Peranakan cuisine or Nyonya cuisine comes from the Peranakans, descendants of early Chinese migrants who settled in Penang, Malacca, Singapore and Indonesia, inter-marrying with local Malays. In Baba Malay, a female Peranakan is known as a nonya (also spelled nyonya), and a male Peranakan is known as a baba. The cuisine combines Chinese, Malay, Javanese, South Indian, and other influences.
Malacca being a melting pot of multiple cultures is definitely one of the best place to go to for authentic and delicious Nyonya food. Here we bring you 7 of the best places to go to when you are in Malacca, to savor the top Nyonya cuisine in Malacca.
Before we start with the list, you might be wondering what are some of the ways you can get from Singapore to Malacca? Find out the four ways you can get from Singapore to Malacca here!
This Nyonya restaurant opened its doors in 1980 and has received numerous acclamation from people from all over the world, including being published in New York Times magazine! With dishes after dishes of delicious Nyonya cuisine being prepared at Donald and Lily’s, it is no wonder why Donald and Lily’s is one of the top places to go to for Nyonya food in Malacca.
Here are some of the must try dishes:
Location: No.16, Ground Floor, Jalan KSB 1, Taman Kota Shahbandar, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia.
Contact: +606-284 8907
Opening Hours:
Thu-Sat 10.30am - 05.00pm (Check on their Instagram feed to confirm which day they are open)
Closed on: Sunday - Wednesday
This restaurant with local and Nyonya cuisine is very famous among big companies conducting retreats, and families with children. With a wide variety of Nyonya dishes to choose from, there is definitely one that suits the taste buds of every member of the family. It is no surprise that Nyonya Makko Restaurant is always packed to the brim with customers, as they cook up one of the best nyonya food in Malacca!
Some food you must try:
Location: No.123, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia.
Contact: +606-284 0737
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 2:45pm & 6:00pm – 9:30pm (check on their google for updated opening hours)
Closed on: Tuesday
Nancy’s Kitchen is one of the best place to eat in Jonker Walk and it’s a no-brainer why. Along with homely and welcoming atmosphere you will get to taste the best local food on offer in Malacca.
Crowd favorites:
Location: 13, Jalan KL 3/8, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia.
Contact: +606-283 6099
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays: 11:00am – 9:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
This Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine restaurant of nyonya cuisine is famous for two reasons: friendly ambience and delicious nyonya dishes that brings you a taste of home with rich taste and fragrance.
Location: 75, Jalan Melaka Raya 24, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia.
Contact: +606-286 8819
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Closed on: Monday
The small but one of the most visited places in Malacca is not just a cafe – it is a museum with a great atmosphere, a great variety of food, affordable prices and good service. Jonker 88 brings you back in time with its aged decors that takes you down memory lane and definitely an Instagram-worthy location.
The menu at Jonker 88 offers a variety of Nyonya food. Some of the dishes you must absolutely try are:
Location: 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, Melaka, Malaysia.
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:30am – 8:00pm
Since you are here in the city of baba and nyonya, you must definitely try some Nyonya Laksa. The top of the list for Nyonya Laksa in Malacca is at Kedai Kopi Juat Lye. The ingredients used in this laksa is simple and not fancy but it is the rich and creamy broth that makes it different and one level above the rest.
Location: 331, Jalan Tengraka, Bandar 75200, 75200, Malacca, Malaysia
Contact: +60 17-687 3835
Opening Hours:
Daily: 6:00am – 22:30pm
Closed on: Tuesday
Cottage Spices Restaurant has limited space as it can only accommodate about 8 big tables. But do not be turned away by this! Be there early, and you will be treated with aromatic smell of spices used in preparation of Nyonya food. Cottage Spices Restaurant is one of the top choice if you have a big group or are hosting some family and friends.
Must-try dishes:
Location: 171, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia.
Contact: + 606-283 5040
Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:00pm to 4:00pm / 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Closed on: Tuesday
Malacca's rich heritage shines through its vibrant and diverse Nyonya cuisine, offering a perfect blend of flavors that reflect its unique cultural mix. From the time-honored traditions at Donald and Lily’s to the homely ambiance of Nancy’s Kitchen, each of the seven eateries highlighted above delivers an unforgettable culinary experience.
Whether you’re exploring iconic spots like Jonker 88 or indulging in the rich flavors of Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine, the food scene in Malacca offers something for every palate. Don't forget to try the fragrant laksa at Kedai Kopi Juat Lye or the delightful spice-infused dishes at Cottage Spices Restaurant. These gems will leave you craving more of Malacca's Peranakan flavors.
Planning a trip from Singapore to Malacca? Make your journey even smoother with SGMYTravel’s reliable and comfortable private car hire services. With experienced drivers and well-maintained vehicles, you can sit back, relax, and focus on enjoying the incredible food Malacca has to offer. Let us take care of the travel details, so you can focus on savoring every bite of your culinary adventure.
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