMG_9990 copy

Dry Duck Noodles

Soon Yen along Jalan Tengkera is known for the Malacca-style Duck Noodles and you have a choice of soup or dry noodles. The latter is tossed in thick gravy and topped with shredded duck meat. This comes with small bowl of soup. The soup version is also decent – it really depends on whether you’re a soup or dry noodles person.

photo (1)

Soup Duck Noodles

I also love the Melaka-style loh bak. A large plate cost RM10 and comes laden with tasty fishballs and fish fritters. This is best dipped in the sweet sauce and chilli sauce provided. More on this duck noodles and loh bak here.

Kedai Kopi & Makanan Soon Yen
Kg 9, Jalan Tengkera,
Malacca
GPS Coordinates: N 2 12.272 E 102 13.721

 

Pak Putra Naan

IMG_9904 copy

Naan in the tandoor

Pak Putra is known for its naan and tandoori chicken, and this place is perpetually crowded. If you go during peak period, expect to wait at least 45 minutes for your food. Or worse, you might not get any tandoori chicken. So go before 8pm.

IMG_9903 copy

Tandoori Chicken

The naan boasts a smoky flavour from the tandoor with slightly charred edges. Very tasty, especially when eaten with the tender, flavourful chicken. Read my blog post on Pak Putra here.

Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan
Jalan Laksamana 4,
75200, Melaka.
Tel: 012-601 5876
Opens: Tuesday to Sunday (6pm-2am)
GPS Coordinates: N 2 11.697 E 102 14.625

 

Noodle Soup

IMG_9719 copy

Meehoon Soup

This is a very popular breakfast place among the locals and it serves a pretty mean bowl of kuay teow soup. You get a choice of mee, mihun or kuay teow. I generally like kuay teow, but for maximum satisfaction, go for the vermicelli and ask for “kar liu”.

IMG_9731 copy

Crunchy Prawn Fritters

The fried prawn fritters give the noodles oomph and crunch, while the soup is tasty from the stock (and potentially MSG). Read my blog post here.

Noodle Soup Stall
Jalan Tenkera
(opposite BAM and Wesley Church)
GPS Coordinates: N 2 12.148 E 102 14.162

 

Baba Charlie Lee

IMG_9828 copy

Kuih Bongkong

Baba Charlie Lee makes one of the best Nyonya Kuih in Melaka. Onde onde, kuih lapis, kuih seri muka, you name it, all the Nyonya treats are here. One of my favourite things to eat at Baba Charlie Lee is the Kuih Bongkong. It has a smooth and silky texture – almost like the texture of a bean curd – and is eaten with Gula Melaka.

IMG_9758 copy

Onde Onde

The onde onde is warm and the Gula Melaka filling oozes into your mouth. When you’re here, ignore the diet and indulge in all the sweet delights available. There’s nothing like a good kuih with fresh ingredients. Read my blog post on Baba Charlie Lee here.

Baba Charlie Lee
72, Jalan Tengkera Pantai 2,
75200 Melaka.
06-284 7209, 019 666 2907 (Baba Charlie Lee)
Close on Thursdays
GPS Coordinates: N 2 12.179 E 102 13.886

 

Xiang Ji Pork Satay

IMG_9845 copy

This is my other half’s regular spot for pork satay in Melaka. Xiang Ji is located off Jonker Street, just a short walk from Jonker Street. The landmark for this satay place is SRJK Pay Teck. Find the school and Xiang Ji is just across the road. I envy those who go to that school.

IMG_9838 copy

The satay has just the right balance of meat and fat, and the combination of well-marinated pork chunks and pork fat melts in the mouth. Pineapples are added into the peanut sauce here, resulting in a sweeter and tangier gravy. Read my blog post on Xiang Ji Pork Satay here.

Kedai Satay Xiang Ji
50, Jln Portugis
Melaka
Tel: 019- 667 8868
GPS: N 2 12.169 E 102 14.653

 

Sin Yin Hoe

IMG_3539

Oh Chien

I’ve only been here once and the oh chien here is one of the best I’ve eaten in Melaka. The oysters are mid-sized and plump, and folded into the crisp yet fluffy egg omelette. I also like the oyster noodles and soft shell crab here. Both are expertly cooked and the noodles boast a good dose of wok hei. Good stuff!

Hopefully timing will be on my side during my next visit as they are never open when I happen to be around the corner. Blog post on Sin Yin Hoe here.

Sin Yin Hoe Coffee Shop
135 Lorong Hang Jebat
Business hours: 4pm onwards until midnight
(closed on Tuesdays)
GPS Coordinates: N 2 11.787 E 102 15.004

 

Cendol Bukit Rambai

IMG_9806 copy

Aunty Koh

Cendol Bukit Rambai isn’t easy to find, especially if you’re not a local. Here’s the GPS Coordinate (N02 14.795 E102 11.512), which I hope will help you find the stall easily. Manned single-handedly by Aunty Koh, this is the best cendol I’ve had in Melaka.

IMG_9825 copy

Cendol Bukit Rambai

The green strips of starch noodle are infused with pandan leaves extract and the Gula Melaka is thick and fragrant. Each spoonful leaves behind a lingering sweetness and a creamy aftertaste from the fresh coconut milk. Even the Singaporeans flock her stall and greedily buy all the cendol. Come after 1pm and you would have lost your cendol to them.

My post on Cendol Bukit Rambai here.

Cendol Bukit Rambai
Jalan Batang Tiga,
Kampung Bukit Rambai,
75250 Melaka
GPS Coordinates: N02 14.795 E102 11.512
*The stall is located just before S.R.J.K Bukit Rambai

 

Ban Lee Xiang

IMG_3531

Satay Celup

Satay Celup is another popular thing to eat in Melaka. While Capitol Satay is the popular spot, I was told it is catered to tourists and more locals eat at Ban Lee Xiang. I’ll take my father in-law’s word for it.

The peanut gravy is thick and aromatic with a sweetish flavour. Customers can pick the skewered items they want from the fridge display and dip away. It is easy to get carried away here. I once at 30 sticks of satay for pre-dinner snack. Blog post on Ban Lee Xiang here.

Ban Lee Siang
45E, Jalan Ong Kim Wee,
Melaka
06-284 1935
GPS Coordinates: N 2 12.151 E 102 14.628

 

Klebang Coconut Shake

IMG_9850 copy

Special Coconut Shake

Coconut shake is the best thing created to combat the sweltering heat in Melaka. The stall – Klebang Coconut Shake is constantly packed with customers and is divided into three parts – blending station, coconut opening section and dining section.

The coconut flesh is blended together with coconut water and some ice cubes, and the special version came with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The end result is a most refreshing, tropical concoction with a sweet and creamy aftertaste from the ice cream. Read my blog post here.

Klebang Original Coconut Shake
Along Jalan Klebang Besar (next to Caltex Petrol Station)
Opens: 12.30pm-6.30pm daily (Friday: 2pm-6.30pm)
GPS Coordinates: N 2 12.984E 102 12.292

  • Like my Facebook page here.

You can read about my Malacca Eating Spree (where I tried 40 dishes in 28 hours) here.

You may also like

39 comments

Sean January 18, 2013 - 10:29 am

Yay to satay celup, pork satay and oh chien! I can’t help but wish there was cockle-filled char kuey teow and pork lard-stuffed popiah on this list though … Maybe can expand someday to a list of a dozen! :D

Reply
Bangsar Babe January 18, 2013 - 10:33 am

Yeah, I would have included the popiah and CKT with sweet sauce in the list. But it’s just a top 10. Would consider doing a Top 20 in future. Hehe :)

Reply
Phooikuan September 19, 2013 - 4:07 pm

I would recommend teow soon loong teow chew restaurant too, delicious oyster black noodle and fried meat sausage, not to forget the minced yam dessert with ginko, you can try it next time^^

Reply
Bangsar Babe September 27, 2013 - 2:59 pm

Thanks for the recommendation!

Reply
Melissa January 18, 2013 - 10:31 am

Thanks for the summary and useful info.
The Nyonya Laksa…killer wey! :-p

Reply
Bangsar Babe January 18, 2013 - 10:34 am

You try and see! If you want, go check out the Baba Low in Bangsar. The food isn’t as good as the one in Melaka, but it’s about 70-80% there. ;)

Reply
Lynne January 18, 2013 - 10:33 am

What help do you get to eat more? I also need that kind of help :)

Reply
Bangsar Babe January 18, 2013 - 10:35 am

Help? You either mean detox, juice and workout .. or help from my makan kaki. We shared the food. :D

Reply
ulric January 18, 2013 - 10:40 am

Wow…30 sticks for pre-dinner…salute! =)

Reply
Bangsar Babe January 18, 2013 - 10:11 pm

Hahaha…you know me la. :P

Reply
unkaleong January 18, 2013 - 2:28 pm

Makes me want to get into my car and drive to Melaka like right now!!!

Reply
Bangsar Babe January 18, 2013 - 10:12 pm

Do a road trip la. Or I call you for my next one? :)

Reply
Kash January 18, 2013 - 4:09 pm

Aiyo, the pork satay….slurps!

Reply
Bangsar Babe January 18, 2013 - 10:12 pm

Burp! :D

Reply
kei January 18, 2013 - 10:21 pm

what about chicken rice balls? :)

Reply
Bangsar Babe January 19, 2013 - 6:08 pm

I find it overrated la. And expensive. :(

Reply
Grace January 21, 2013 - 9:28 am

went to melaka for a food trip which 80% following your blog and it was great. just want to say thanks for the review, we had great food thanks to your blog =)

Reply
Bangsar Babe January 21, 2013 - 9:53 am

Glad you got to try 80% of the food. And thanks for letting me know. :)

Reply
Sanjeev January 30, 2013 - 11:48 pm

For the naan, call for Jason Naan. Its not on the menu but the boss might still remember :) :) be prepared for a filling naan thou :P

Reply
Bangsar Babe January 31, 2013 - 3:14 pm

Yup. I had the “Jason Naan”. But I think next round, I’ll bring the real Jason to help me order. Apparently, his face is the passport to good service. :P

Reply
Alex March 1, 2013 - 4:53 pm

Thank you for the compilation, Sue! We are currently in Melaka and really enjoying it! Food is one of the main reasons we travel ;-))) And Melaka is already on our top list ;-))

Reply
Bangsar Babe March 1, 2013 - 10:55 pm

Glad I could help. Enjoy your stay in Melaka! :)

Reply
Tek April 1, 2013 - 9:53 am

Thanks!! Looking forward to trying everything on the list on my next trip to Malacca!

Reply
Isaac April 12, 2013 - 3:30 pm

Greetings from Sg. :D
Well done babe,
I have been to melaka 10 over times and didnt realise theres so much wonderful foods other than chendol & laska at jonker street also the chicken rice ball.
I will be driving down tomoro to check out the sin yi hoe, the coconut shake & yah! the chendol before other singaporeans did!
so much thank you for the review & gps guide.
Salute!

Reply
Bangsar Babe April 12, 2013 - 4:44 pm

Hi Isaac,

I hope you enjoy the food in Melaka! Am glad this list helped. ;)

Reply
Andrew Pang May 11, 2013 - 6:52 pm

Thanks for the list. Interesting ! Being a Malacccan, have not heard about most of the places you mentioned except for satay celup of course.. would suggest you try out the ikan bakar in Umbai and rojak/steam kerang stall in the backlane of Jalan Bunga Raya in the future. Also roti canai Thamby in Bukit Baru is the best here.. i will definitely try out your recommendations.. :)

Reply
Bangsar Babe May 13, 2013 - 9:22 am

Hi Andrew,

Thank you for your comment. Will check out your recommendations when I visit Melaka soon. ;)

Reply
Elvin May 18, 2013 - 5:15 pm

Can recommend any good spot to park our car?

Reply
JAWs June 9, 2013 - 6:10 pm

hi! Thanks for the info, I think the GPS coordinates will come in very useful. Do you have any idea about roti canai in Tangga Batu? It looks good from the posts but no clear address or directions. Thanks!

Reply
Chiew Nee June 11, 2013 - 10:49 pm

I vote for duck mee! it’s damnnnnnn good! =D

Reply
Franklin Owen June 20, 2013 - 8:50 am

I think that you missed out the Roti John (Puteri Era) in the top 10. For me, it has always be a must go whenever going to Melaka. You won’t be able to find another Roti John quite the same in Malaysia.

Reply
Clony Tan July 4, 2013 - 11:02 am

I going to visit Malacca soon, will try on it!!

Reply
KS July 25, 2013 - 7:03 pm

Is there any other place selling the Melaka style loh bak other than Kedai Kopi & Makanan Soon Yen in Melaka? This trade seems to be diminishing.

Reply
David @ That Gay Backpacker August 7, 2013 - 11:50 pm

I just arrived in Malacca and this is VERY helpful. Can’t wait to try all of this aaaaaaaaagh.

Reply
Phooikuan September 19, 2013 - 4:07 pm

I would recommend teow soon loong teow chew restaurant too, delicious oyster black noodle and fried meat sausage, not to forget the minced yam dessert with ginko, you can try it next time^^

Reply
ญี่ปุ่น September 30, 2013 - 7:59 pm

Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering
if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment
form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one?

Thanks a lot!

Reply
E January 5, 2014 - 2:09 pm

Amazing. I miss the old Melaka food so much. The last time I went back I was trying to find the stalls for some of those old dishes and couldn’t find. Thanks for the address and GPS cords. Now I know where to look next time.

Reply
Peter Chan May 5, 2014 - 4:52 pm

The best food I have ever tasted is the traditional baba’s dumplings .

Reply
Javier Lee July 4, 2014 - 10:02 pm

Noodle soup is only open on weekends, good there was still the duCk noodles and Baba Charlie’s kueh to save my last day in Malacca. Thanks for the recommendations

Reply

Leave a Reply to JAWs Cancel Reply