Anything revolving around world street food is of great interest to the global gourmands. While everyone has their own pick from various delectable items dished out on the streets across the world, travel guide — Taste Atlas — has come up with a Top 50 list in this category. It’s not surprising that a seemingly humble yet flavourful dish from the streets of Malaysia — roti canai bags the number one title of best street food followed by lumpiang Shanghai from the Philippines and the Japanese karaage.
More about roti canai and other top dishes
What is roti canai and why is it the best street food?
As the name suggests, roti canai is a flatbread packed with the goodness of eggs and essential fat from the Indian clarified butter, ghee. It has an outer texture of a flaky pastry but is soft and wholesome on the inside. This can be enjoyed on its own or with a spicy curry of one’s choice. That is how it is usually served on the streets. If you are not a fan of spicy, savoury food, this versatile dish is served with sweet fillings too, by the street vendors commonly known as the mamaks.
Image: Courtesy Indradi Soemardjan/ CC BY 2.0/ via Wikimedia Commons
The dish was brought to Malaysia by Indian migrants in the 1800s and had a very humble start as it was a staple enjoyed by the labourers. Its versatility, simplicity and wholesomeness make it popular as a street food.
The top 5 street food dishes are Asian
Image: Courtesy Arnold Gatilao/ CC BY 2.0/ via Wikimedia CommonsThe Filipino lumpiang Shanghai has been ranked the second-best street food in the world for all the right reasons. This deep-fried party snack takes inspiration from Chinese spring rolls but it is prepared by adding flavours from pork, beef or shrimp and is served with a sweet and sour sauce.
The Japanese karaage comes in the top three street food items solely for its technique which involves keeping the outer cover of the chicken (which is the main ingredient of this dish) crispy and juicy, while it is tender on the inside. The Japanese coat bits of chicken in arrowroot powder before frying and serving with a seasoning of ginger and garlic, topped with a generous helping of soy sauce.
Keeping this list in the picture, it can be safely said that Asian dishes are amongst the most popular street foods consumed on the go or as a festive, party snack in the world.
Affordable and packed with nutrients, next up on this list is a loaded sandwich from Vietnam, bánh mì. A delectable takeaway from colonialism, the French baguette is used as a base to stuff meat, fresh vegetables, choicest spices and pickles to make this wholesome snack.
The royal town in Johor – Muar Food is blessed with variations of local delicacies due to multi-ethnicity including Malay, Chinese and Indian.
You can easily distinguish the differences between the foods as each of them features distinctive and unique characteristics.
Muar has mee bandung, asam pedas and rojak that tastes different from other towns.
There are no other places that can copy exactly the same taste Muar offers to everyone.
What we’re going to show you emphasizes only on the food taste and lots of foodies do enjoy them all.
So, be prepared with mouthwatering and finger licking dishes!
Here is the list of Muar best food:
15 Must-Try Muar Food For Travellers & Food Lovers
1. Otak Otak Cheng Boi – Muar Food
Locals who live up with otak otak often recommend their friends from other places to try otak otak at Cheng Boi as they think that this is the best among all.
Made by fresh mackerel fish, squid and prawn, all of them are wrapped thoroughly in coconut leaves and are later grilled in the shop. With a mild curry flavour, it’s pleasing to taste the thick and meaty otak otak when they are just off the grill.
Location: 28-4, Jalan Bantayan, Muar, Johor, Malaysia. (beside Riverview Hotel) Tel: +6019 – 626 3030 Opening Hours: Daily: 7:30am to 4:00pm
2. Muar Bakri Laksa – Muar Food
Knowing that Muar Bakri Laksa was renowned as Top 50 Best Laksa Outlets in Malaysia, as a food enthusiast, you should not give it a miss if you happen to be around Muar.
Seethed for 3 hours, the broth is the complex of many spices and flavourful ingredients, bringing an enjoyment to the taste buds of customers. The bowl of laksa even contains generous amount of side ingredients. You can also request to maximise the spiciness – if you’re able to handle it.
Location: 307-4, Batu 1 3/4, Jalan Bakri, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia. (Beside Bakri Petrol Shell Station/Opposite Taman Perdana Tel: +6017 – 642 2880 / +606 – 951 7024 Opening Hours: Daily: 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
3. SinggahSawah House – Muar Food
If you wish to dine in windy environment with the sights of paddy field, Singgahsawah House is the best place to go. This place is one stop center to eat, stay and experiencing “kampung style” life and its attractive activity.
Signature dishes here was Nasi Ayam Penyet and Nasi Ayam Geprek is the bestseller. The “sambal” was made from fresh “cili kampung” and definitely made everyone requested for more.
The cafe also served Soto Gearbox (lamb) and Mee Bandung Tulang (beef) as the popular local food in this district. Hi-tea menu also served Pisang Goreng (banana fritters) as everyone’s favourite finger food besides Jemput-jemput Ikan Bilis and Keropok Lekor too.
All ordinary air warung available here, nothing much but will made everyone come here love this place so much. Coming here, you got time for OOTD, eat and spend your evening on good food with your love ones.
Location: Homestay Singgahsawah House, Jalan Sarang Buaya Laut, Kampung Parit Bali, 83600 Semerah, Johor Tel: +6011-39644362 Opening Hours: 4pm – 10pm (Closed On Tuesday)
4. Rojak @ Sg. Abong – Muar Food
Rojak, the local delicacy in Malaysia, can be easily found in any stalls but the one that served at Sg. Abong is considered one of the best. You might need to wait for long time but your patience will be rewarded with a big plate of rojak.
Here, the vegetarian rojak has the perfect blend of pineapple, yam bean, water spinach, bean sprout, cucumber, crushed peanuts, bean curd puffs and fried breadstick. Try the enticing rojak in either original flavour or spicy flavour.
Location: Jalan Sg. Abong, Muar, Johor, Malaysia. (Residence and opposite electrical tower) Tel: +6016 – 604 5978 Opening Hours: Daily: 11:30am – 5:30pm
Closed on: Wednesday
5. Ah Niu Fried Noodles – Muar Food
Along Jalan Hashim you can find an unassuming stall that serves fried prawn noodles, fried rice and other noodles. The cook has many experienced in cooking local delights as he used to cook in school’s canteen for a long time. It is a very traditional place with only a few seats.
The fried prawn noodles here are cheap and delicious. One plate of fried prawn noodles costs only RM4.00 and it comes in a large serving with generous amount of prawns and slices of meat. Overall it’s a great place for breakfast.
Originated from Muar, Mee Bandung is truly a must-try local delight in Muar for its unique and mild spicy taste. Several food stalls are serving this special dish but most of us believe that the cook at Abu Bakar Hanipah have mastered the art of Mee Bandung.
Their Mee Bandung has a rich and thick prawn flavour. The combination of their specially made sambal, shrimps, cuttlefish and beef results in this savoury and a little overpowering taste that will linger long in your taste buds.
Location: 69-A, Jalan Abdullah, Muar, Johor, Malaysia Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00am – 4:00pm
7. Merlin Restaurant – Muar Food
Finding the best “Dragon Tongue Fish” in Muar? Restoran Merlin is your best solution! The restaurant serves wide array of Chinese cuisines and this one is their signature dish.
Actually, “Dragon Tongue Fish” is just a sole fish and people believe that its shape looks like the dragon tongue. Fried to perfection, Restoran Merlin offers you the tender flesh at the right balance of sweetness.
Most importantly, they cook only the freshest ones to maximise deliciousness and offer you a wonderful culinary experience.
Location: 90, Jalan Dua, Taman Orkid, 84000 Muar, Johor, MalaysiaContact: +606 – 952 6971 Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00am – 9:00pm
Closed on: Monday
8. Ah Teck Chwee Kueh – Muar Food
Ah Teck is one of the must-go roadside stalls in Muar that serves you the conventional breakfast – Chwee Kueh. This is the locals’ favourite roadside stall that has been running for over decades.
Serving you the most fluffy steamed rice cakes that topped with salty “choy bou” (preserved radish), it is hard to stop after taking the first bite. People often take away to give them to their colleagues or take them as their breakfast snack.
Location: Jalan Yahya, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia. Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00am – 11:00pm
9. Muar Soup House – Muar Food
Occupying 3 shop houses in Muar, it’s hard to imagine that Muar Soup House was once only a small pedicab stall selling various soups at the roadside. However, what’s not changing is that beef and mutton soup are still their major draw.
Photo credits: muarsouphouse.com
The humble bowl of soup is overloaded with mutton or beef according what you order and you wouldn’t find any gamey taste of raw meat. Robust, thick and giving off a slightly herbal smell, the soup will definitely exceed your expectations.
Hainan Chicken Rice or Hainan Chicken Chop are common sight in Malaysia but have you heard of Hainan Chicken Curry Rice? If no, then you should give Kedai Kopi Lu San a try.
The curry is not too spicy and not oily for masses of patrons. Instead, they find the curry giving off a fragrant and pleasing smell. The meat of chicken is tender and a separate version of gravy is provided to “flood” you rice with curry.
Location: 33, Jalan Haji Abu, Muar, Johor, Malaysia. Tel: +6016 – 612 3963 Opening Hours: 9:00am – 3:00pm
11. Han Thoy Coffee Shop – Muar Food
Finger licking and tantalizing Fresh Water Prawns are now serving in Han Thoy Coffee Shop! You can find this modest coffee shop in Panchor, a small town in Muar and is within close proximity to the river.
Various cooking styles are available for the water prawns. But, if you wish to enjoy the natural flavour of prawns to fullest, opt for the steamed water prawns. It gives you the sweetness of prawns in a firm and springy taste.
Location: No.1&2, Jalan Said, Panchor, Muar, Johor, Malaysia Map:https://bit.ly/2GxzLip Tel: +606 – 973 6270 / +6012 – 331 1064 (Tong Tien Feng) Opening Hours: Daily: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
12. Chun Hui Restaurant – Muar Food
Popular in serving local delights especially Asam Pedas Parit Jawa Fish, the owner of Chun Hui Restaurant has been specialising the art of asam fish for over 10 years. The sambal chilli which tastes different from other stalls is identified and made by them every day.
Poured over the well-cooked fish head, the asam fish gives off a pleasant smell and the gravy enchants the natural flavour of the fish. At Chun Hui Restaurant, the robust gravy is prone to sour taste instead of typical asam pedas that offers more spicy flavour.
Location: PKB 23-A, Parit Kassim, Jalan Abdul Rahman, 84150 Muar, Johor , Malaysia. Contact: +6019 – 632 0555 Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00am – 4:00pm
13. Sai Kee Coffee 434 – Muar Food
Producing their own brand, Elephant brand coffee, Sai Kee Coffee 434 serves only their own coffee since its establishment. If you like their coffee, grounded beans that packed in bags can be bought at the shop to enjoy them at home.
The coffee at Sai Kee is made in traditional way – pouring boiled water over grounded beans in muslin. Fragrant, robust and bitter are the simplest describe of this marvellous coffee.
Location: 121, Jalan Maharani, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia. (across the road from the central bus station and wet market) Tel: +606 – 951 3046 Opening Hours: Daily: 8:00am – 5:30pm
14. Muar Glutton Street – Muar Food
Flooded with plentiful of food stalls along the street, Muar Glutton Street is a place that foodies should not miss out.
Tong Shui (a kind of watery dessert), Bubur ChaCha, Green Bean Soup and peanut soup are some of the local delights offered along the street.
Most of the food stalls are serving local food and though some of them are serving the same food, each gives a slightly different taste and you can compare them by your own.
Location: T’am Cjia Kuay (贪呷街), Along Jalan Haji Abu, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia.
15. Jie Chun Restaurant – Muar Food
The founder of Kedai Jie Chun, Mr.Wong is come from Hainan, China and after he came to Muar, he opened this restaurant and thus, the authentic Hainan Chicken Rice is served here.
Chicken rice balls are their main draw. It’s moist, soft and savoury and you can blend it with soy sauce. Generously lathered with sesame sauce, the chicken’s meat is a bit firm but it tastes excellent overall.
You can also order the braised tofu, it’s good to pair up with the chicken rice.
Location: 250, Jalan Sakeh, Taman Sri Emas, Muar, Johor, Malaysia Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00am – 2:00pm
Closed on: Thursday
Feel like going on a café hopping adventure in your Malacca trip?
We’ve made you a list of the best cafes in Jonker Street!
The cafés below come with different unique themes and concepts ranging from rustic theme, western style, tropical rainforest to a contemporary cafe.
When the weather is extremely hot, they help you to stay cool and provide you with a resting spot.
With wide array of coffees and desserts offered, there must be one that could satisfy your afternoon tea cravings and coffee needs.
Check out these cafes in Malacca and take nice pictures to upload it on Instagram!
11 Best Cafes In Jonker Street
1. The Baboon House
The Baboon House is a charming café that boasts “Nature Feel”. The tranquil environment of the café shows a huge contrast to the lively Jonker Street outside.
Despite the laidback atmosphere, the café impresses customers with their delicious gourmet burgers and ground coffee.
The burgers come with homemade beef, chicken and pork and the portions are always bigger than other burger joints. Baboon Beef Burger and Oriental Chicken Burger are the most ordered burgers here.
Here, all coffee and hot tea comes with Danish cookies as sweet treat. Their creamy Vietnamese coffee is the must try.
While waiting for the food, customers can enjoy some quite moments by browsing magazines, reading book or inspecting delicate crafts on walls. They can play around with the owner’s cat and dog at the main entrance too.
Location: 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Kampung Bukit China, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 1635 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
2. Calanthe Art Cafe
If you are a coffee lover, Calanthe Art Café is definitely the perfect place for you. It stands as the pioneering and the only café in Malacca that serves all kinds of Malaysia’s 13 States Coffee.
Apart from that, the café even offers one-of-a-kind blend coffees like green tea coffee and the “Jealousy”, a thick espresso with mint syrup.
For non-coffee drinkers, they have ice-blended beverages such as Pink Lady and Cendol Ice Blenz. Variety of smoothies, soda mixes, milk shakes and teas are offered too. If you prefer alcoholic drinks, we recommend you the Bailey cocktail.
Alongside drinks, Calanthe experts in serving local food. They serve their own version of laksa and nasi lemak which are both flavourful and tasty.
After the meal, you can order their brownie with ice-cream or caramel slice as desserts. Both are the signature desserts here.
Location: 11, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-292 2960 Opening Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday: 9:00am – 11:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:00am – 12:00am Facebook
3. The Daily Fix Cafe
The Daily Fix Café, which was once an old shophouse, had undergone renovation to offer customers a cosy environment in rustic feel. It is quite popular among teenagers because they like to upload their surroundings here on Instagram.
The café specialises in serving pancakes with different flavours. One of the highlights is their Local Pandan Pancake that comes with 5 pieces stuffed with sugar. Other desserts like brownies and cakes are offered too.
If you like to eat spaghetti, their Smoked Duck Aglio Olio is so well-cooked and the chilli and garlic seasoning are added to the perfect amount. The duck meat is not too fatty and you can change it with Char Siew as well.
If you love taking photographs, head to the indoor courtyard at the back for more scenic spots.
Location: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 4858 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 11:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am – 11:30pm Facebook
4. Rainforest Coffee Bean
Surrounded by ancient antique and furniture, Rainforest Coffee Bean creates a nostalgic ambience for us to enjoy their homemade coffee.
While walking in, you will first be greeted by their on-site shop that sells freshly grounded coffee powder such as Arabian coffee beans. For caffeine addict, this is the 100% original coffee beans from Arabian.
The café is located deeper inside. Beverages such as hot coffee, smoothies are offered here. You will definitely fall in love with their coffees that have a strong aromatic smell. If the weather is hot, order the ice-blended coffee to cool yourself down.
The creamy cheesecake is the highlight too. Caramelized on top, there are blueberries stuffed in between and a crust at bottom. Basically, it has 3 layers and the taste and texture are perfect in mouth.
Location: No.36 & 38, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-284 0128 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Friday to Sunday: 10:00am – 10:00pm
5. River View Cafe Melaka
As the name suggested, the café offers diners a picturesque view of Malacca River while they were enjoying the food. At night, the lights that reflecting on the river creates a very romantic ambience for dinner.
If the weather is nice, the outdoor seating is even more enjoyable. You can see the boats cruising by the river and the smiles of tourists on the boat could make your day.
The menu offerings are ranging from western food, local delicacies and the fusion of western and eastern food. Despite specialising in Malaysian’s all-time favourite such as Nasi Lemak, they serve excellent Malay classic food like beef rendang and Nasi Kemal too.
The café is very quiet and serene because it is located quite far from the main activity area of Jonker Street. It is best suited for those who want to stay alone too.
Location: 82, Jalan Kampong Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-380 7211 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday Facebook
6. Backlane Coffee
Tucked at the backside of Jonker Street, Backlance Coffee takes you away from the busy street and brings you to a totally serene environment.
There are wooden furniture, aged brick walls, and lots of antique items displayed as decorations. For instance, they have vintage phone, London Royal Guards and beautiful cups.
Despite homemade dishes like pizza, panini and breakfast sets, most customers are here for their aromatic coffees and desserts.
Besides, they offer many beverages which are good for health. For instance, they offer Handmade Brown Sugar Ginger Tea, Honey Jujube and Honey Citron.
In Malacca, there are not many cafés that offer Macaroon. So, if you are a Macaroon lover, this place is just right for you. The Macaroon here comes with 6 flavours and it tastes delicious!
Location: 129, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-282 0542 Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00am – 12:00am
Friday & Saturday: 11:00am – 1:00am Facebook
7. The Coffee Jar (呷咖啡)
Currently, lots of coffee shops are mushrooming in Malacca but The Coffee Jar stands out among all of them because of their passion in making authentic coffee.
Despite the taste, they highly emphasise on the art and the craft of the coffee, eager to serve you the best coffee in town.
Enter the coffee shop and you will be welcomed by several coffee roasters that are constantly roasting the coffee beans.
From classic cappuccino to a well-balanced ristretto, they don’t limit themselves in serving only black coffee. They learn more and keep on improving their coffee-making skills. This is why now we get to enjoy a high standard milk coffee and espresso-based coffee here.
Image credit: foodietopography.net
Apart from coffee, they offer cheese cakes and pies as complement to the coffee. All desserts are homemade and come with affordable prices.
Location: No.38, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-281 5100 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:30 – 6:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday Facebook
8. Hard Rock Café Malacca
Idyllically situated beside the Malacca River, Hard Rock Café that offers great band performance has been attracting music enthusiasts to come over for dinner.
Lots of great artists and musicians have been invited to play crowd-favourite songs ranging from rock and roll, pop, jazz to blue music. Their performance mostly starts at 10:00pm.
Featuring indoor and outdoor dining area, the café boasts large portion food that are meant for people with big appetites.
Their Tex-Mex Menu offers Legendary burgers, Smokes (barbecued beef ribs and chicken), asam pedas fish and seafood char kuey teow. These are the highlight dishes here. For kids, they offer them a separate menu.
If you love to eat desserts, their laden with ice-cream Haagen Dazs is one that you would die for.
Location: No.28, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-292 5188 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:30am – 1:00am
Friday to Sunday: 11:30am – 2:00am Facebook
9. The Stolen Cup
If you are finding a resting place in the hot afternoon around Jonker Street, do make a stop at The Stolen Cup. The humble café is beautifully decorated with old clocks, posters and wooden planks to give at rustic feel. Nice Bossa Nova music are played as background music too.
For coffee, the “Gula Melaka” latte is their highlight. The taste is quite unique and the Gula Melaka truly boosted the flavour of latte. You can have it iced during hot day.
Another special coffee here is curacao coffee and the curacao is flavoured with peels of oranges. Their caramel macchiato is highly recommended too.
If you never try salted egg croissant before, the one that offered here does not disappoint. Very well-toasted and has a crispy skin.
Location: 21A, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Friday to Sunday: 9:00am – 11:00pm Facebook
10. Geographer Cafe
Geographer Cafe is quite famous in Malacca. Lies at the corner of the shopping street, customers are pleased to dine here because of their warm and elegant atmosphere. At night, it transforms into a tempting bar, offering enchanting nightlife to all of us.
Mouth-watering food are the main attraction of Geographer Cafe. They aim at providing fresh and healthy food to customers. As a result, most of the dishes here come with white meat, salad and soup. They even add fruits and yoghurt to their desserts.
For beverages, the café serves soft drinks, fruit juices, coffee, tea, liquors and even wines. Gula Melaka Layer Tea is their specially created drink. It tastes sweet and has three layers.
The café sells gifts and souvenirs too. Mugs, books, scarfs and T-shirts can be bought here for friends.
Location: 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-281 6813 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 1:00am
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 1:00am Facebook
11. Kaya-Kaya Cafe Melaka
Make it a point to stop by the café when you are around Jonker Street.
Kaya-Kaya café is a beautiful vintage café in Melaka. The café is a reflection of Melaka City’s rich culture, history and traditions.
With ancient brick walls and wooden furniture, Kaya-Kaya Café take you to a time travel, probably decades ago. Head to the back of the building where you will find a courtyard. At the back, the café features a great mural wall which has been welcoming endless guests for pictures.
The café offers wholesome and hearty dishes. For breakfast, their Kaya Cheese Toast is the must-try. The kaya is creamy and it feels like melting in your mouth. They add some cheese to add some saltiness to the sweet taste. Start your day right with a hearty plate of Kaya Breakfast.
Another highlight is the Mushroom Omelette. The fluffy moist scrambled eggs are added with mushrooms in butter until a fragrant smell given off. Truly the taste of heaven.
Besides, their drinks have a special name. For instance, “See U Again” is a drink mixed with pandan leaves and lemongrass while “Welcome to Melaka” is soya milk mixed with gula melaka and grass jelly.
Location: 32, Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-281 4089 Opening Hours:
Daily: 8:00am – 6:00pm Facebook
Related: These Are All The Best Kopitiams In KL And PJ For That Perfect Breakfast
(Main and featured image: courtesy Geoff Peters from Vancouver, BC, Canada/ CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons)
(This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur)
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