My uncle moved to Melaka recently, which has given my family and me more reason to visit this historical city. Honestly, aside from loving the vibes of this culturally rich heritage city, Melaka has slowly made its way into my heart. It’s become my go-to spot to unwind—everything just feels so much more chill here (at least for me!).
The first question on our minds from the moment we arrive is always, “What to makan?!” So, on our most recent trip, we checked out a few spots that I think are worth a shout-out. Here they are!
1. Campong O’oloo
First stop, Campong O’oloo! We popped by this Nyonya restaurant for tea time and some snacks, and of course, we had to try a little bit of everything. We went for the Otak-Otak Lemak, Crispy Cucur Udang, Pandan Chicken Wings, Signature Flourless Pistachio Butter Cake, and Flourless Matcha Brownie (yep, you read that right—flourless! A perfect sweet treat for anyone with dietary restrictions). Safe to say, we were off to a great start!
You’ve got to try the Otak-Otak Lemak. It’s made in a way I haven’t seen before! Instead of the usual preparation, it’s wrapped in spinach and served on a bed of Eli’s Secret Sauce. We tried to crack the secret code on what’s in the sauce, but all we got out of them was “coconut milk and spices.” Whatever’s in it, it’s pure magic because it goes so well with the Otak-Otak!
Address: 17, Jalan Kampung Hulu, Kampung Dua, 75100 Melaka
2. Ban Kheng Cafe
Images by @ban_kheng_cafe
The next morning, we dragged ourselves out of bed bright and (somewhat) early for breakfast at Ban Kheng Cafe. If you’re on the hunt for a peaceful breakfast spot, Ban Kheng Cafe is a gem! Tucked right by the Melaka River in Kampung Jawa, it’s the perfect place to start your day.
I’d say the best time to visit is between 8am and 11am. That way, you can grab a seat outside, soak in the view, and enjoy your meal before the midday heat kicks in. This place almost convinced me to become a morning person—who wouldn’t want to wake up to this kind of serenity and view every day? Prefer to stay cool? Their indoor seating has an old-school charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
They’ve got a pretty extensive menu, so whether you’re feeling peckish or absolutely starving, there’s something for you. My go-to? Their Simple Breakfast—it’s entirely customizable! I usually go for a combo of sourdough bread, olive oil + balsamic vinegar, and scrambled eggs. Simple, but so satisfying!
Address: 25, Jalan Bunga Raya, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka
3. The Curious Bakers
Ever been stuck in that in-between meal time? Too late for lunch, too early for tea, but still craving a little something? The Curious Bakers is the perfect spot to satisfy those mid-day munchies while staying cool from the Melaka heat. This quaint cafe in Kampung Jawa serves up a delightful selection of pastries, and if you’re visiting on the weekend, you can even pre-order their irresistible doughnuts to take away.
Head upstairs to their cosy seating area, where you’ll find a few comfy spots to sit back and unwind. Picture this—a cold drink in one hand, a good book in the other, and a laid-back atmosphere all around. Absolute perfection!
Address: 20, Jalan Jawa, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka
Foodie tip: If you’re walking along Jonker Street and start craving gelato, pop by The Curious Baker’s main shop, The Daily Fix Cafe, for some delicious handmade gelato!
The Daily Fix Cafe address: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
4. Nice Boy Coffee
Just a few steps away, you’ll find Nice Boy Coffee. Much like The Curious Bakers, they offer a tempting selection of pastries and desserts. If you’re after something more filling, they’ve also got a great variety of pasta, noodles, and rice dishes to choose from.
There’s seating both upstairs and downstairs—upstairs is perfect for bigger groups or a private cosy catch-up over drinks. Both cafes have their unique charm, so if you have the chance, you should definitely visit both!
And as for the name, Nice Boy Coffee; are the people really nice? They truly are!
Address: 25, Jalan Jawa, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka
5. Locahouz
We headed over to Locahouz for lunch, and I must say, the ambience had me sold. The interior is beautifully decorated with a vintage touch, giving the space a cosy, nostalgic charm. But my favourite spot? The courtyard—it’s peaceful, laid-back, and the perfect place to enjoy a meal in a serene setting.
As for the food, they offer a delicious mix of Western and local fusion dishes, with a menu so extensive you’ll be spoilt for choice! On top of that, their daily specials change from time to time, making each visit a delightful surprise. We ordered their Ah Mah’s Sambal Hebi (Hokkien dried shrimp chilli paste) Pork Belly Rice Bowl from their Daily Special’s menu and the Locahouz Breakfast. I don’t have a good tolerance for spicy food, but this is an exception because the flavours blended nicely with that tinge of spice.
Address: 8, Jalan Bukit Cina, Kampung Bukit China, 75100 Melaka
Melaka is packed with incredible food spots, and these are just a few that made an impression on my most recent trip. There’s always something delicious waiting to be discovered in this charming city. So, the next time you find yourself here, add these places to your foodie itinerary!
