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.
Malacca, also spelt as Melaka, has changed a lot since the lockdown and the next time you find yourself in this historical town while on your trip to Malaysia, be sure to check out some of the best, most interesting bars, including a 100-year-old one.
Malacca is known for many things, especially being home to a rich and culturally diverse environment. With travel back in full swing now, a short trip here is always a good idea. There is plenty to discover, from heritage hotels to cafes. And since the historic city is also known as one of the best places to visit to eat to your heart’s content, you might forget that it also has plenty of great bars.
The bar scene in Malacca has recently upped its ante, with names like BUDI that offer more than just potent cocktails. Others, like the 100-year-old Sin Hiap Hin, well, let history do the talking.
There are also plenty of old-school bars readily available, featuring the background of the rich history of one of Malaysia’s oldest states. Checking out these best bars in Malacca may be the perfect reason to plan a trip.
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8 best bars in Malacca to visit:
Jonker Street is one of the more livelier places within the city of Malacca and rightfully so, as there is always something going on. However, Jonker Street is also popular mainly due to the Geographer Café, which cannot be missed as it’s one of the biggest bars around the area. It embodies the term ‘east meets west’ while maintaining its warm ambience and old charm. The Geographer Café also serves up a wide array of dishes, which ranges from your classic Western dishes as well as local delicacies. It also has plenty of beer choices on tap as well as wine and other liquors.
Address: 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +06-2816813
Hatten Hotel is considered to be one of the more luxurious stays you can find when in Malacca. The hotel is set against a picturesque vista of Malacca’s most famous historical landmarks and on the 22nd floor lies Alto Sky Lounge. It brings a whole new definition to the term “a new height of luxury” with a breathtaking view of the cityscape right before your eyes. Alto Sky Lounge also offers a wide variety of drinks, from cocktails to fine wines. Be sure to dress appropriately as Alto Sky Lounge does have a strict ‘smart casual’ dress code.
Address: Hatten Square, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-286 9696
It appears Malacca has also caught up with the times with its very own speakeasy bar known as The Old Merchant. From a first glance, The Old Merchant carries a heavy oriental vibe to its atmosphere as it was evolved from an ancient private bank that dates back to the 1920s. The speakeasy is also located along Jalan Kampung Pantai, which was the original Chinatown back in 15th-century Malacca. The Old Merchant also sticks true to the heritage of being a speakeasy as it will be a bit of a task to locate.
Address: 88, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 19-627 9020
Image credit: The Old Merchant 滙庄/Facebook
If you’re looking to liven up your evening, the Hard Rock Cafe in Malacca is the place to be. The franchise has been around since the 1970s with its rock & roll themed memorabilia that adorn its walls. Fans of old-school rock & roll are in for a treat as Hard Rock Cafe has plenty of that and more. It also offers a wide spread of dishes and drinks for one to pick from while you go back through the golden years of rock & roll. You can also walk away with Hard Rock Cafe souvenirs from its gift shop, located within the premises.
Address: 28, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +606-2925188
Image credit: Hard Rock Cafe Melaka/Facebook
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Inspired by the golden days of Dondang Sayangs clubs, BUDI Melaka is a hidden bar that offers more than just a good ol’ Old Fashioned. Sin See Tai cafe by day, and BUDI Melaka by night, the bar serves a bevvy of unique cocktails made using local produce including a vegetable-forward menu that incorporates homegrown ingredients like bittergourd, eggplant, corn and sweet pea into its concoction. The multi-level bar is eccentrically designed, giving a sense of mystery and cosiness at the same time. We recommend that you make a reservation before heading over because seats are pretty limited.
Address: 16, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka
Phone: +6017-7188269
Image credit: Budi/Facebook
If you’re looking for something authentic and old-school, your visit to Melaka will not be complete without a drink at the 100-year-old vintage bar at Java Lane. This drinking hole is a living heritage and is managed by Aunty Doris, the bartender in charge of serving and pouring you some of the most unconventional spirits in the market. She’s been with the bar for over 40 years, and it is raved about for its rustic saloon-style bar that’s unpretentious yet charming. When visiting the oldest bar in historical Melaka, you’ll get more than cocktails and shots, but anecdotes of good ol’ Malacca from the owner herself.
Address: 5, Kampung Jawa, 75200 Melaka
Image credit: tripadvisor
They say the best way to explore Malacca city is by foot. If you happen to be around the heritage zone, Tipsy Bridge is a must-go for a tipple. It’s tucked in an alleyway off the main road, along Jalan Kampung Pantai across Kampung Jawa Bridge (where Sin See Tai or BUDI Melaka is). Its neon-lit signage is quite hard to miss. The little street here is quite happening at night, with upbeat music and neighbouring cafes like Tuju Cafe and The Bridge Cafe.
Address: Jalan Kampung Pantai, Dalam Lorong Jabatan, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +6011-2682 3038
Image credit: tipsybridgeauthentic/Instagram
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Located adjacent to the famous Jonker Street, Reggae on the River is a riverside bar that allows you to chill al-fresco style while having a pint of beer or tequila shots. It’s a popular drinking place among the locals and offers a nice view of the vibrant Melaka River.
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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