If you have been following my blog, you should know by now that I’m a mountain person. Apart from travel posts, I also write about my hiking trips, specifically in Malaysia. Occasionally, people asked me about those astonishing “sea of clouds” (or cloud carpet) view I shared, only to be disappointed to find out that they have to hike for hours or days to get there. I get it, hiking isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Let’s admit it, Thailand is a huge country. Beside Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, there are plenty of other places to visit. Even a visit to the ever-popular Bangkok can be extended to day trips to nearby district such as Khao Yai, Hua Hin and Ayutthaya, ranging from one day to a couple of days. But being a sucker for great mountainous view, I was drawn to another place, albeit having need to travel longer on the road – Khao Kho.

Having lived in Melaka for 7 years (5 years of study and 2 years of work), I’ve had many opportunities to sample the local delicacies here. Some were awesome, some were overrated while some were mediocre. Though I have a list of must-try food in Melaka, I noticed I have never blogged about it. In the past couple of month, some friends and colleagues had been asking me for food recommendation, so I thought it’s time I finally come out with a list for general guidance. I’ll update this list from time to time as I come across new recommendable dish. 

Disclaimer: This is an unbiased guide based solely on my personal taste bud. All the food listed here is paid out of my own pocket, and none of the restaurant / stall is associated with me. 

Breakfast / Brunch

The Baboon House (also available for lunch)

I can imagine you scratching your head at the first item on my list which isn’t even a local dish. But hear me out. This is hands down the best burger in town. Even after leaving Melaka and currently living in Singapore, I always make a visit to Baboon House for brunch whenever I visit Melaka. Their gourmet burgers are simply irresistible, with juicy homemade patty sandwiched between soft tender buns, served with potato wedges as a side. My go-to burger is their signature Baboon Beef Burger, but they do have chicken, lamb and pork patty for you to choose from. While there, be sure to order their homemade lemongrass juice which is refreshing and thirst quenching, perfect for the hot weather. They used to prohibit photography but during my recent visit, it seems like they had cancel the rule. 

Last visit: June 2019

Address: 89 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: Wednesday to Monday, 10am – 5pm

Halal? : No

Pin Pin Hiong Oyster Mee Sua (also available for lunch)

Tucked at a quiet corner in Jonker Street is this humble coffee shop which not many tourists are aware of. As the other hipster cafés and modern eatery opens one after another in the neighbourhood, this old school eatery stood the test of time and continued to serve the locals here for decades. The ceiling fans and switches even seemed to have been the same for decades, and they maintained the same old school tiles of the 90s (80s?). I was first introduced to this place by an ex colleague of mine and we had the signature oyster mee sua. It was one of the best mee sua I had in life, and I don’t think I find anything like this after moving to Singapore. I haven’t visited in years as I never seemed to be able to make time during my short visits, but I’d say it is a comfort food that is simple yet feels homely. 

Last visit: 2014

Address: 786, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: Daily, 7.30am – 2pm

Halal?: No

Rahim Jenu Mee Kahwin

This is a hidden gem that even some of the locals aren’t aware of. This Indian muslim stall operates in a Chinese Restoran (Restoran Ming Huat) in Ujong Pasir and serves both mee rebus and Indian rojak. However, I recommend ordering mee kahwin, their signature dish which is a delightful marriage of the two. It has all the condiments of Indian rojak on top of a bed of yellow noodles, served with both mee rebus gravy and Indian rojak gravy. Expect blanched yellow noodles topped with fried beancurd, hard-boiled egg, potatoes, crunchy bean sprouts, cucumbers, cut green chillies and fritters. Though the name of the place suggests being Chinese-owned, everything here is halal as the owner only serves drinks. Customers from all races can be found under one roof, which is truly a harmonious. Be sure to come early as they normal sold out around 12pm. 

Bonus: In the same roof, there is also a nasi lemak stall (also halal) which sells out even earlier. During my past visit I hadn’t been able to try it. Will be back to try it someday!

Last visit: June 2019

Address: Restoran Ming Huat, Jalan Ujong Pasir, Melaka, 75050 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 10am – 2pm (may sold out around 12pm). Close on Friday

Halal?: Yes

Zhing Kee Roast Duck

I may sound crazy for recommending roast duck for breakfast, but I have no other choice since this amazing place often sold out before lunch time. The duck meat is tender and juicy, and their roast pork is great as well, which always crispy skin. I like coming here in a party so that I can order the whole duck for sharing. 

Last visit: June 2017

Address: No.652J, Taman Bukit Melaka, 75450 Bukit Beruang, Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: Daily, 8.30am to 2pm

Halal?: No

Oriental Hee Kiaw Mee (also available for lunch and dinner)

Another noodle recommendation on the list is hee kiaw mee aka Malaccan rendition of fish ball noodle. You can pick from yellow noodles, beehoon or kuay teow, and have your noodle dry or with soup. Each serving comes with fish balls, fish cakes, fried beancurd skin and char siew. This is a local favourite, first introduced to me by my brother-in-law, almost a decade ago, then my ex-colleague also brought me to this place when I was working in Melaka. 

Last visit: November 2016

Address: Kedai Kopi & Makanan Oriental Café, 71, Jalan Tengkera, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 7.30am – 8pm, closes on Monday and Tuesday

Halal?: No

Special Mention: The Daily Fix (available whole day)

I contemplated whether to include The Daily Fix into this list, as I wasn’t a fan of their food. To me, the strength is the ambience as many other cafés serve better food tastewise. However, the place is very instagrammable and special as it was tucked behind a once hardware store (now a souvenir store). Most people come here to check in and snap photos for social media, and it’s conveniently located in Jonker. Their most popular dish is gula melaka pandan pancake which is not bad. This café opens late, so you can also drop by for tea break and supper. 

Last visit: November 2016

Address: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: Daily, 9am to 11.30pm

Halal?: No

Lunch

Chuen How Char Siew Restaurant

This hidden gem (not sure if it is still as hidden now) in Batu Berendam used to operate for dinner only before switching to operate in the day. Unlike other char siew place, Chuen How is like a economy rice (zhap fan / cai fan) restaurant, serving rice with a variety of dishes. The most popular dish here is as the name suggest, the char siew. The char siew here is different as there are thinly sliced like strips of bakwa instead of being chunky. The meat is lean with minimal fat, tender and moist yet slightly crisp on the outside. It’s charred to perfection and the honey provides just the right sweetness to this dish. While you are here, I recommend ordering their deep fried egg (aka “zha dan”) which is not commonly found elsewhere.  

Last visit: June 2017

Address: 347, Jalan Merak, Taman Melaka Baru, 75350 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 11.30 am to 5pm, close on Thursday

Halal?: No

L.c. Vegetarian Restaurant (also available for dinner)

Also another memory of my time in MMU, they serve one of the best vegetarian dishes I’ve ever tasted. I used to come here almost once a week, as a 4-dish set for 4 persons only costs around RM7 per person. The star here is their delicious buttermilk abalone mushroom, which is not to be missed. Everything here is tasty, but we always order the buttermilk mushroom, spinach, curry mock mutton, braised tofu, etc.  

Last visit: June 2017

Address: 652A, Jalan Delima 5, Taman Bukit Melaka, 75450 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 10.30am to 2.30pm, 5pm to 9.30pm, close on Monday except 1st and 15th of lunar calendar

Halal?: Vegetarian

Kok Keong Pork Meat Soup (Bak Kee) (also available for breakfast)

This place used to be a hidden gem, but I’ve seen this being blogged about and promoted in recent years, so it’s may not be so off-the-radar anymore. Here in Kok Keong, they serve bak kee, the cousin of Malaysian bak kut teh. As bak kut the uses slices of pork belly, pork ribs and various offal in a rich herbal broth, bak kee on the other hand includes offal and belly and flour-dipped thin slices of pork meat. Bak Kee broth is also intensely herbal but omits the heaty dang gui. The result is a lighter version of bak kut the soup but equally comforting. 

Restoran Kok Keong have been making bak kee for over seventy years, and the business is now taken over by the granddaughter and grandson of the original owner.  If you dislike offal, you can go for the pork only bowl but for offal fan a mixed bowl is what you should order, where belly, intestine, liver as well as beancurd skin is added to the flour-coated pork slices which are slipper and tender. I usually order yam rice but white rice is also available. 

Last visit: 2014

Address: 11, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 8am to 2pm, close on Sunday

Halal?: No

Hing Loong Taiwanese Pork Chop Noodles (also available for breakfast)

Everyone knows this mainstream place – malaccans, MMU students, regular visitors. Every time I have friends visiting me, I would surely bring them here, as I love their pork chop and beef soup. Their signature is the pork chop noodle, although spicy beef noodle is also not to be missed. But one thing that many always miss (but it’s stated on the menu!) is what I always order - pork chop noodle in spicy beef soup (doesn’t come with beef though). This way, you get the best of both world. 

Last visit: November 2016

Address: 11-J, Jalan Bachang, Kampung Enam, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 7.45am to 5pm, close on Thursday

Halal?: No

Special Mention: Huang Chang Chicken Rice Balls (also available for breakfast)

I put this under special mention, as I do not feel it is good enough, but if you are looking to try chicken rice balls in Melaka, this is the only one I would recommend. It’s cheaper, more hygienic, and slightly tastier than the overrated Chung Wah although Huang Chang one is nothing to shout home about either. It’s popular among the locals simply because it’s comfort food (mine too). I’ve been eating this since my time in MMU and continued to visit whenever I came back with my friends. In recent years, I became more selective with my food as I can no longer eat 3-4 heavy lunch in a food trip anymore, and this is no longer up there on the list of food I would stuff in. 

Last visit: June 2017

Address: BB, 376, Jalan B B 1, Taman Damai, 75350, Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 7.15 am to 3pm, close on Thursday

Halal?: No

Tea Time / Snacks

Aunty Koh Cendol

You can’t visit Melaka without leaving out their cendol. Located a bit out of the way in Bukit Rambai is this one-woman-show, serving only one item – cendol gula melaka. Comes in two sizes, small (RM 4) and big (RM 5), each bowl of cendol is so delicious I assure you that you would not stop at one. Although the ingredients for a bowl of cendol is quite standard everywhere else, Aunty Koh cendol is the best simply because of two winning attributes – the coconut milk and the gula melaka. The coconut milk used here is rich and creamy yet not too sweet and the gula melaka is also thick and fragrant. And did I mention that the ice here is fine like snow? Here everything is self-service. Just tell aunty your order (in English please as she doesn’t speak Mandarin) then collect your cendol and place the money into the drawer. Once done, we also wash the bowl ourselves. 

Last visit: June 2019

Address: 5113, Jalan Batang Tiga, Kampung Bukit Rambai, 75250 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: Sat and Sun, 11am to 1.30pm

Halal?: No meat 

Klebang Coconut Shake

Just like cendol, coconut shake is another dessert that symbolise Melaka. A visit to Melaka is not complete without a trip to Klebang for the first coconut shake stall in Melaka. Though more and more coconut shake is opened all over Melaka now, this is the first ever stall that make it popular, and many locals and tourists alike still come here albeit having to drive a little further from town. The place is owned by Malay Muslim and all food is halal. Be sure to order the coconut shake special, which comes with an additional scoop of vanilla ice cream, on top of the blended drink. I usually visit in the afternoon when the weather gets unbearably hot. 

Last visit: October 2017

Address: Lot 130, Solok Kampung Bahagia, Klebang Besar, Melaka, Kesibang, 75250 Malacca, Malaysia

Opening hour: Daily, 11 am – 6.30 pm

Halal?: Yes

Putu Piring 1 Malaysia

Another coconut and gula melaka item on the list is another popular snack of Melaka – putu piring. Putu piring may have been a Malay kueh but in Melaka, putu piring is made famous by a Chinese family living in Tengkera. They are opened only at night, so when I had the craving for putu piring in the day, I accidentally found a Malay stall in Bukit Beruang selling these for a fraction of its price (RM 0.70 vs RM1.20 per piece!) yet tasted even better in my opinion. 

The only problem is that the business is extremely good, and they accept order by phone call, hence if you choose to walk, it’s a crazy long wait. My advice? Call to order and drop by later at the time suggested to collect your order. As the stall is conveniently located in Bukit Beruang, it makes a good stop on your last day (before you exit Ayer Keroh toll), so you can pack these for your friends and family back home. 

Last visit: June 2019

Address: Jalan Bukit Beruang, Kampung Bukit Beruang, 75450 Melaka, Malaysia

Phone No: 60 12-367 0243

Opening hour: 11am to 5pm, close on Monday

Halal?: Yes

East and West Rendezvous Nyonya Dumpling

Although this is another cendol place, the more popular item is their Chinese rice dumplings, specifically their nyonya dumpling. For those who have never tried nyonya rice dumpling before, it is different from typical bak zhang as it has a rather distinctive sweet taste instead of being all savoury. This is due to the candied winter melon and steamed mushrooms added to the fillings, which include lean pork that is diced up, not minced, for better texture. The result is a sweet savoury taste. Nyonya dumpling is easily distinguished as it is wrapped with half blue half white glutinous rice, the blue colour coming from the blue pea flower. My mom used to make this yearly during the dumpling festivals, and the taste of East & West Rendezvous does bring back happy memories. It’s located opposite Pin Pin Hiong, so you can combine them in the same trip. As for the cendol, they are a bit too icy for my liking – not recommended. 

Last visit: June 2019

Address: 52, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, closed on Wednesday

Halal?: No

Kuih Keria Antarabangsa Hjh Rahmah

Malay kueh in Melaka doesn’t seem to get as much coverage by the Chinese speaking community, but this kueh deserves a little attention. So, what is kuih keria? It’s a gula melaka crusted sweet potato donut, which is fried to perfection, with crispy outer crust and soft inner flesh. There are two famous kuih keria stall near the same area, but my pick is Hjh Rahmah. It makes a good tea break snack.

Last visit: June 2017

Address: Jalan Limbongan Permai 1, Kampung Limbongan, 75250 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 1.30pm till finish, close on Friday

Halal?: Yes

Taste Better Original One Bite Durian Puff

Malaysians love durians, and their love for durians is apparent in the many durian products offered all year round, from durian ice cream to durian cendol to durian cakes and of course this durian puff from Taste Better. They are the first to sell one bite durian puff though many shops later offer the same thing. Each puff is small enough to pop into your mouth hence the name “one bite durian puff”, and you are meant to pop this entire puff into your mouth in one bite to experience the unique “exploding” sensation of the durian cream custard within. It’s in Jonker Street so you can easily grab a few while you are here.  

Last visit: November 2016

Address: 106, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: Monday to Friday 9.00 to 6.30pm, Sat – Sun 9.30am to 10.30pm

Halal?: No meat

Bunga Raya Popiah

This popiah stall needs no introduction. Located outside Madam King’s Department Store, this takeaway stall has been around for a long long time, and it’s famous for the generous amount of park lard in it. I am not a big fan of popiah, hence I don’t have it often, but people around me swear it’s the best popiah in Melaka. If you like popiah, and have room for this in between your meals, do drop by and try for yourself.

Last visit: can’t remember

Address: 78, Jalan Bunga Raya, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: Daily, 12 pm to 6pm

Halal?: No

Special Mention: Sun May Hiong Pork Satay (also available for lunch)

Satay in Malaysia has always been a halal Malay dish, but in Melaka you will be able to find Chinese operated satay stalls which sell pork satay. Sun May Hiong is one of those famous establishment offering not only pork and chicken satay but also skewered intestines. The meat is nicely seasoned and will appeal to those who like their satay meat on the leaner side. Though I like fattier version, their satay was grilled to perfection, and full of charcoal smoky flavour which I like. The satay sauce here is also uniquely different as pineapple is added in. The end result is a refreshing satay sauce but may be too diluted to some. Although not the best satay I’d ever had, it’s good to have as an afternoon snack but be sure to share it with a group of friends as a minimum of 10 sticks order is required.

Last visit: November 2016

Address: 50/52, Jalan Kota Laksamana 1/1, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm

Halal?: No

Dinner

Loi's Beef Bak Kut Teh (also available for lunch)

Another unique recommendation in my list is Loi’s Beef Bak Kut Teh, which is probably the one and only place in the whole country serving this dish. Introduced to me by my brother when I first came to Melaka in 2006, the owner used to operate in front of his house, just opposite Bukit Sebukor manmade waterfall, but a few years ago, he relocated to a bigger restaurant in Taman Perkota, before finally shifted to Taman Delima Raya. If you come from the Ayer Keroh / Bukit Beruang, or use the road that pass by the manmade waterfall, you will still be able to spot his old business signboard hanging in front of his house (just opposite the bridal shop). 

Although the dish is called Beef Bak Kut Teh, it is very different in terms of flavour that I don’t even agree calling it Bak Kut Teh. The soup doesn’t taste herbal but spicy and peppery (but not the Singaporean BKT kind of peppery). It has a strong black pepper taste which could be too overpowering to some. However, as you continue to take sip by sip, the taste will grow on you and soon you’ll be hooked. It comes served in a claypot, and consists of various parts of beef meat, beef balls, beancurd skins and vegatables and topped with thinly sliced raw beef. I just soak those raw slices into the pot briefly and start feasting as I don’t like my beef overcooked. This dish is best to be had on cool rainy day, so on normal hot sunny day, I recommend coming here for dinner instead. 

Note: They also have pork bak kut teh, but the star here is the beef one. For pork bkt, I would just stick to Klang ones. 

Last visit: June 2019

Address: 1, Jalan Delima Raya 1, Taman Delima Raya, 75150 Melaka, Malaysia (newest address!)

Opening hour: 10.30am to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm

Halal?: No

Ban Lee Siang Satay Celup

Besides chicken rice balls, sataly celup is another dish that is exclusive to Melaka. It's like steamboat except that the ingredient comes in a variety of skewered meats, starches, vegetables and seafood, dipped into boiling pot of satay sauce in the center of the table. My recommendation has always been Ban Lee Siang at Ong Kim Wee. Many have complained about the lack of hygiene as they don’t seem to change the pot of satay sauce after every diners, but I’ve always just ignore the fact and enjoy my meal.  

Last visit: November 2016

Address: 53-C, Jalan Ong Kim Wee, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 4pm to 12am

Halal?: No

Medan Ikan Bakar Muara Sungai Duyong

My first visit here was when my brother brought my family here during his graduation ceremony. It’s far away from town, so I haven’t been visiting often, but I actually had wanted to come here more often if I could. This is one of the famous seafood places in Malacca, boasting fresh seafood such as fish, squid, clams, crabs and prawns. Customers will pick the catch, take them to the counter and inform the staff of the preferred cooking style. I normally order grilled stingray alongside other seafood such as squid. Be sure to dip your fish in their special sauce is packed quite a punch and went well with the seafood. 

Last visit: can’t remember (I really need to return to see whether it’s still as good)

Address: Jalan Padang Temu, 75050 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 4.30pm to 11.30pm

Halal?: Yes

Portuguese Settlement 

Long before they built the brick court with al fresco dining area facing the sea and paved walkway, the place was built on wooden board. But one thing here is still the same, that is as soon as you park your car, all the restaurant staffs will approach you and coax you to dine at their respective stalls. The general rule of thumb here as taught by the locals and many others who have dined here is also still the same – go to whichever stall with more crowd. However, stall no 1 is usually my to-go place as I was somehow brainwashed that day by the people who had brought me here long long time ago. 

Although I prefer malay style grilled fish over at Sungai Duyong, that’s pretty far away and Portuguese Settlement is nearer to Melaka town. The Portuguese style grilled fish is not that bad actually, and once in a blue moon, I enjoy that while looking at the sea. If you are in town during the Christmas season, you can also enjoy the Christmas decorations put up by the local community there, although they were way prettier 10 years ago. 

Last visit:  Dec 2013

Address: Portuguese Settlement, Jalan Ujong Pasir, Melaka 75050, Malaysia

Opening hour: around 5pm/6pm to 11pm

Halal?: No

Joe’s Only One Mango Juice 

Not exactly a food stall but rather a mango juice stall, I used to drive all the way to Portuguese Settlement just to buy this. If you are going to Portuguese Settlement for seafood, be sure to buy this. It’s a mixture of ripe and unripe mangoes with sour plum, so it’s more sour than sweet yet refreshing. It pairs well with seafood or just on its own. If you don’t fancy seafood, you can still enjoy this while strolling along the paveway and enjoy the setting sun. 

Last visit: Dec 2013

Address: Portuguese Settlement, Jalan Ujong Pasir, Melaka 75050, Malaysia (walk towards the end) 

Opening hour: 5pm to 10pm

Halal?: No meat

Special Mention: Longkang Sihum (also available for supper)

I felt compelled to mention this in my list as many of my friends seem to love this (especially non Malaccans and non MMU-ians), but honestly, I don’t think it’s particular good. But what it lacks in taste, it made up with a unique dining experience. Here, customers are seated on tiny stools next to the drain while being served with various cooked seashells such as cockles, sea snails, and clams (lala), dipped in special sauce. There is also cuttlefish with kangkung, which can be ordered either with boiled or grilled cuttlefish. There are basically two stalls here, Tong Bee (the one that started it all), which you will see first as you enter the alley and Capitol at the further end of the alley. Both serve the same thing and has their own fans. So the next time you are in Melaka and is looking for some different dining experience, you may consider this.

Last visit: November 2016

Address: Kampung Jawa, Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: around 7pm to 11pm

Halal?: No

Supper

Pak Putra Tandoori and Naan (also available for dinner)

Ever since my uni time, my friends and I have had countless of dinner and supper here. Pak Putra is no stranger to all MMU students and locals alike, as they are known for serving the best naan and tandoori in town. Their naan has a smoky flavour from the tandoor and had slightly charred edges. I usually order cheese naan or garlic cheese naan which are tender and has this lovely aroma. For the tandoori, be sure to come early as they sold out early. The chicken pieces are tender and moist, and the accompanying chutney is to die for. If this is your first time trying Pakistani cuisine, I also highly recommend their palak paneer which means spinach puree with cottage cheese, although theirs does seem to have little cheese in it. 

Last visit: October 2017

Address: 56 & 58, Jalan 4, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 5.30pm to 1am. Close on Monday

Halal? : Yes

Tengkera Putu Piring

If I could choose the winner, I would go by Putu Piring 1 Malaysia which is cheaper yet equally tasty (I think it’s even better). But what makes Tengkera Putu Piring famous is that the wait is shorter, and they are open at night, so you night owl who crave putu piring has somewhere to get your cravings fixed. 

Last visit: June 2017

Address: 252, Jalan Tengkera, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: Daily, 6pm to 10pm (may sold out by 9.30pm), close on Sunday

Halal?: No meat

Special Mention: Bunga Raya Oh Jien (Oyster Omelete)

Unlike the penang counterpart (the crispy version which I much prefer), the oh jien version here is starchy with soft texture. However, I hesitated putting this in the list as I knew the standard had dropped over the years ever since the baton is passed to the second generation. To make up to the lack of wok hei, the oh jien now seemed to come in bigger portion and bigger oyster, though I still think its hefty price is still a rip-off. But if you are in the neighbourhood and is looking for some oh jien late at night, this is still a to-go place. 

Last visit: June 2017

Address: Medan Makan Boon Leong, 70, Jalan Bunga Raya, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening hour: 7.30pm to 11pm, close on Tuesday

Halal?: No

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Bonus: Best Laksa in Melaka?

Gone were the days when Jonker 88 served the best laksa and cendol in town. The quality of these two signature items had gone down the drain even before I left Melaka. I’m still hunting for the best laksa in town, and sadly, I’ve yet to find the champion. If you know of any places selling the best laksa in town, do comment down below, so I can pay a visit sometime soon. So far, these are the edible ones which you may try:

Donald & Lily’s Nyonya Food (Last visit: Aug 2016) – They used to make excellent Nyonya Laksa and was my to-go-place when Jonker 88 couldn’t make it anymore. However, the standard dropped during my last visit in 2016. 

Kedai Kopi Juat Lye (Last visit: June 2019) – A tad too salty for my liking, but surprisingly a local favourite

Restoran Yung Lai Siang (Last visit: 2014) – I haven’t visited this in a long time, but as far as my memory goes, it is better than Juat Lye (provided they maintain their standard). They also sell prawn noodle which I think is better than their laksa.

Bess Kopitiam (Last visit: June 2017) – One of the place I tried to hunt for the best but sadly still disappoints. The soup is too diluted for my liking, but may appeal to some. 

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And here you go. A list of food to try during your next visit to Melaka. What do you think of this list? Have you tried them all? Which one is your favourite? What are other places you would like to recommend me for my next visit? Feel free to comment down below. I’d like to hear from you! *wink*

And certainly, what’s a hiking trip to Kuching without hiking their representative Mount Santubong?

In fact, that was what we did while in Kuching. Not kolo mee (though we did have that as well) but hiking Mount Santubong is it!

The first time I heard of Mount Singai was when I read the news about a missing hiker. Just half a year ago, news about a Sarawakian who got lost in the jungle of Mount Singai made the headlines of several newspaper. The man was lost for six days and went he was finally found, he was said to have been following "a beautiful woman resembling a princess". He claimed that the "woman" also took care of him when he sustained injuries while hiking at the mountain.

Most people are familiar with Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak. But how about Bau? My memory on my school days brings me back to my history lesson when I first came across the word Bau – a small gold mining town in Sarawak. Ring any bell yet, fellow Malaysian?

Bukit Payung, which literally translates to “Umbrella Hills” in Malay Language is a small hill in Parit Sulong, Batu Pahat. With an elevation of less than 300m, the hills on this part of the trail is overshadowed by the many other popular mountains in Johor (think Gunung Ledang, Gunung Lambak and Gunung Belumut), and therefore, a lesser known group of hills among non-locals.

Just shy of two hours away from Melaka, Batu Pahat was like a second home to me during my employment in an audit firm in Melaka. With many of our clients based in Batu Pahat, I ended up travelling to Batu Pahat and spending most of my weekdays there. From Otak Bun to Tonic Soup, I’ve tried many of the delicious local delicacies there but after moving to Singapore 5 years ago, I’ve never once stepped foot into this lovely town.