17 Best Nyonya Food in Melaka In 2023 (Tested Personally!)

Hey Foodie! Are you looking for the best nyonya food in Melaka? 

Perhaps you have arrived at your hotel/ hostel and you want to know : where is all the best nyonya food near me?

Or you are a muslim looking for halal nyonya food. Or maybe you want vegetarian Nyonya food!

Or you are asking yourself: Where are the nyonya food places that are within walking distance to the centre, as my accommodation is in the center?

Perhaps you have arrived at your boutique hotel/hostel and you want to know : where is all the best nyonya food near me?

Note- This restaurant is inside a 5-star hotel,and it’s beautifully decorated and the dishes are sumptuous!

I have you covered on all bases!

Home of the historical heritages of Malaysia, Melaka is a well-known destination for tourists and locals to explore. The main attractions are the historical ruins and well-preserved architecture, but it is also the birthplace of the best nyonya food in Melaka!

The enticing local cuisine will have you feeling like you’re in the comfort of your homes yet exploring something new.

Melaka is the host of some of the best baba nyonya food in Melaka, as the peranakans have made their mark back in the 15^th century. Read a glimpse of baba nyonya history here.

If you’re inclined to explore this exquisite food and culture, there’s no better place to start than Melaka.

17 Best Nyonya Food In Melaka In 2022

1. Donald & Lily
2. Peranakan Place
3. Bulldog Cafe
4. Dapur Cho Cho
5. Cottage Spices Nyonya Restaurant
6. Unicorn Cafe
7. Ole Sayang
8. Baba Charlie
9. Restoran Nyonya Makko
10. Nancy’s Kitchen
11. Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine
12. Kocik Kitchen
13. Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant
14. Restoran Indah Sayang
15. Restoran Aunty Lee
16. Kedai Kopi Juat Lye
17. Jonker 88

DISCLOSURE

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

Best Baba Nyonya Food In Melaka

1. Donald And Lily

This establishment is run by a lovely couple, Mr. Donald Tan and Madam Lily Lee who started this business back in 1981. One of the best baba nyonya food in Melaka is curated thanks to recipes curated by this couple.

Both tourists and locals flock to this restaurant to have a go at their famous Huat laksa. Laksa is the quintessential malacca nyonya food. The Chinese word Huat is linked to prosperity, the nyonya Huat laksa is an over-the-top laksa with generous condiments.

Top picks from the restaurant;

·         Nyonya laksa (MYR 7.50/USD 1.80)

Steamy fragrant hot noodle soup made with coconut milk and fresh spices, topped with condiments such as fish cakes, boiled eggs, and prawns. Laksa is a melaka famous nyonya food.

·         Nyonya huat laksa (MYR 25/USD 6.20)

Noodles in coconut milk flavored broth topped with jumbo prawns, fish balls, fish cakes, and fresh cockles. The cousin to the simple laksa mentioned above. Best shared between 2 to 3 people.

·         Nasi ketuk ayam rendang (MYR 10.50/USD 2.60)

Bright blue-hued rice from butterfly pea flower served with chicken cooked in coconut milk and fragrant spices. Condiments such as fried egg, cucumbers, and sambal (chili paste) are served alongside the rice and chicken.

It safe it say it is melaka’s best nyonya food

Besides the fresh meals prepared at the restaurant, there are also frozen nyonya laksa paste sold at the establishment and if you’re a Malaysian, you can get them online, for you to create their signature dish at the comfort of your homes!

 (No. 16 Jalan KSB 1, Taman Kota Shah, 75200, Bandar Malacca)

Operating hours | Wednesday – Sunday (9 am – 3.30 pm)

Closed:  Monday and Tuesday

Contact no: +6012-292 3157  

Suitable for – Breakfast and lunch

Price range: $$

FB: @donaldandlily | IG: @mydonaldandlily

Related posts on Melaka:

Day Trip To Melaka – Itinerary & All The Best Spots In 2022!
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2. Peranakan Place

You will not miss this vibrant yellow structure amongst the bustling Jonker Street in Melaka. Peranakan Place is said to be the host of the best nyonya food in Melaka and has outlets in various locations in Kuala Lumpur.

The well-preserved baba nyonya heritage can be found in the cuisine and the interior of this beautiful restaurant. Each corner and decor speak of the culture that is still treasured among many.

Top picks from the restaurant;

·         Pai tee (MYR 7.90/ USD 2.00)

Thin and crispy pastry shell filled with chicken and vegetables with a sweet and savory sauce. The perfect appetizer.

·         Ayam pongteh (MYR19.90/USD5)

Chicken and potatoes stew made with fermented taucu (soybean paste) and gula Melaka (palm sugar). A staple dish in the peranakan household. Best eaten with jasmine rice.

·         Mee siam (MYR 12.90/ USD 3.50)

Stir-fried vermicelli noodles with chicken or seafood, herbs. and spices.

·         Cendol (MYR 5.90/ USD 1.50)

A sweet dessert of crushed ice, topped with coconut milk, gula Melaka (palm sugar), rice flour jelly. and kidney beans.

During times of the day, the intensity of the sunlight can almost blind your vision. Get yourself a pair of Polarized Sunglasses to reduce glare.

(Jonker Street, 54, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca)

Operating hours | Monday – Sunday (10 am – 10 pm)

Contact no: +6019-319 8199

Suitable for – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Price range: $$

FB: @peranakan.com.my | IG: @peranakanplace |

Website: https://www.peranakan.com.my/

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3. Bulldog Café

This restaurant cum bar takes on a modern twist with the preservation of authentic baba nyonya flavours. If you want the best melaka nyonya food place which also has a great vibe- this is the place

If you’re looking for a minimalistic space away from all the colours and heritage looking buildings in Melaka, look no further.

With their white interior and a stage with drum sets, you wouldn’t realize that you’re still in the historical city of Melaka.

That is until you’ve taken a bite of their food of course.

Top picks from the restaurant;

·         Nyonya pai tee (RM 15 / USD 3.80)

Thin pastry cups stuffed to the brim with shrimp, onions, turnips, and omelette. Served with homemade chili sauce on the side.

·         Beef lada garam (RM 38 / USD 9.50)

Rib eye slices stir fried with aromatic Asian black pepper sauce. Best eaten with jasmine rice.

·         Nyonya ayam limau perut (Small – MYR 10 / USD 2.50, Big – MYR 20 / USD 5.00)

Chicken cooked in coconut cream, spices, and kaffir lime leaves. Best served with jasmine rice.

(145, Jalan Bendahara, 75100 Melaka)

Operating hours | Tuesday – Sunday (12 pm – 2 pm, 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm)

Closed: Monday

Contact no: +6019-6552373

Suitable for – Lunch and dinner.

Price range: $$

FB: @BulldogMallaca

4. Dapur Cho Cho

A small team of enthusiastic Peranakans who are passionate about making the best nyonya kuih in Melaka. They have some of the best famous nyonya food in melaka.

This is a fourth-generation business, run by Ms. Juliet and her brother. Dapur Cho Cho is a humble home so don’t be expecting a shop-lot with a signboard to enjoy these delicacies.

Look out for lot 84-3 painted in black on a white house when you’re paying a visit.

Each kuih is made to perfection, as Ms. Juliet and her family pay close attention to all ingredients and method of creation used to make these kuihs. These kuihs are made to order, so be sure to call them to place your order and collect them the next day.

Top recommendations from the shop;

·         Apam Balik

Pancake filled with crushed ground nuts and sweetened cream corn.

·         Kuih Gulung

Thin coconut pancake rolled with palm sugar-sweetened desiccated coconut.

·         Kuih buah Melaka (Onde-onde)

Glutinous rice balls filled with gula Melaka (palm sugar) and coated with shredded coconut. Kuih buah Melaka is green in color as pandan leaves are used for natural coloring.

·         Kuih ang ku

Known as the tortoise cake, this traditional cake is made of glutinous rice flour filled with sweet green bean paste. Comes in a variety of colors, red, and orange being the common colors.

(84-3, Jalan Mohd Zin Dsh, Taman Padang Balang, 75350 Batu Berendam, Melaka)

Operating hours | Monday – Sunday (7 am – 3 pm)

Contact no: +6012-2768606

Suitable for – Breakfast and lunch

Price range: $$

5. Cottage Spices Nyonya Restaurant

With simple yet vintage décor with functional furniture, Cottage Spices Nyonya Restaurant will take you back to the 80s. Their chef takes pride in serving authentic nyonya food with the freshest ingredients.

There’s a line expected at the restaurant, so get there early to save yourself a table!

Top picks from the restaurant;

·         Ayam buah keluak (Small – MYR 22/ USD 5.50, Big – MYR 39/USD 10)

Buah keluak (Keluak nuts or black nuts) is a seed from the kepayang tree. It is typically fermented for cooking and this dish is a staple in any peranakan household. This dish is tangy, creamy with a hint of spiciness, and goes well with jasmine rice.

·         Udang lemak nenas (MYR 30.00 – MYR 65.00 / USD 7.50 – USD 16.00)

Stewed prawns in coconut milk, pineapples, and spices. Tangy, sweet, and creamy. Best eaten with jasmine rice.

(171 Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka)

Operating hours | Monday (12.00pm – 4.00pm), (6.00pm – 8.30pm)

Wednesday – Sunday (12.00pm – 4.00pm), (6.00pm – 8.30pm)

Closed: Tuesdays

Suitable for – Lunch and dinner

Price range: $$

Website: https://cottagespices.com.my/

6. Unicorn Café

Unicorn café is considered as one of the hidden gems for the best baba nyonya food in Melaka. This café is a family run business, producing original peranakan cuisine with recipes that have been perfected over the years.

The portions are small allowing you to have a go at the variety of dishes served and it is reasonably priced. Eating in this café will have you experiencing the home-cooked goodness yet tasting a culinary delight.

Top picks from the restaurant;

·         Nyonya popiah (MYR 5 / USD 1.50)

Jicama, carrots, cucumbers, and bean sprouts wrapped up in a spring roll wrapper with a special sauce.

·         Cili garam ikan cencaru (MYR 12 / USD 3.00)

Fried cencaru fish coated in chili salt paste. Despite popular opinion, this dish is not at all salty but is crisp and fresh. Best served with jasmine rice.

·         Pongteh babi (MYR 12 / USD 3.00)

Pork stew in fermented soybeans. Best served with jasmine rice.

(43, Jalan Melaka Raya 11, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka)

Operating hours | Monday – Wednesday (9.30 am – 4.30 pm) 

 Friday – Sunday (9.30 am – 4.30 pm)

Closed:Thursday.

Suitable for – Breakfast and lunch

Price range: $$

FB: @unicorncafemelaka | IG: @unicorn.cafe.mlk

7. Ole Sayang Restaurant

Ole sayang translates to “a gift of love”, a term of endearment among the Peranakans. The owner started up this restaurant in 1983 intending to cook authentic baba nyonya cuisine by strictly adhering to recipes passed down from generations of families.

The meals are prepared by 5 chefs with a combined cooking experience of over 15 years, striving daily to serve a variety of local nyonya cuisine that will enlighten the taste buds of both locals and tourists resulting in Ole sayang being one of the best nyonya restaurant in Melaka.

Top picks from the restaurants;

·         Otak-otak (Small – MYR 11.50/ USD 2.90, Big – MYR 23/USD 5.70)

Fragrant spices and herb-infused fish custard, wrapped in banana leaf. Served warm.

·         Udang goreng chili (Small – MYR 58/ USD 15.00, Big – MYR 78/USD 20.00)

Stir-fried prawns in chili paste.

·         Telur cencaluk (Small – MYR 10/ USD 2.50, Big – MYR 14/USD 3.50)

Fried egg stuffed with fermented dried shrimps.

(198 & 199, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000, Melaka)

Operating hours | Monday – Tuesday (11.30 am – 2.30 pm), (6.00 pm – 9.30 pm)

Thursday – Sunday (11.30 am – 2.30 pm), (6.00 pm – 9.30 pm)

Closed: Wednesday

Suitable for – Lunch and dinner.

Price range: $$

Website: olesayang.com

8. Baba Charlie

Ah yes, home of the famous nyonya kuih in Melaka. Baba Charlie is no stranger when it comes to exquisite, delicious nyonya kuih. It is the first place that comes to mind when you’re looking to get your hands on a huge selection of kuihs with the classics like nyonya kuih talam, kuih buah Melaka and kuih bingka ubi. 

Baba Charlie has been up and running since 1988, each kuih is handmade to perfection by the ladies of the house. You can expect a crowd bustling in the vicinity as this place constantly has visitors around the clock. The price is affordable being in the range of RM-RM.

If luck is on your side, you’ll be able to see how the kuih’s are made by the ladies at the premise!

Top recommendations from the shop;

·         Kuih buah Melaka (Onde-onde) – (MYR 5.30 / USD 1.30, for 10 pieces)

Glutinous rice balls filled with gula Melaka (palm sugar) and coated with shredded coconut. Kuih buah Melaka is green in color as pandan leaves are used for natural coloring.

·         Kuih lapis (Layered kuih) – (MYR 1 / USD 0.25 per piece)

A traditional Indonesian dessert with a twist of baba nyonya. Vibrant colors of sweetened rice flour layers, stacked on another.

·         Kuih abu sago – (MYR 1 / USD 0.25 per piece)

Sago, a form of starch, mixed with coconut milk and layered with palm sugar-sweetened desiccated coconut.

·         Kuih koci – (MYR 1 / USD 0.25 per piece)

Triangular shaped steamed glutinous rice flour dumpling filled with palm sugar-sweetened desiccated coconut.

Make your own delicious dumpling filled desserts with this Stainless Steel Steamer Pot

(631, Jalan Siantan 1/5 Sekyen, 1, Taman Siantan Seksyen 2, 75200, Malacca)

Operating hours | Monday – Wednesday (9 am – 7 pm) | Friday – Sunday (9 am – 7 pm)

Closed: Thursday

Suitable for – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Price range: $$

9. Restoran Nyonya Makko

Nyonya Makko is a special restaurant that has been around for decades and loved by both locals and tourists.

It’s also decorated to imitate a traditional Peranakan house, complete with paper lanterns hanging on the entrance. The true authentic taste permeates through the interior, exteriors and into their delicious dishes!

Nyonya Makko’s best dishes:

Chicken dish :  Pong Teh chicken which is essentially succulent chicken braised in thick and creamy yam gravy accompanied by chunks of potatoes.

Best prawn dish: Lemak Nanas Udang, where big fat prawns are fried topped with lathered with a generous amount of pineapple, coconut milk and other spices.

Best fish dish : Assam fish or fried fish accompanied by chilli paste. Their signature squid dish is Sambal Sotong Petai.

Best Vegetable dish: Try the Nyonya Makko’s Paku Belacan, which are essentially ferns cooked with aromatic shrimp paste.

10. Nancy’s Kitchen

Nancy’s Kitchen isn’t as well known as the other Nyonya restaurants but its still good!  It is a pretty popular place so you may end up waiting in line for a while or even sharing a table with strangers.

Nancy’s Best Dishes – Sweet and sour fish and their spicy  buah keluak ayam (chicken candlenut.) . Then follow that up with a bowl of refreshing cendol!

Nancy’s Kitchen also serves some great pork dishes such as babi cincaluk – Peranakan braised pork, pork with bean paste, and pork in tamarind

Note– non-halal

11. Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine

The owner, Amy takes large pride in her Nyonya cooking! You may have to wait for your food but you can’t rush perfection, ha!

Amy’s best Dishes:

 Ikan Cili Garam: a deep fried fish fillet with a generous topping of flavoured fresh chilli paste.

Pai Tee–  thin and crispy pastry tart shell kuih often filled with a spicy, shredded Chinese turnips, sweet mixture of thinly sliced vegetables

Ayam Pongteh : chicken and potatoes glazed with soy sauce

 Udang Goreng Asam : the classic dish of prawns braised in sweet and sour tamarind sauce.

12.Kocik Kitchen

Kocik kitchen sits Right across the street from Nancy’s Kitchen !

Their food is HALAL and is actually more affordable and less tourist-friendly

Kocik’s Best Dishes– Nyonya laksa”, “Chap Chye stew”, “Fish chili garam”, “Chicken Ponteh”, “Lemak Nenas prawnsAyam Buak Keluak”, “Nyonya Otak-Otak”, “Ikan Masak assam pedas”, “Udang goreng gerang assam”, “Chenchalok”, “Pucok paku masak sambal belachan”, “

Their otak-otak is also distinctively different from the usual as it is shaped more like a fish ball. You have a choice of the “soft” version, using fish fillets, or the “hard” version which uses fishcakes instead.

13. Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant

This restaurant is a bit more up market as it is inside a 5-star hotel, but its beautifully decorated and the dishes are sumptuous!

You can expect good quality good and an amazing ambience AND it’s Halal!

Best Dishes : Ayam Pongteh, Ikan Goreng Cili Garam, Ikan Gerang Asam, Ayam Buah Their signature drink is Asam Boi which is refreshing!

14. Restoran Indah Sayang

The is a quaint Nyonya restaurant loved by tourists and locals alike!

The prices at this place are super affordable and it as a simple and humble décor as well as a menu full of authentic Nyonya dishes will make you feel right at home.

For starters, each patron will be given crispy fragrant crackers that are crispy and fragrant which goes well with homemade sambal. Yummmm.

Best Dishes- Assam Fish, tender Beef Rendang, Chicken Kapitan, Sambal Chilli Brinjal, Chicken Inci Kabin and Chap Chai . Each dish goes well with a plate of warm white rice .

15. Restoran Aunty Lee

 This hugely popular place is always busy and I recommend you book beforehand as you may have to wait in a very long line, and may not get in at all.

According to their website’ Restaurant Aunty Lee was opened in 1997 by Uncle and Aunty Lee at the present location. It was deliberately chosen away from the hustling and bustling tourist quarters of historical Melaka. It made its debut as a small family ran restaurant in one small shop lot with 10 tables. Over the years Restaurant Aunty Lee successfully stayed true to the Peranakan heritage with simple but excellent authentic cooking. It’s off the beaten path, but it’s one well worn by those who seek a good meal.‘

Best dishes: Aunty Lee’s Ikan Cili Garam (salted chili fish), a deep-fried fish topped with Aunty Lee’s special salted chili paste stands as the signature must try dish alongside her Udang Lemak Nenas (prawns in pineapple and coconut gravy).

Other quintessential dishes include Sambal Petai Ikan Bilis, Ayam Pong Teh, Mutton Curry, Bendi Ulam and Cincalok Omelette amongst others.

16.Kedai Kopi Juat Lye

Kedai Kopi Juat Lye is tucked away in the hidden corners in Melaka where it seems that it is only known to locals.

It is situated in the original settlement of the Baba Nyonya people, the food here are all about care, quality and authenticity.

Best dishes- The Prawn Noodles is the main star but Kedai Kopi Juat Lye is also known to serve great Nyonya Laksa. They also have delicious homemade sambal and freshly boiled prawn soup. Alsoo, make sure you try their coffee!

17. Jonker 88

This popular Nyonya restaurant Located on the extremely busy 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.

Best Dishes: Regular praise is given to the laksa served at Jonker 88 and they also have popular variants of laksa such as Baba Laksa, Nyonya Laksa, and the Baba Laksa Kahwin. Their Pai Tee and fish cakes also come highly recommended.

Best Halal Nyonya Food In Melaka

1.Donald and Lily Restaurant

2.Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine

3.Peranakan Place

4.Jonker 88

5.Cottage Spices Nyonya Restaurant

6.Kocik Kitchen

Where Can I Get Breakfast In Melaka?

• Donald & Lily 
• Peranakan Place
• Unicorn Cafe

Where Can I Get Baba Nyonya Lunch In Melaka?

• Peranakan Place
• Bulldog Cafe
• Cottage Spice Nyonya Restaurant
• Unicorn Cafe
• Ole Sayang

What Is There To Eat In Melaka For Dinner?

• Peranakan Place
• Bulldog Cafe
• Cottage Spice
• Ole Sayang

Where Is Melaka?

Malacca (or Melaka in Malay) is a state down south in Peninsular Malaysia. 

It is a historical nest, nestled between Johor and Negeri Sembilan. After Kuala Lumpur and Penang, this state is still the sought-after destination for travellers all across the globe.

Dating back to the late 14th century, the Straits of Melaka was home to traders and merchants from China and India. Melaka is not a stranger to culture as it was conquered by several colonial powers like the Portuguese in 1511, the Dutch in 1642, and the British empire in 1826.

But how do the peranakans or baba nyonyas play a role in this cultural formation? Let’s dive into some history, shall we?

Who are the Peranakans?

Peranakans or baba nyonyas have been around for hundreds of years yet little is known about them. Melaka is the humble host of the Peranakan heritage, a result of intermarriage between local Malays and Chinese traders back in the 15^th century.

The term Baba refers to the male and Nyonya refers to the females.

The baba nyonya heritage is unique as it encompasses a diverse blend from not only the local Malay culture but Indian, Jawa, Thai, Burmese, and even European culture.

Due to the colonization, the Peranakans have their beliefs and traditions, each individual to their respective cultural blend.

Intermarriages with the Europeans formed Peranakan Dutch and Peranakan Serani (Portuguese). Indonesian cultures lead to Peranakan Jawi and Indian cultures lead to Peranakan Chitty.

So, What Is Nyonya Food?

Can you imagine the culinary fusion that came to light? 

It is all thanks to these diverse cultures harmonizing seamlessly that baba nyonya cuisine has a medley of spices from the Malay, Indian, Chinese and western culture.

Melaka baba nyonya food is somewhat legendary and people drive for hours just to get a taste!

Baba nyonya food comprises recipes that are inherited and passed down from generations. This is what makes them unique as no two dishes would be the same. It is tweaked and perfected by families with traces of their individual backgrounds.

Leaves and flowers such as Daun pandan (pandan leaves), Daun kesum (Vietnamese coriander) and Bunga kantan (ginger flower) are all integral in the baba nyonya cuisine.

Is Peranakan Food Spicy?

Peranakan food may not be as spicy as you think. 

Although a variety of fragrant herbs, chillies, and spices are used in their recipes, peranakan food has a hint of spiciness in most of their dishes. 

However, dishes that involve sambal (fragrant chili paste) can get spicy, so keep an eye out on that if you’ve got a low spice tolerance level. 

I recommend this Women Floppy Sun Hat with Wide Brim, when exploring places in Malacca during hot afternoons. Heatstroke is the last thing you want to get when food hunting!

Nyonya Kuih in Malacca.

One other element of baba nyonya cuisine is the nyonya kuih and there’s no better place to find the best nyonya kuih than in Melaka.

Kuih or ‘kueh’ is a type of sweet and savoury cake traditionally prepared with coconut milk and rice flours. They come in an assortment of shapes, sizes, and flavors that every bite is a delightful adventure.

One look at kuih nyonya and you’ll be amazed by the vibrant colours and sizes they come in. 

Do not be alarmed at the blue, orange, green, or purple colors of this nyonya kuih as these colours are extracted from natural ingredients such as butterfly-pea flowers, tapioca, and pandan leaves.

There are no shortcuts in achieving the perfect baba nyonya cuisine. These artisanal methods have been practiced for years to ensure the immaculate taste and quality of food remains.

Conclusion

That’s a wrap for the best nyonya food in Melaka! 

Don’t be surprised to have gained an inch in your waistline after indulging in these meals on your next visit to Melaka. With all the advancements happening around the world, these best nyonya food in Melaka are reminders that cultural preservation is indeed important. 

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