Ask any foodie and they’ll tell you just how irresistible daging salai is. But the dish is just as elusive as it is delicious. The smoked beef, often cooked in a spicy coconut curry, isn’t easily found in stalls around Singapore, let alone Malaysia. Bur procuring it is well worth the effort – we promise. If you wanted some of the best, most authentic examples of daging salai the next time you visit Malaysia, hit up these places.
What is daging salai?
Daging salai, or smoked beef, is a speciality that was originally created in the state of Negeri Sembilan in West Malaysia.
Because beef was too expensive to eat often, the people in the state would only slaughter a cow during Eid or for weddings. The slaughter had to be done a few days before the occasion, but it would’ve been impossible to keep raw meat for so long in such a hot country, especially since refrigerators weren’t a thing back then. To preserve the meat, they cooked it in advance, using coconut shells and husks that were readily available. Being high in liquid content, the coconut produced a lot more smoke than using regular wood did, and it imparted a smoky, rich flavour to the meat meat. It was so tasty, that the happy mistake caught on to become a staple on its own, which was sliced to eat as is, or for use in curries.
Today, the process of making daging salai in Malaysia is still as traditional as it was before. Carefully smoked using a unique smoking technique with coconut fibre called “sabak”, the charred beef slices acquire a full-bodied flavour. With a sweet and smoky tang, the beef is tasty when eaten on its own, but is best served with a plate of rice and sambal belacan – or for a match made in heaven, braised in masak lemak cili api, which is a rich creamy coconut curry that perfectly balances the flavours of the beef.
While you can create it from scratch at home, the process is painstakingly tedious and let’s face it – you just want to enjoy the dish without your patience being tested. These best establishments serving daging salai in Malaysia’s KL, Selangor, and even JB will save you the trouble.
6 best places for the best daging salai in Malaysia:
Although well-known for its Daging Salai Masak Lemak Cili Api dish, these Selangor eatery is also loved for its take on the heritage dish with other meats, such as duck and chicken. Patrons love the simple but satisfying combination of salted eggs and sambal belacan here. Word of caution though: Only try it if you can handle the heat.
(Image credit: @syah_eats/Instagram)
Address No 25, Jalan Plumbum V 7/V, Seksyen 7 Shah Alam, 40000 Selangor , Malaysia
Phone +60193151202
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Neatly packed and almost ready to eat, all you have to do is to prepare your own Masak Lemak Cili Api, prior to adding Daging Salai Cik Yah’s signature. That’s not all of course – other specialties such as ayam kampung, itik and ikan kelisalai are also available.
(Image credit: @yatiekitchen/Instagram)
Address Kampung Gombak, 47000 Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone +60 12-922 2423
Apart from the go-to Masak Lemak Cili Api, these finger-licking-good beef slices from Daging Salai Haji Soid is known to be one of the best in Malaysia, and can also be used in pasta and fried noodles. Now all you have to do is get creative in the kitchen.
(Image credit: @dagingsalai_hajisoid/Instagram)
Address 99, Lorong Sekilau 11, Kampung Bukit Sekilau, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone +60 19-993 5947
If you were looking to whip up a quick meal at home, order the daging salai, and masak lemak cili api paste from Daging Salai Padu Teruk, which is known for offering some of the finest smoked beef in Malaysia.
(Image credit: @dagingsalaipaduteruk/Instagram)
If you were only planning a quick trip to JB from Singapore, we’ve got you covered. Salai Valley in Johor Bahru prides itself on serving authentic Negeri Sembilan food, so it’s no surprise that daging salai is one of its specialities here. The tender slices are served braised in a rich curry here, which is known to be spicy so come mentally prepared. Those who can’t take the heat can opt for the Nasi Goreng Daging Salai instead.
(Image credit: @salaivalley/Instagram)
Address 43, Jln Perjiranan 4/4, Bandar Dato Onn, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Daging Salai Kak Ngah caters to those who are looking for effortless recipes. Enjoy it with the ready-made masak lemak cili api paste, or toss it into salads, roll it into wraps or have it sandwiched between your favourite bread for a quick, hearty meal.
(Image credit: @daging_salai_kakngah/Instagram)
Address Rumah Kedai, 40, Jalan Pasar Baru, Kampung Bahasa Kapor, 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
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
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.
Although well-known for its Daging Salai Masak Lemak Cili Api dish, these Selangor eatery is also loved for its take on the heritage dish with other meats, such as duck and chicken. Patrons love the simple but satisfying combination of salted eggs and sambal belacan here. Word of caution though: Only try it if you can handle the heat.
(Image credit: @syah_eats/Instagram)
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