Malacca’s Food Fiesta

What’s a journey without diving into a world of flavors? In Malacca (PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT CUISINE), the culinary adventure is endless. We roamed the streets, tasting our way through an array of dishes that promised to thrill. Curious about our finds? Here’s a glimpse into our edible escapades (SOUTH AFRICA EXOTIC MEAT, MYANMAR STREET FOOD & JAPAN KOBE BEEF). 

Ondeh Ondeh Cenderella (Jalan Hang Kasturi)

What’s the deal with “Cenderella”? We had to find out. We grabbed a packet of ondeh-ondeh, or Buah Melaka, and watched the process of making these treats. Little balls of pandan dough, filled with palm sugar, are cooked until they float, then rolled in coconut. A delicate taste of sweet nostalgia, but it wasn’t the revelation we hoped for - one serving was enough.

Gula Ketuk/Ting Candy (Jonker Street)

Gula Ketuk took us back to our childhood. We remembered watching traders break massive candy blocks with a hammer, revealing chewy, sesame-studded delights. We bought a packet and, with each chew, the memories clashed with reality. The candy didn’t quite measure up to our cherished recollections, leaving us in contemplative silence.

Heng Huat Kopitiam (Jalan Tokong)

We arrived early at Heng Huat Kopitiam and were uncertain about our order until a fellow diner recommended the Wan Mee. We decided to share two plates among three of us. This wasn’t your typical Wanton Noodle; instead, it featured a dry-style chili dip that packed a punch. The spicy sauce was a revelation - don't hesitate to ask for extra to mix in or to drizzle over the noodles. Accompanied by a bowl of pork wanton soup and washed down with a cup of pure black coffee or tea, it was a meal that truly satisfied.

LW Nyonya Pineapple Tart (Jalan Hang Jebat)

We stumbled upon LW Nyonya Pineapple Tart by chance and were immediately drawn to the shelves lined with snacks. The star of the show was the Nyonya Pineapple Tart, made with either butter or margarine - a difference that affects both taste and price. I succumbed to temptation and bought one canister of these jam tarts while my friends loaded up on more. The tarts were decent, but whether they’re the best of the bunch remains a question.

Restoran Anak Nyonya (Jalan Tokong)

By chance, we stumbled into Restoran Anak Nyonya, drawn by its charming, understated ambiance. We sampled a range of dishes: Fresh Pineapple Juice, Cencaluk Omelette, Garlic Stir-Fried Long Beans, Pineapple Ikan Asam Pedas, and Sambal Belacan. Each dish was a delightful taste of home-style Nyonya cuisine, bursting with fresh flavors. The sambal belacan was so irresistible that I had to pack some to take home.

Jonker 88 (Jalan Hang Jebat)

The crowd outside Jonker 88 caught our attention, and we couldn’t resist exploring. With the inside packed, we opted for an outdoor table, later moving inside once a spot opened up. The menu included tempting options like Durian Cendol and Durian Ice Kacang. I asked to snap some photos of the Curry Laksa and soup noodles for another table - they looked divine. Though we had just eaten, we indulged in the Durian Cendol and Durian Ice Kacang. The creamy, sweet durian melded perfectly with the shaved ice and assorted toppings, creating a heavenly treat.

Bibik House (Jalan Hang Jebat)

A stop at Bibik House Chendol was an absolute treat. We indulged in their famed cendol, which arrived promptly and didn’t disappoint. Served with green cendol worms and a tiny container of Gula Melaka/Palm Sugar Syrup, it was a sweet, satisfying experience. We also couldn’t resist their freshly baked Nyonya Pineapple Tarts, crumbly and buttery, still warm from the oven. And the fresh pineapples? Tangy-sweet and delightful.

Famosa Chicken Rice Ball (Jalan Hang Jebat)

Among the many eateries, we chose Famosa Chicken Rice Ball, and it turned out to be a great decision. Despite initial doubts about its popularity, the experience was worth it. The restaurant offered a glimpse into Nyonya Melaka heritage with its ambiance and attentive service. The steamed chicken was the standout, tender and flavorful, while the rice balls and chili dip added to the meal’s charm. The light sauce and fresh, no-smell chicken, paired with simply cooked mustard leaves and roasted pork, created a memorable dining experience.

Jonker Street itself is a paradise for food lovers, offering an endless array of options. Our culinary journey in Malacca was a blast, filled with discoveries and delicious bites. As a small eater, I enjoyed sampling a bit of everything, while my friends enthusiastically polished off the rest.