Guide Book for Malacca
Food scene
Malacca is widely known for its harmonious blend of cultures as well as numerous historical sites, and Jonker Street (the main street of Chinatown) is the perfect place to see everything merge together. This central hub of activity also serves as a haven for antique collectors, bargain hunters, and vintage fashion enthusiasts.
Whilst the main attraction of Jonker Street is its night market held every Friday and Saturday, we have found several well-preserved landmarks, some dating back to the 18th century, nestled amongst the street’s more modern establishments. The diversity of Jonker Street’s traditional and urban attractions is a testament of Malaysia’s colourful history and rich multicultural society.
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Jonker Walk Melaka
Malacca is widely known for its harmonious blend of cultures as well as numerous historical sites, and Jonker Street (the main street of Chinatown) is the perfect place to see everything merge together. This central hub of activity also serves as a haven for antique collectors, bargain hunters, and vintage fashion enthusiasts.
Whilst the main attraction of Jonker Street is its night market held every Friday and Saturday, we have found several well-preserved landmarks, some dating back to the 18th century, nestled amongst the street’s more modern establishments. The diversity of Jonker Street’s traditional and urban attractions is a testament of Malaysia’s colourful history and rich multicultural society.
Situated in a renovated Peranakan shophouse, The Baboon House dishes out one of the best gourmet burgers in Melaka. The shop is located just a street away from the famous Jonker Street and provides a cosy environment to escape from the hot sun.
The ambience is peaceful and soothing and you can spend a few hours here resting with a good book. The presence of a sunroof also brightens up the area. Unfortunately, as the tables are small, it is not recommended for big groups of people.
Monday 10am–5pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10am–5pm
Thursday 10am–5pm
Friday 10am–8:45pm
Saturday 10am–8:45pm
Sunday 10am–8:45pm
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The Baboon House
No. 89 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng LockSituated in a renovated Peranakan shophouse, The Baboon House dishes out one of the best gourmet burgers in Melaka. The shop is located just a street away from the famous Jonker Street and provides a cosy environment to escape from the hot sun.
The ambience is peaceful and soothing and you can spend a few hours here resting with a good book. The presence of a sunroof also brightens up the area. Unfortunately, as the tables are small, it is not recommended for big groups of people.
Monday 10am–5pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10am–5pm
Thursday 10am–5pm
Friday 10am–8:45pm
Saturday 10am–8:45pm
Sunday 10am–8:45pm
Tengkera Duck Noodle Introduction
Tengkera’s Duck Noodle is just few minutes walking distance from the property it is another local delicacy which you should be looking forward while visiting the Malacca town – operating for more than 20 years, this restaurant offers you the most famous Malacca-style Duck Noodles that you’ll ever have before.
Located in Jalan Kota Laksamana, Tengkera Duck Noodle Restaurant is a small family business and constantly packed with customers, be sure to give extra patience while waiting for your meal to arrive especially during peak hours!
*The signature duck noodle is sold according to the braised duck availability, so be sure to get there early (before 11 am) to avoid disappointment.
Signature Tengkera Duck Noodle
After a short while of waiting, here comes our Tengkera’s Duck Noodle RM4.80 serves with flat noodle and shredded braised duck plus another bowl of clear herbal duck soup.
The overall taste is heavenly good, flat noodle is smooth and flavorful (mild tinge of mixed herb and spices), while braised duck meat is superbly tender and juicy, don’t have to worry about bones issues since the main toppings are being well-taken care of, the additional herbal duck soup (sweet, robust pack with duck flavor) pretty much just adds up the merits for the dish.
*Tips: You can also opt for your own choice of noodles selection (flat noodle, yellow noodle, vermicelli and etc) and servings (with soup or dry noodles).
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Tengkera Duck Noodle
33 Jalan Kota Laksamana 1/1Tengkera Duck Noodle Introduction
Tengkera’s Duck Noodle is just few minutes walking distance from the property it is another local delicacy which you should be looking forward while visiting the Malacca town – operating for more than 20 years, this restaurant offers you the most famous Malacca-style Duck Noodles that you’ll ever have before.
Located in Jalan Kota Laksamana, Tengkera Duck Noodle Restaurant is a small family business and constantly packed with customers, be sure to give extra patience while waiting for your meal to arrive especially during peak hours!
*The signature duck noodle is sold according to the braised duck availability, so be sure to get there early (before 11 am) to avoid disappointment.
Signature Tengkera Duck Noodle
After a short while of waiting, here comes our Tengkera’s Duck Noodle RM4.80 serves with flat noodle and shredded braised duck plus another bowl of clear herbal duck soup.
The overall taste is heavenly good, flat noodle is smooth and flavorful (mild tinge of mixed herb and spices), while braised duck meat is superbly tender and juicy, don’t have to worry about bones issues since the main toppings are being well-taken care of, the additional herbal duck soup (sweet, robust pack with duck flavor) pretty much just adds up the merits for the dish.
*Tips: You can also opt for your own choice of noodles selection (flat noodle, yellow noodle, vermicelli and etc) and servings (with soup or dry noodles).
The Daily Fix Cafe is located at Jonker Street. 15 minutes walk from the property. It is housed at the back of a heritage building and is owned by Julian, a young chap graduated from the university in Australia. Subtly decorated at the interior, the cafe does not offend the heritage stature of the building. Rather, it adds a new dimension to preservation of such structure. As the guests admire the creative setup in a nostalgic environment, they can enjoy brownies, ice-creams, sandwiches, pancakes, coffee, etc. It is a newly opened cafe, so, it has a small menu and operates for a relatively short period daily.
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The Daily Fix Cafe
55 Jalan Hang JebatThe Daily Fix Cafe is located at Jonker Street. 15 minutes walk from the property. It is housed at the back of a heritage building and is owned by Julian, a young chap graduated from the university in Australia. Subtly decorated at the interior, the cafe does not offend the heritage stature of the building. Rather, it adds a new dimension to preservation of such structure. As the guests admire the creative setup in a nostalgic environment, they can enjoy brownies, ice-creams, sandwiches, pancakes, coffee, etc. It is a newly opened cafe, so, it has a small menu and operates for a relatively short period daily.
One of my favorite cafes to have a quiet morning at with a cup of Black or White Americano and a Fried Egg on Toast, with old style jazz tunes in the background.
The owner is a very chill lady who is also an avid collector of vintage items and an enthusiastic plant grower. The entrance full of lush tropical plants is what made me check out this coffee shop in the first place.
Everything you see on display in the cafe is actually for sale including books, postcards, vintage toys and much much more random cool stuff. I thought the selection of books for sale here is pretty impressive, still regret not purchasing the thick tome filled with oriental fairytales.
I don’t come here only for coffee though. Vintage Green is my favorite place for a refreshingly delicious Apple Lemonade, Fresh Juices and Aglio Olio. Everything in this cafe is made with fresh and healthy ingredients.
The floor above the cafe is actually for rent on Airbnb. The OLD SOUL STUDIO is one of the most beautiful minimal vintage interiors I’ve seen in Malaysia and I would highly recommend staying in here to experience authentic Malacca vibes.
Vintage Green Cafe @ The Daughter
13 Jalan Bunga RayaOne of my favorite cafes to have a quiet morning at with a cup of Black or White Americano and a Fried Egg on Toast, with old style jazz tunes in the background.
The owner is a very chill lady who is also an avid collector of vintage items and an enthusiastic plant grower. The entrance full of lush tropical plants is what made me check out this coffee shop in the first place.
Everything you see on display in the cafe is actually for sale including books, postcards, vintage toys and much much more random cool stuff. I thought the selection of books for sale here is pretty impressive, still regret not purchasing the thick tome filled with oriental fairytales.
I don’t come here only for coffee though. Vintage Green is my favorite place for a refreshingly delicious Apple Lemonade, Fresh Juices and Aglio Olio. Everything in this cafe is made with fresh and healthy ingredients.
The floor above the cafe is actually for rent on Airbnb. The OLD SOUL STUDIO is one of the most beautiful minimal vintage interiors I’ve seen in Malaysia and I would highly recommend staying in here to experience authentic Malacca vibes.
Satay Hailam Hai Heng
315 Jalan Gajah BerangThey have one of the best pork satay in town! Try the local made soda too
Nice and cosy place for chill out. Though the place is small and limited choice of cakes & pastries but it can definitely satisfied your tongue.
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Sin See Tai
18 Kampung JawaNice and cosy place for chill out. Though the place is small and limited choice of cakes & pastries but it can definitely satisfied your tongue.
An absolutely delicious Thai dishes mastered by a lovely Thai Chef who understands what it takes to prepare yummilicious dishes for customers. She cooks her heart out and passionate about what she serves to the customers. Such a great friendly owner who is so down to earth and friendly.
Rest assured "No Reheated Food"!
Waree Thai Kitchen
7 Jalan Tukang BesiAn absolutely delicious Thai dishes mastered by a lovely Thai Chef who understands what it takes to prepare yummilicious dishes for customers. She cooks her heart out and passionate about what she serves to the customers. Such a great friendly owner who is so down to earth and friendly.
Rest assured "No Reheated Food"!
Bulldog Malacca, Modern Peranakan Restaurant & Bar
Bulldog Malacca, a modern Peranakan restaurant and bar, came highly recommended by several trusted foodies. With repeated recommendations, it quickly moved to the top of our list to visit on this trip.
The restaurant has an industrial feel with its cement floors, white-washed walls, high ceilings and metal frames. A stage with a drum kit centres the space across from the bar, hinting at the fun that was once had and is just waiting to happen again.
It wasn’t always this clean and minimalist though. Those who visited when it first opened six years ago might remember more of a hipster design with plants, a pond, an outdoor space and antiques. Evolving over the years, they’ve stripped it back to make the focus on the food, removing excess clutter. It feels good to be here.
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Bulldog
145 Jalan BendaharaBulldog Malacca, Modern Peranakan Restaurant & Bar
Bulldog Malacca, a modern Peranakan restaurant and bar, came highly recommended by several trusted foodies. With repeated recommendations, it quickly moved to the top of our list to visit on this trip.
The restaurant has an industrial feel with its cement floors, white-washed walls, high ceilings and metal frames. A stage with a drum kit centres the space across from the bar, hinting at the fun that was once had and is just waiting to happen again.
It wasn’t always this clean and minimalist though. Those who visited when it first opened six years ago might remember more of a hipster design with plants, a pond, an outdoor space and antiques. Evolving over the years, they’ve stripped it back to make the focus on the food, removing excess clutter. It feels good to be here.
Hidden Bar
This small hidden bar is very chilling, it's probably a bit hard to find too. At a back alley, small door/gate, need to press the bell and wait for someone to open the door for you. 🤣
It has no menu, just let the bartender know what kind of drinks you like and he will be like omakase mix it for you!
The space are small, cant fit too many people but might need to wait for quite long for your drinks because only one bartender creating the drinks!
Yu Neighbourhood
Hidden Bar
This small hidden bar is very chilling, it's probably a bit hard to find too. At a back alley, small door/gate, need to press the bell and wait for someone to open the door for you. 🤣
It has no menu, just let the bartender know what kind of drinks you like and he will be like omakase mix it for you!
The space are small, cant fit too many people but might need to wait for quite long for your drinks because only one bartender creating the drinks!
Sightseeing
St Paul’s Church is where the ruins are well kept, the breeze is welcoming and the view from the top makes the climb up the St. Paul’s hill worth it. Wander among the majestic forests and glorious remnants.
Steeped in history, this one is amongst the oldest historical monuments in Malacca. The church was constructed in 1521 before which, the building was just a chapel. By the end of the sixteenth century, they named the Church ‘Igreja de Madre de Deus’.
The Church came into existence when the Portuguese colonised Malacca in 1511. The idea was to create a fort overlooking the river. It was called A’ Famosa. Along with that came the bustling markets, streets, food stores and churches. This was the only structure left when the Dutch attacked the area. And there it is, standing with stories to tell.
Location: Jalan Kota, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Malacca
Keep in mind: It will be hard to climb up if you have a knee problem or any other illness. You may choose to avoid it.
How to get there: There are not many options. You should get a taxi to get there or ask for a local guide to help you with the directions. You can also contact the Department of National Heritage for more information.
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St.-Pauls-Kirche
1935 Jalan KotaSt Paul’s Church is where the ruins are well kept, the breeze is welcoming and the view from the top makes the climb up the St. Paul’s hill worth it. Wander among the majestic forests and glorious remnants.
Steeped in history, this one is amongst the oldest historical monuments in Malacca. The church was constructed in 1521 before which, the building was just a chapel. By the end of the sixteenth century, they named the Church ‘Igreja de Madre de Deus’.
The Church came into existence when the Portuguese colonised Malacca in 1511. The idea was to create a fort overlooking the river. It was called A’ Famosa. Along with that came the bustling markets, streets, food stores and churches. This was the only structure left when the Dutch attacked the area. And there it is, standing with stories to tell.
Location: Jalan Kota, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Malacca
Keep in mind: It will be hard to climb up if you have a knee problem or any other illness. You may choose to avoid it.
How to get there: There are not many options. You should get a taxi to get there or ask for a local guide to help you with the directions. You can also contact the Department of National Heritage for more information.
Victorian lamps, Dutch townhouses, opulent interiors, hand-painted tiles and everything that takes you back in time— that’s Baba Nyonya Heritage museum for you. The beginning of the 16th century was a booming time for Malacca’s shores and this is when the city saw Chinese traders making their way into the territory. They married the Malay women and stayed here. Eventually, these traders became the face of the Malaccan economy. The Babas and the Nyonyas of Malaysia designed this privately owned museum to represent the cultural shift and the thriving lives of their people.
And that’s the story behind this museum.
The artwork, antique furniture, woodwork and the items that are displayed at the museum transport you to the bygone era. You can head to the Portuguese Square later once you’ve worked up an appetite.
Location: The museum is located at Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Heeren Street. It is parallel to Jonker Street. 10 minutes walk from the property.
Keep in mind: Head to the Gallery across the road for great local snacks.
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Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
48-50 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng LockVictorian lamps, Dutch townhouses, opulent interiors, hand-painted tiles and everything that takes you back in time— that’s Baba Nyonya Heritage museum for you. The beginning of the 16th century was a booming time for Malacca’s shores and this is when the city saw Chinese traders making their way into the territory. They married the Malay women and stayed here. Eventually, these traders became the face of the Malaccan economy. The Babas and the Nyonyas of Malaysia designed this privately owned museum to represent the cultural shift and the thriving lives of their people.
And that’s the story behind this museum.
The artwork, antique furniture, woodwork and the items that are displayed at the museum transport you to the bygone era. You can head to the Portuguese Square later once you’ve worked up an appetite.
Location: The museum is located at Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Heeren Street. It is parallel to Jonker Street. 10 minutes walk from the property.
Keep in mind: Head to the Gallery across the road for great local snacks.
A beautiful central fountain draws you to the place. The Dutch Square is a colourful trishaw pickup point. The place gets its character from the terracotta-red structures built by the Dutch in the 1660s. Chunky doors, Victorian marble, wrought iron hinges and more, the place takes you back in time.
Do not miss the night time here when the building lights up well. You will love the interesting mix of cultures and colours here.
Location: It is just 10-15 minutes walk from the property.
Keep in mind: Carry fully charged camera batteries because you’d like to click lots of pictures of the photogenic area.
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Windmühle Dutch Square Melaka
A beautiful central fountain draws you to the place. The Dutch Square is a colourful trishaw pickup point. The place gets its character from the terracotta-red structures built by the Dutch in the 1660s. Chunky doors, Victorian marble, wrought iron hinges and more, the place takes you back in time.
Do not miss the night time here when the building lights up well. You will love the interesting mix of cultures and colours here.
Location: It is just 10-15 minutes walk from the property.
Keep in mind: Carry fully charged camera batteries because you’d like to click lots of pictures of the photogenic area.
From the three doctrines in Chinese spirituality to the mesmerising architecture, this temple exudes history. It reminds you of the Chinese era in Malacca. It is one of the oldest yet functioning temples in Malaysia. Constructed in 1963, this a center for Buddhist worship. The intricately designed roof with relief images of birds, flowers and dragons is the first thing that catches your eye.
There are no restrictions like taking off your shoes. You can wear your shoes and go inside. You can also click pictures. It is open from 9 am to 7 pm.
Location: It is very close to the Harmony Street. It is also walking distance from the Kampung Kling Mosque. Another important landmark close to this temple is the Hindu temple of Sri Pogyatha Vinoyagar along Jalan Hang Lekiu.
Keep in mind: Try street food around the area. Entrance is free.
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Cheng Hoon Teng Tempel
25 Jalan TokongFrom the three doctrines in Chinese spirituality to the mesmerising architecture, this temple exudes history. It reminds you of the Chinese era in Malacca. It is one of the oldest yet functioning temples in Malaysia. Constructed in 1963, this a center for Buddhist worship. The intricately designed roof with relief images of birds, flowers and dragons is the first thing that catches your eye.
There are no restrictions like taking off your shoes. You can wear your shoes and go inside. You can also click pictures. It is open from 9 am to 7 pm.
Location: It is very close to the Harmony Street. It is also walking distance from the Kampung Kling Mosque. Another important landmark close to this temple is the Hindu temple of Sri Pogyatha Vinoyagar along Jalan Hang Lekiu.
Keep in mind: Try street food around the area. Entrance is free.
The Royal Press seeks to establish itself as the first polyglot letterpress living museum in the world dedicated to preserving the craft of letterpress printing. As one of the oldest surviving polyglot letterpress printing houses in the world, it continues to be a work in progress to lead in the conversation on the importance of preservation of crafts and the protection of heritage buildings.
The Royal Press
29 Jalan Hang JebatThe Royal Press seeks to establish itself as the first polyglot letterpress living museum in the world dedicated to preserving the craft of letterpress printing. As one of the oldest surviving polyglot letterpress printing houses in the world, it continues to be a work in progress to lead in the conversation on the importance of preservation of crafts and the protection of heritage buildings.
Jaya Mata Malaysia Knife Gallery is the place to rediscover history of knives, swords and scissors from ancient times to the present, and have the opportunity to appreciate the local knife culture.
Jaya Mata Malaysia Knife Gallery (Jonker Walk)
Jaya Mata Malaysia Knife Gallery is the place to rediscover history of knives, swords and scissors from ancient times to the present, and have the opportunity to appreciate the local knife culture.