Malacca is rich with unique traditions at every corner. One of their noticeable culture is the Peranakan or known as “Baba Nyonya’, which is an important symbolism of interracial mix between Malay and Chinese.
Peranakan culture began in the 15th century when Chinese began immigrating to Malaysia and marrying the Muslim Malay women. Nyonya food is a mixture of Chinese and Malay flavours, which seems distinctly special.
While the culture itself may not be so prominent, their delicately prepared food is a staple among Malaccans. Well, they would assure you that Nyonya food is their favorite if you ask any Malaccans.
Below are the best Nyonya eateries suggested by SGMYTRIPS that you can try next time whenever you visit Malacca from Singapore.
Top 10 Best Malacca Nyonya Food
- Restoran Ole Sayang
- Donald and Lily’s
- Jonker 88
- Kedai Kopi Juat Lye
- Restoran Aunty Lee
- Restoran Peranakan
- Restoran Indah Sayang
- Cottage Spices Nyonya Restaurant
- Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant
1. Restoran Ole Sayang
Restoran Ole Sayang owns detailed decorative items such as lantern, Chinese wood billboard, wooden tables and chairs. These decorations resemble a homey nyonya style house in the olden years.
Their food prices range from RM8 to RM45 and the locals really enjoy their food. Besides, they are also Halal friendly, no pork will be served.
What’s good:
- Asam Fish
This recipe are normally cooked in Peranakan culture. Asam Fish’s tangy and spicy flavor will surely whet your appetizing. Besides, its thick gravy which has the perfect balance of spiciness, sweetness and sourness goes really well with steamed rice.
- Nyonya Otak-Otak
All time favorite of locals. Seasoned with garlic, shallots, scallions, coconut milk and other mixture of spices, Nyonya Otak-Otak is reddish-orange in color, but is not spicy as it seems. The fragrance of combined burnt Attap leaves, soft boneless fish paste and mixed spices would burst in your mouth if you take a bite of this otak-otak.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :
Location: 198-199, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka
Contact Number: +606 – 283 1966
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 6:00pm – 9:30pm
Closed on: Wednesday
Website: Restoran Ole Sayang
Also Read : TOP 15 MALACCA FOOD LIST
2. Donald and Lily’s
Donald and Lily’s is one of those well-known establishments that tourists would make a visit to. They serve local dishes such as mee siam, mee rebus, nyonya laksa, nasi lemak and nasi ayam. With an affordable price ranging from RM6.90 to RM10.50, no exception that the restaurant is crowded during breakfast and brunch time, especially on weekends.
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- Nasi Ketuk Ayam Redang
An aromatic combination of vibrant white and blue rice, infused with butterfly pea flower and coconut milk. Their gravy coated chicken is savory spicy, but tender and moist in the middle, coming off the bone easily.
- Nyonya Laksa
Not too milky nor spicy. Nyonya Laksa is lightly sour due to the sour chilli added during preparation process. Surprisingly, the taste of fresh coconut milk added doesn’t taste too heavy and overtake the taste of mackerel fish soup base.
- Cendol
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Six ingredients included dessert. A great combination of pandan, jelly noodles, red beans, coconut milk, palm sugar and shaved ice. Milky and creamy, with floral sweet palm sugar nicely coated the palate coconut creamed shaved ice.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :
Location: 16 (Ground Floor), Jalan KSB 1, Taman Kota Shahbandar, 75200 Malacca
Contact Number: +606 – 284 8907
Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Closed on: Monday
Website : Donald and Lily’s
Read also: Top 10 Famous Portuguese Food & Restaurant in Malacca
3. Jonker 88
Located on the extremely popular Jonker Street, Jonker 88 is always full of people especially during lunch time. It is a self-service restaurant, where you need to order and carry your food to your table yourself.
With the price ranging from RM4.50 to RM10, it is considered affordable and worth for a meal.
What’s good:
- Baba Cendol, Sago Cendol, Nata de CocoDurian Cendol
A mountain of shaved ice siting on a bed of ingredients topped with a generous serving of thick Gula Melaka. Top up with a durian cendol, the texture of cendol would go creamy and rich of highly fragrant durian flavor.
- Assorted Laksa
Brimming with ingredients, these assorted laksa broth are extremely addictive. Baba Laksa taste similar to Singapore Laksa but more creamier with an additional dash of coconut milk. Besides, the Nyonya Laksa is probably more sour than spicy due to tamarind juice added.
Also Read : Malacca Jonker Street’s Best Cafes
Give it a try of combination of both Laksa which may surprise you. It turns out to be fiery spicy and suitable for spicy food lovers.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :
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
Website: Jonker 88
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4. Kedai Kopi Juat Lye
It is all about noodles and coffee at this humble kopitiam, from laksa to prawn mee and Malacca’s own yee kiao mee. We think that not many people know about its existence except for the locals. But, if you are dropping by Malacca for a visit and in the mood of trying Penang style prawn mee, then this would be a great place that is worth a detour.
What’s good:
- Prawn Mee
Handful of pork slices, a couple-full of full sized prawns, fish cakes and generous amount of kangkung in this bowl of noodle. Undeniably delicious with the soup packed with strong prawn flavor that felt real and natural, without any additional of MSG.
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- Kopi O ‘Gao’
Kopi O Gao they make is really GAO (concentrated) enough and worth to be mentioned, simply satisfying.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :
Location: 371G, Jalan Melor 2, Taman Peringgit Jaya, Melaka
Contact Number: +606 – 283 3619
Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:30am – 2:30pm
Closed on: Monday
Also Read : Top 12 Best Café to Stop by When in Melaka
5. Restoran Aunty Lee
Owned by Uncle and Aunty Lee, Restoran Aunty Lee serve only traditional Nyonya food which been passed down generations to generations.
Reservations are recommended to avoid long queue. You may also make online reservations if needed.
What’s good:
- Otak-Otak
Singapore version otak-otak rather than gravy coated Malacca style otak-otak.
- Ayam Buah Keluak
Its gravy is still rather liquid, but with more distinct scent and flavors from lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves.
- Ikan Goreng Cili Garam
A piece of de resistance, also a unique combination of two easy ingredients which came out with tasty delicacy. Slightly spicy at the beginning but getting neutral by the fresh, juicy fish flesh at the end.
- Udang Masak Lemak Nenas
Prawn cooked in spiced coconut milk, with pineapple chunks. Lovely, rich in coconut gravy and not too cloyingly.
- Cincalok Omelette
Fully-seasoned omelette with cincalok which had the right level of moistness.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :
Location: 385, Jalan Ujong Pasir Melaka 75050
Contact Number: +606 – 283 1009
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 3:00pm & 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
Website: Restoran Aunty Lee
Also Read : Top 10 Melaka Family Hotel
6. Restoran Peranakan
Housed in an authentic Baba Nyonya house, eating at Restoran Peranakan is not about detectable food. Decorated with rare antiques such as wedding sedan and exquisite Pernakan-themed wooden bed, it serve every customer with exciting cultural experience while dining.
In order for more value for money, we suggest that you order any of their set menus. These set meals are suitable for solo diners and large parties.
What’s Good:
- Sambal Udang
A fiery and piquant dish served as an accompaniment to perk up any rice meal. Sambal is more flavorful, fragrant and richer in taste compared to those found in Nasi Lemak. Not to mention that their prawns are fresh and tender enough.
- Sotong Fritter
Crispy turmeric seasoned crust at the outside and soft tender squid in the inside. Flavorful snacks which is a great combination with sweet and sour sauce or Thai-style chili sauce.
- Ikan Chuan Chuan
Also known as Ikan Goreng Halia, fried fish with ginger. Flavorful ginger and soy sauce gravy would definitely warm up the body. Best served with steamed rice or eaten alone.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :
Location: 107, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Malacca
Contact Number: +606 – 284 5001
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 12:00pm – 4:30pm & 6:30pm – 10:00pm
Website: Restoran Peranakan
Also Read : Top 10 Chinese Restaurant In Malacca You Must Try
7. Restoran Indah Sayang
Still wondering where to get Scrumptious Nyonya food at RM8 and below? Then Restoran Indah Sayang would be your perfect choice.
What’s good:
- Nyonya Chap Chai
Nyonya style mixed vegetable with preserved bean paste. Transparent glass noodle doesn’t melt down and give another slippery yet smooth texture to the dish.
- Kerabu Pucuk Paku
Known as fiddlehead fern salad. Tossed along with coconut milk, lime juice, prawns and even coconut flakes, this savory salad could make a blast in your taste bud.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Location: 138, Jalan Melaka Raya, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000, Melaka, Malaysia
Contact Number: +606 – 282 0285
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 11:30am – 3:30pm & 6:00pm – 9:30pm
Also Read : Top 20 Best Food & Restaurants in Melaka
8. Cottage Spices Nyonya Restaurant
What’s simple and tasty Nyonya food? Try Cottage Spices’s tasty trdaitional dishes prepared by the Peranakan owner.
What’s good:
- Curry Fishhead
Fresh and tangy Jenak Fish cooked in rich and spicy curry sauce. Curry gravy is heavy with coconut milk and the vegetables added are crunchy enough, not overly cooked.
- Asam Pedas Fish
Cooked with very own recipe spicy and sour Assam sauce, along with selected fish and vegetables.
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- Sambal Udang Petai
Fried selected petai toppled with delicious sambal sauce which is suitable to be eaten with rice. The shrimp are generously added so that every customers can get a taste of shrimp in every bite.
- Pongteh
Nicely braised chicken in bean paste with potatoes and mushrooms. A savory dish that could keep you full enough.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :
Location: Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, 75000, Taman Melaka Raya, Melaka
Contact Number: +606 – 283 5040
Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
Website: Cottage Spices Nyonya Restaurant
Also Read : 9 Best Chicken Rice Ball Melaka
9. Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant
A Halal-certificated Nyonya Restaurant available in Malacca. Located on Level 3 of Hotel Equatorial Malacca, Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant provides an excellent dining experience with comfortable environment. You can truly experience the authenticity of Nyonya dishes right there.
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Price is surprisingly affordable for a hotel standard. There are value-for-money set menus for lunch and ideal for diners in a group.
What’s good:
- Hee Peow Soup
Dried fish bladder boiled with mixed vegetables and garnished with egg rolls.
- Pai Tee
Crispy deep-fried puff stuffed with fresh vegetables.
You may be interested also: Top 13 Best Nyonya Restaurants In Klang Valley You Must Try
- Popiah
Better than normal popiah available in coffeeshop with a dash of sambal belacan. It packs enough the sourness and heat to satisfy the taste buds.
- Achar Nyonya
Julienne of crunchy vegetables marinated in chili paste and dash of grounded roasted peanuts.
- Gereng Asam
Fish gravy was tasty and sharp, and the fish is soft, not overly cooked or flaky.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :
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