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 is a great location for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a vast variety of centuries-old cultures.
One of the most prominent cultures in Malacca is the Peranakan, also called Baba Nyonya, culture.
Peranakan is a mix of two very different cultures that began in the 15th century when the Chinese began immigrating to Malaysia and marrying the Muslim Malay women.
Top 13 Best Nyonya Food in Melaka
1. Restoran Nyonya Makko
This restaurant, which is beautifully decorated to look like an authentic Nyonya house inside and out, has been around for quite some time and is loved by both locals and tourists.
Their prices range from RM12 to RM50 per dish, and are the perfect mixture of sweet and spicy. Their most popular dishes are the Ikan Asam and Pongteh. They also serve a delicious cendol as an after meal treat.
Location: 123, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia Contact Number: +606 – 284 0737 Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 6:00pm – 9:15pm
Closed on: Tuesday
2. Nancy’s Kitchen
Nancy’s Kitchen is a little difficult to find if you are a tourist, but any local can easily show you how to get there. It is a pretty popular place so you may end up waiting in line for a while or even sharing a table with strangers.
Their dishes range in price from RM6 to RM35 and tend to be on the spicier side. Their most popular dishes are the sweet and sour fish and the buah keluak ayam, and you can purchase cendol or kueh for dessert.
Location: 13, 13-1, 13-2, Jalan KL 3/8, Taman Kota Laksamana, Seksyen 3, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact Number: +606 – 283 6099 / +6013 – 618 3608 Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Friday to Saturday & Public Holidays: 11:00am – 9:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
3. Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine
This authentic and traditional Nyonya restaurant is owned and ran by a sweet woman, Amy, who takes pride in her cooking. Her and her team work hard to make every dish perfect, which can lead to a longer than normal wait time.
However, their food is highly recommended by locals and tourists alike. Their dishes range in price from RM12 to RM30.
Their most popular dishes are the Ikan Cili Garam and the Kangkung Kobis Keledek Masak Titik Lemak.
The Ikan Cili Garam is a lightly seasoned fish that is deep fried and then topped with fresh chili paste, while the Kangkung Kobis Keledek Masak Titik Lemak is an original dish that is only found at Amy’s.
Location: 75, Jalan Melaka Raya 24, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000, Melaka, Melaka Contact Number: +606 – 286 8819 Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Closed on: Monday
4. Kocik Kitchen
Kocik Kitchen is Halal and is cozy and has a homey feeling to it. They use old and truly authentic family recipes that have been handed down from one generation to the next.
There is less of wait here as it is more of a local spot than a tourist attraction, which also means their prices are affordable; their dishes are between RM8 and RM30.
Their most popular dishes are their otak-otak, which comes as either hard or soft, and their large selection of kuehs.
Location: 100, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia Contact Number: +6012 – 377 4732 / +6016 – 929 6605 Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 11:00am – 6:30pm
Friday, Saturday to Sunday: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 7:30pm
Closed on: Wednesday
5. Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant
This restaurant is inside a 5-star hotel and is an upper-class restaurant that is beautifully decorated. The prices are a little steeper here, ranging from RM15 to RM50.
They are strictly Nyonya and are not mixed with any other styles, so those seeking real Nyonya food should be happy here.
Their most popular dishes are Ayam Pongteh, Ikan Goreng Cili Garam, Ikan Gerang Asam, Ayam Buah Keluak and the dishes are served either a la carte or Nyonyan steamboat style. Their signature drink is Asam Boi and is a must try.
Location: Hotel Equatorial Melaka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia Contact Number: +606 – 282 8333 Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:00pm – 2:30pm & 6:30pm – 10:30pm
6. Cottage Spices Nyonya Restaurant
This restaurant is influenced somewhat by Northern cooking styles and you will need to plan ahead since the restaurant only has 10 tables.
Their menu is simple yet flavorful, and their prices range from RM10 to RM 25 per dish. One of their most popular dishes is the Asam Pedas Fish.
Another popular dish in Cottage Spices is the Sambal Sotong with Petai, which is chilli-spiced squids with stink-beans, and it is both delicious and spicy.
Location: 171, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact Number: +606 – 283 5040 Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:00pm – 4:00pm, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Closed on: Tuesday
7. Restoran Indah Sayang
The locals love this restaurant, which has a stained glass entrance outside and is decorated casually and earthy inside.
Their prices start as low as RM7.50 for a dish, which makes them somewhat cheaper than other Nyonya restaurants in the area.
The most popular dish is the Chap Chai, which is preserved vegetables, and the Asam fish.
Don’ t forget to taste their chilli paste, which is served with the Asam fish, is spicy yet sweet, and very delicious!
Location: 138, Jalan Melaka Raya, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact Number: +606 – 282 0285 Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 3:30pm & 6:00pm – 9:30pm
Thursday: 11:30am – 3:30pm
8. Restoran Peranakan
This restaurant is an authentic, traditional Nyonya house with rare, traditional Peranakan décor, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the culture and the food. It’s one of the restaurants in Jonker Street, Malacca.
Photo credits: malacca.ws
Their most popular dishes are their calamari fritters and sambal prawns, though they also have set menus which are great for both individuals and large groups.
They are reasonably priced, seeing as you can get a meal for two, including drinks, for around RM47.
Location: 107, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Melaka, Malaysia. Contact Number: +606 – 284 5001 Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 12:00pm – 4:30pm & 6:30pm – 10:00pm
9. Restoran Aunty Lee
You may want to make reservations, as this place is generally full of people and those without reservations may have to wait in a very long line, and may not get in at all.
You can even pre-order on their website so that your food is already ready when you arrive. It is owned by Uncle and Aunty Lee, who use generations of family recipes that are authentically Nyonya.
Their most popular dishes are the Ikan Geram Asam and Ikan Chili Gara, which are both fish dishes. Their cendol is also very highly recommended.
Location: 385, Jalan Ujong Pasir, 75050 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact Number: +6019 – 278 8653 Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 6:00pm – 9:30pm
Closed on: Tuesday
10. Kedai Kopi Juat Lye
This is another fairly secluded restaurant that serves exceptionally delicious Nyonya food that is mostly unknown to the outside world. However, it is worth to visit and experience the Nyonya food yourself.
It is a coffee shop and serves aromatic and delicious kopi. Despite being a coffee shop, the most popular dish here is the Penang Style Prawn Mee and Nyonya food.
The Prawn Mee is full of meat, toppings and noodles and can be purchased for only around RM4.50, making this café affordable.
Location: 371G, Jalan Melor 2, Taman Peringgit Jaya, Melaka, Malaysia. Contact Number: +606 – 283 3619 Opening Hours:
Daily: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Closed on: Monday
11. Jonker 88
Jonker 88 is located on the extremely popular Jonker Street and is a self-service restaurant, meaning that you order and carry your food to your table yourself.
The prices are very reasonable, ranging between RM4.50 and RM10 for the most popular items. The most popular main dishes are the Baba Laksa, Nynonya Asam Laksa and the Baba salad, which is great for sharing.
The most popular desserts are the Baba Cendol with Gula Melaka and the Baba Durian Cendol.
Location: 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact Number: +6019 – 397 5665 Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 9:30am to 5:30pm
Friday to Saturday: 9:30am to 8:30pm
12. Donald and Lily’s
Another crowded and popular restaurant, Donald and Lily’s is a cute and charming little shop serving authentic Nyonya food in Malacca.
The locals love many different dishes there, as they serve a variety of Nyonya food, but their most popular dishes are the Ayam Pongteh, Mee Siam and Tauhu Goreng. Their shop is small but definitely worth the visit, and their prices are reasonable.
Location: 16 (Ground Floor), Jalan KSB 1, Taman Kota Shahbandar, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact Number: +606 – 284 8907 Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Closed on: Monday & Tuesday
13. Restoran Ole Sayang
This is a widely popular and easy to find restaurant in Malacca. It is cozy and decorated in an old Nyonya style, adding to the authenticity and culture.
Their prices range from RM8 to RM 45 and the locals love their food. They are also Halal friendly, which is a plus. Their Asam Fish and Beef Rendang are very popular with customers.
Location: 198-199, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact Number: +606 – 283 1966 Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 6:00pm – 9:30pm
Closed on: Wednesday
If you have been wondering where to eat at Jonker Street, this article will help you in many ways!
We have got you 12 different restaurants along or near the Jonker Street that has been frequented and recommended by the locals.
These Jonker Street restaurants not only serve you local delicacies.
Instead, some offer you the hearty and wholesome Western cuisines, Malacca food and some even present you Nyonya dishes that have heavenly taste!
A meal at these restaurants could reenergize your tired body and mind before getting on the journey again.
Let check them out!
We hope you really enjoy yourself while dining here!
12 Best Restaurants In Jonker Street
1. The Baboon House
The Baboon House is a restaurant where tranquil environment meets with decent food. Greeny surrounding, big portion of food at affordable prices, scenic spots, everything about the restaurant is outstanding.
The restaurant is famous for their homemade burger. One of the most ordered dishes is their highlight, Baboon Beef burger that comes with tender and juicy beef. Served with vegetables and potato wedges, the burger is best with the sauce that adds a little spiciness to the taste. It is one of the famous food in Jonker Street.
Baboon Green Salad is another must-try too. Topped with chicken and pork bacon, the massive portion of salad is enough for 2 persons!
To quench your thirst, the restaurant offers you beverages ranging from smoothies, fresh juices, coffee, hot tea to alcoholic beverages. Each coffee and hot tea comes with Danish cookies to complement your afternoon tea.
Location: 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Kampung Bukit China, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 1635 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
2. Salud Tapas
Being the only Spanish Restaurant in Malacca, Salud Tapas serves incredible Spanish food with nice food presentations. It is housed in an ancient heritage building and the beautiful interior creates a cosy yet romantic ambience for diners.
The restaurant features open kitchen where diners can see how the chef cooks while enjoy the delicious food. With the western environment, it makes you feel like having a dinner in Europe.
The food offered are very authentic. Every bite come with huge flavours. Whether it is paella, gambas (prawns) or calamari, the restaurant offers all of them. If you dip them in their special made black garlic sauce, it tastes even more flavourful!
Upstairs, the restaurant transforms into a casual bar filled with fun and warm atmosphere. They offer variety of drinks for you to socialise with friends.
Location: 94, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia. Contact: +606-282 9881 Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:30pm – 12:00am
Closed on: Tuesday Facebook
3. Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball (马六甲和记鸡饭)
As the name suggested, Hoe Kee sells poached chicken in Malacca. With marble tables and wooden chairs, it offers a nostalgic ambience of traditional Chinese restaurant. For better lightning, head to the middle area with open roof.
Like the normal chicken rice we eat, the rice ball is cooked by using the chicken stock. The only difference is it is shaped into balls. It is firm and it won’t break up while picking it up.
The poached chicken is incredibly succulent, flavourful and moist! The serving is enough for 2 persons and it tastes really different from the chicken rice in KL and the bean sprouts chicken in Ipoh.
Chili sauce and dark soya sauce are available at each table. It simply just adds the chicken more flavourful.
Location: No.4, 6, & 8, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 4571 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:30am – 4:30pm Facebook
4. Poh Piah Lwee
Serving the Malaysian’s all-time favourite – Po Piah, the humble restaurant is perfect for a decent breakfast to kick start your day. They also serve Nyonya cuisines that will make you long for more.
The unique thing about Malacca’s Po Piah is they add delicious fried pork lard oil. Though they add it into Po Piah, it still comes with right texture and is not overly oily.
The jicama inside is well-marinated and boiled to the right moisture. Best of all, the amount of sweetness is just right! It is fresh, crunchy and mixes so well with other ingredients in Po Piah.
Other recommended breakfast would be Nyonya Dumpling and Nyonya Laksa. The Nyonya Dumpling that has generous fillings is very tasty and sweet while the Nyonya Laksa that comes with fragrant smell is creamy and not too spicy in taste!
Location: 14, Jalan Kubu, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-282 7175 / +6017-783 0986 Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Closed on: Monday & Tuesday Facebook
5. Straits Affair
Straits Affair was established to preserve authentic Peranakan food. Although the ethic has been living in Malacca for over 200 years, the restaurant prides themselves in serving contemporary Nyonya delicacies and keeping old favourite at the same time.
Despite Nyonya delicacies, the restaurant is also a patisserie offering all kinds of Peranakan kuih including pastries, biscuits, cakes and cookies. Their fine kuih are made from their secret family recipe and freshly made of the day.
Fried ang koo kuih, Pang Susie, ondeh-ondeh and apom berkuah are the signature kuih at Staits Affair. Nyonya food like pai tee, Nyonya laksa and mee siam can be found here too. Besides, their Peranakan pancake with banana and Gula Melaka has a heavnly taste.
For beverages, opt for the coffee or tea with gula melaka. If you prefer something cold, their chendol is best recommended.
Location: 1, Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-605 6490 Opening Hours:
Daily:
Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday
6. Wild Coriander
Set in the picturesque riverside, Wild Coriander is a restaurant combining both Malaysian and Asian food and it offers exceptional Nyonya dishes too. The restaurant serves no pork so you can bring Muslims friends around.
Wild Coriander is in a traditional Malay house with beautiful interior design. The decorations on walls such as traditional plates throw you back to old Malacca times.
Both Laksa and Beef Rendang here are superb in taste. As the Beef Rendang goes very well with biryani rice, remember to pair them up while having the dish.
Other Malaysian favourite like Nasi Lemak, mutton curry and bok choi are offered here. Each has distinct flavours and all the produce are fresh.
Don’t forget to opt for their Cameron Highland tea which has a wonderful taste!
Location: 40, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-380 7211 Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday Facebook
7. River View Cafe Melaka
Located away from the hustle and bustle of Jonker Street, River View Café Melaka is one of the Jonker Street cafe that best suited for those who enjoy some quiet moments. Especially in the evening, it offers customers an amazing sunset view of Malacca River.
Even though the cafe offers both local delicacies and western cuisines, they are known for specialising in Malaysian classic food.
Beef rendang is their signature. The serving is great and the tender soft beef could just fell apart in plate. For the gravy, the taste is rich and full of spices. It is well-accompanied with pickles, cucumbers, chilli paste, fried anchovies and rice.
Other recommended dishes are chicken curry, calamari and fried rice.
For beverages, you can have their mango lassi- their highlight smoothies made with yogurt. It is extremely fresh and fruity.
Location: 82, Jalan Kampong Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-380 7211 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday Facebook
8. Shui Xian Vegetarian Restaurant (水仙素食园)
Jonker Street caters to vegetarians too! At Shui Xian Vegetarian Restaurant, a variety of dishes are offered and they will come out with 1 or 2 local specials each day as the day’s highlight. Ala carte dishes are available here as well.
The Melaka chicken rice ball is their signature and it is almost sold out around 9am daily. Some people said that it tastes better than the non-vegetarian one.
It is a twist on the normal chicken rice we taste. Instead of serving a plate of rice, the chicken rice is made into big ball shape and the chicken is served separately as accompaniments.
Their Wan Tan Mee tastes good too. Customers can choose from 3 different sizes at different prices. However, there is no wantan in the dish. Instead, they serve fried wan tan skin with no fillings.
Location: 43, Jalan Hang Lekiu, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +601-635 8052 Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:30am – 2:30pm
Closed on: Sunday Facebook
9. Seeds Garden Bistro
Seeds Garden Bistro presents the best of nature food. Featuring hearty Asian and European dishes using the freshest ingredients, herbs and spices, the restaurant gives your body a healing experience in the modern city.
We have been eating meat burger for a long time but have you tried the mushroom burger before? This is the signature of Seeds Garden and it tastes delicious! The burger is quite healthy because there is not much seasoning inside.
We recommend you enjoy their Japanese Curry and Nasi Campur too. If you prefer western dishes more, you can always try their pizza and spaghetti. No worries to vegetarians as they don’t even use mock meat in preparing these dishes.
They offer fresh fruit juices as well. Carrot and apple juices are recommended here.
Location: 60, Jalan Tokong, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6017-363 9626 Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday Facebook
10. Hard Rock Café Malacca
Almost everyone who love music will fall in love with Hard Rock Café Malacca. The restaurant is a place where classic hits and authentic cuisines mix in one.
They decorate the restaurant with musical instruments, autographed albums and costumes. And with the memorabilia and modern design, you feel cool and trendy while dining here.
Their homemade Original Legendary Burger is the dish that makes them so famous. Generously filled with cheddar cheese, smoked turkey bacon, crisp lettuce, tomato and fried onion ring, you can imagine how big the portion is!
Not to forget about their Caesar Salad too. Topped with fresh parmesan cheese and garlic croutons, the delicious romaine lettuce is tossed with their homemade dressing.
Last but not least, their giant Jumbo Combo! It consists of Tupelo Chicken Tenders, signature wings, onion rings and many more. The big plate is served together with barbecue sauce and honey mustard that goes perfect with the meat!
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
11. Geographer’s Café
Located at the corner of Jonker Street, it is hard to miss out Geographer’s Café that has green panels and striking yellow wall. With live band performance every week, it has been attracting many tourists come over for a decent meal.
The restaurant is very famous in Jonker Street, Malacca. A popular Hong Kong movie, Summer Holidays filmed some of the scenes here.
Many people order their Chicken Satay that comes with peanut sauce. The Indonesian bean curd, Tempeh Curry which is the chef specialities are available here. Another recommended dish would be the curry ramen that mixes with Malay culture. It tastes as good as laksa.
If you enjoy drinking beers, they offer cocktails and iced beers to relax yourself. It is also one of the best nightlife spot in Jonker Street. If you come here in the afternoon, a coconut drink could beat your heat!
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
12. Pin Pin Hiong (品品香茶室)
Featuring an open kitchen, Pin Pin Hiong is a humble restaurant serving home style Chinese food with consistent quality.
It only has a simple one-page menu with few selections. But the food served is definitely what you will die for.
Oyster omelette here wins most people hearts. The fried egg is looks crispy outside but once bitten, it tastes extremely fluffy! The best part is it is not salty and oily yet gives off the egg aroma.
Unlike other restaurants serving flavourful Mee Suah, Pin Pin Hong’s version seems tasteless without much seasonings and ingredients. But if you keep eating, the flavour of ingredients and noodles start coming out.
Their pork chop tastes great too. It has a very crispy skin and the pork is very juicy. A few tomato and vegetables topped the dish.
Location: 786, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:30am – 2:00pm
Closed on: Sunday
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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