The Ultimate Guide to Malacca’s One Day Culinary Trip

Traveloka SG
28 Jul 2024 - 4 min read

Malacca is a wonderful place to visit, full of heritage and traditions to enjoy. There's something for everyone, from delicious food for the foodies to fascinating colonial sites for the history buffs. It's also a great spot for a quick stopover on your way to other parts of Malaysia or for a weekend getaway. To ensure you make the most of your time in Malacca, we've put together a simple guide for you to check out!

Malacca’s One Day Culinary Trip

Get ready for a culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Malacca! Every corner is a treasure waiting to be savored. In our ultimate guide to Malacca's one-day culinary trip, we'll take you on a journey of indulgence and exploration, where you'll discover the rich tapestry of flavors that define this historic city. From traditional Nyonya cuisine to mouth watering street food delights, get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover the essence of Malaccan gastronomy in just one unforgettable day.

But first, let’s dive right in and explore the amazing world of Nyonya cuisine!

Getting to know: Nyonya Cuisine

Popular Malaysian Hawker Food - Spicy Prawn Noodle Soup in a black bowl

Nyonya cuisine, also known as Peranakan cuisine, is a unique culinary tradition that originated from the Peranakan community in Malaysia, particularly in places like Malacca, Penang, and Singapore. It is a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and other indigenous influences, resulting in a rich and flavourful culinary repertoire.

There's a reason why Nyonya cuisine is known for its complex flavors, aromatic spices, and vibrant colors. Key ingredients commonly used in Nyonya dishes include coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, kaffir lime leaves, and belacan (fermented shrimp paste). These ingredients are combined with Chinese cooking techniques to create dishes that are both familiar and distinctive.

Some popular Nyonya dishes include:

Ayam Pongteh: Chicken stewed in a delicious sauce made from fermented soybean paste, palm sugar, and Chinese spices.
Laksa: A spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk, chili paste, seafood or chicken, and various herbs and spices.
Otak-otak: Spicy fish cake wrapped in banana leaves and grilled or steamed.
Nyonya Curry Laksa: A delicious variation of laksa with a rich and fragrant curry broth, often served with noodles, prawns, tofu, and bean sprouts.
Kuih: A variety of colorful and sweet Nyonya desserts, such as kuih lapis (layered cake), kuih koci (glutinous rice cake), and onde-onde (coconut-filled glutinous rice balls).

Nyonya cuisine is a celebration of cultural diversity and culinary creativity, and it's no wonder it's still going strong. Now, let’s start your one day culinary trip in Malacca!

Morning

Chicken Rice Ball

What better way to start the day than with a delicious, hearty breakfast of Chicken Rice Balls? This unique twist on the local Malaysian Chicken Rice is a real treat! Instead of loose rice, the rice is molded into balls, which are then served with steamed chicken. It's the perfect way to fuel up for a busy day ahead! We highly recommendHoe Kee and Chung Wah, both located at the tip of Jonker Street.

After breakfast, let your food settle and enjoy a leisurely ride around Malacca city on a trishaw! You’ll find a host of them in front of Christ Church and Stadthuys, tastefully decorated with colorful flowers and lights. It’s the perfect way to take in the sights without breaking a sweat!

If you’re up for some climbing, head on over to St. Paul’s Hill and discover the historical remnants of the A’Famosa Fort, built by the Portuguese. At the top, you’ll also be able to enjoy a good view of the city.

Afternoon

Nyonya Kuih

Nyonya Kuih

Treat yourself to a sumptuous Nyonya lunch at Baba Low, just a 10-minute drive away from A’Famosa. Indulge in their Nyonya Laksa, Mee Siam and Popiah. And across the road is Baba Charlie’s, where you can savor some of the best Nyonya Kuih.

After lunch, hop aboard a 45-minute cruise along the Malacca River to explore the city's rich history. Then, embark on a journey to the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum to delve deeper into the fascinating Peranakan culture.

For a sweet, icy treat to cool down from the blazing Malaccan heat, head over to Bibik House or Jonker 88 for a delicious durian cendol. It’ll give you a much-needed boost to get you ready for the second half of the adventure!

Evening

Jonker Street at Night

Jonker Street at Night

As the evening falls, make your way to the magnificent St. John’s Fort. Here, you’ll find cannons facing inland, a testament to the fact that attacks on Malacca came from the land rather than the sea. The views from the fort are simply breathtaking, offering a spectacular backdrop to the city of Malacca as the sun sets.

And don't forget to drop by Jonker Street! In the evening, this vibrant street in Malacca comes alive with a buzzing atmosphere and a whole lot of fun. The street is known for its rich heritage and cultural significance, and it transforms into a lively hub of food, shopping, and entertainment. Food stalls and vendors line the street, offering a diverse selection of Malaysian delights such as satay, chicken rice balls, cendol, and nyonya kuih. You can enjoy such a culinary adventure, sampling various dishes while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

For an unforgettable dinner experience, don't miss out on a visit to the Portuguese Settlement. Here, you'll get to indulge in fresh and affordable seafood while basking in the sea breeze.

Night

Satay Malacca

Satay Malacca

Malaysians love to eat, and in Malacca, the eating never stops! Make sure you try Satay Celup, a true Malaccan delight where you dip skewers of food into a boiling pot of peanut sauce. We highly recommend Capitol Satay or Ban Lee Siang.

After all that food, it's time to take a break and enjoy the sights of the city at night at the Taming Sari Tower! The tower revolves slowly, letting you enjoy a 360-degree view of the historical sites.

And now for the grand finale! Make your way to Pak Putra’s for some scrumptious cheese naan and tandoori chicken. The fluffy bread and juicy chicken is the perfect way to end your day in Malacca!

To make your trip even more convenient, book your tickets and accommodations through Traveloka. With Traveloka, you can find the best deals on any tickets, nearby hotels, flights and more tourist attractions. Plus, you can read reviews and get travel tips to ensure you make the most of your visit. Start planning your adventure today with Traveloka and enjoy a hassle-free memorable trip!

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