Bored of the sights and sounds of Singapore, and frankly need a short getaway from everything? The understated charm of Melaka awaits, just a bus ride away!
More than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a vibrant historical past and beautiful architecture, Melaka is undoubtedly a foodie’s paradise – whether it be street snacks, cafe grub or quick eats by the roadside.
The list of tastebud teasers is growing as we speak, so we’ve wasted no time in bringing you this list of cool cafes that’ll surround you with all kinds of #goodvibes.
1. Calanthe Art Cafe (Pork-free)
Tucked away in a quiet alley, stepping into this cafe is akin to entering another world.
A master of revival, this is where television sets are reborn as aquariums, antique furniture is given a new lease of life, and timeless quotes artfully adorn the walls.
A picture speaks a thousand words, and this picture perfectly highlights what Calanthe Cafe is so well-known for. That’s right, Calanthe serves a signature coffee from each of Malaysia’s 13 states, and you would probably already have guessed that the star among customers is the Melaka coffee.
The drink consists of a well-balanced blend of coffee beans, sugar, salt and margarine – rich and hearty morning fuel.
Must-try: Melaka coffee, Eunice (a blend of jasmine tea and coffee), Kaya butter toast with crispy cuttlefish, Nyonya laksa
Calanthe Art Cafe
Address: 11 Jalan Hang Kasturim 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Thu & Sun: 9am – 11pm; Fri – Sat: 9am – 12am
2. The Baboon House
A tranquil Garden of Eden amidst the bustling Jonker Street, The Baboon House is a laidback cafe-cum-art gallery serving some of the best authentic gourmet burgers in Melaka at only RM 14 – 16, and freshly ground coffee.
Get some respite in its spacious courtyard that’s adorned with a plethora of plants and tons of natural light. Its eclectic furniture adds to its quaint, timeless appeal that’ll have you lounging the day away with your doggo or baboon (yes, it’s pet-friendly!)
Must-try: Baboon Beef Burger, Oriental Chicken Burger, Pork Belly Burger, Terriyaki Porkchop Burger, Cheese Burger, Mango Smoothie, Fresh Juices
The Baboon House
Address: 89 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Kampung Bukit Cina, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 5pm; Closed on Tue
3. Geographer Cafe (Halal)
Housed in a traditional shophouse in Chinatown that dates back to the pre-war era, Geographer Cafe will surely delight your inner culture buff.
If there’s one thing that Geographer Cafe believes in, it’s healthy and tasty food. Here is where you can grab some East-West fusion grub that’s full of punch and flavour, without the MSG. With vibrant street life a few steps away and a funky playlist, kick back with a pint or two till late.
Must-try: Imported beers, Gula Melaka Layer Tea, Geographer Curry Ramen, Jonker’s Fried Rice, Geographer Rainforest & Straits of Melaka salad
Geographer Cafe
Address: 83 Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 10am – 1am; Sun: 8am – 1am
4. Mods Cafe
Oozing old world charm by the bucketful is this quirky coffee joint that’s situated near one of the oldest temples in Malaysia.
In true hipster fashion, a genuine 1978 Volkswagen Combi campervan is parked behind a garage door that niftily houses a cash register, refrigerator and coffee machine. Their vinyl collection and mass of trinkets are worth checking out too!
While the desserts here are just average, their Western style coffee blends are worth a shot.
Must-try: Unique and tasty coffee blends
Mods Cafe
Address: 14 Jalan Tukang Emas , 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 6pm
5. The Daily Fix Cafe and Restaurant (Pork-free)
Hidden behind a batik souvenir shop, this cafe is nevertheless easy to locate with the signs on the streets and shophouses, only a 5 minute walk from the start of Jonker Street.
The cafe’s retro decor with painted blinds, wooden sofas and potted plants all add a touch of je ne sais quoi that makes this cafe stand out. Together with their delicious pancakes and mean cups of coffee, The Daily Fix has us pledging our loyalty for a long time to come.
Must-try: Pandan Gula Melaka Pancakes, Durian Pancakes, Salted Egg Pancakes, Durian Cheesecake, Duck Aglio Olio
The Daily Fix
Address: 55 Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 9am – 11.30pm; Sat – Sun: 8.30am – 11.30pm
6. Locahouz Breakfast and Brunch Restaurant
An oasis of cool comfort away from Melaka’s hot and busy streets, the sister cafe of Baboon House offers a Western-style menu too, albeit with greater emphasis on desserts.
Stepping into this leafy revamped Chinese shophouse whisks you back to the past with its vintage decor.
In a place like this, your best course of action would be to chillax on a rattan lounge chair amidst potted plants and hanging creepers, old typewriters and quirky knick-knacks that are also on sale.
Must-try: Mustard chicken, Spicy Pork Sandwiches, Pomelo Orange Soda, Honey Lavender Latte, Coffee Wine, Orange Beer, Espresso with Rootbeer, Orange Cheesecake, Mango Cheesecake
Locahouz Breakfast and Brunch Restaurant
Address: 8 Jalan Bukit Cina, Kampung Bukit China, 75100, Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 10.30am – 6pm; Closed on Wed
7. Sayyid Antique & Cafe (Halal)
An antique shop that doubles as a port-of-call for hungry diners, here is where you can enjoy simple, authentic Malaysian fare in a cosy and homely environment.
The friendly pakcik and makcik prepare the food on the spot, ensuring that the ingredients are fresh and each dish is piping hot. If you’re vegan, this place offers tofu options as well.
Must-try: Laksa, Lontong, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Ambeng
Sayyid Antique & Cafe
Address: 74 Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 8.30am – 5.30pm; Closed on Tue
8. The Stolen Cup
A quaint hole-in-the-wall coffee stop along Jonker Walk, The Stolen Cup has stolen our hearts with its rustic interior decorated with wooden planks, old clocks and posters.
Besides the barista specialty of iced gula melaka coffee, enjoy their freshly-toasted, crispy croissants which go down with a buttery crunch.
Must-try: Iced gula melaka latte, croissants
The Stolen Cup
Address: 21A Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Sun: 9am – 9.30pm; Closed on Tue
9. Backlane Coffee
For the adventurous at heart, this cafe will be a worthy conquest.
Hidden away in a back alley, boring and drab, this cafe is not. The cafe contains a motley crew of antiques and curios, as well as a curious carousel of scrumptious desserts and Western fare. Coupled with its spacious and airy interior, it’s the perfect place for you and your girlfriends (or bros) to chill at.
Must-try: Mr Owl Coffee (owl-shaped coffee ice cubes), Pesto Pizza, Teh Tarik Macaron, Passionfruit Surprise Macaron, Salted Caramel Tart, Raspberry and Praline Mille-Feuille, Backlane Passion (passionfruit cream with chocolate mousse on a white chocolate base)
Backlane Coffee
Address: 129 Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Thu, Sun: 9.30am – 11.30pm; Fri & Sat: 11am – 12am
10. Ola Lavanderia Cafe
Well-located within walking distance of the heritage site, this all-white, minimalistic cafe is perfect for a pop of caffeine.
What’s best is it doubles as a launderette – at only RM 4.80, pop your feet up while your clothes get washed, folded and ironed. Cue Instagram hashtag #taitailife.
While you’re here, be sure to order their famed cheesecakes.
Must-try: White Melaka Cheesecake, All Day Breakfast
Ola Lavanderia Cafe
Address: 25 Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 8am – 5pm; Sun: 8am – 1pm
11. Handmade Bakery Cafe (Halal)
Upon entering this cafe, you’ll be hit with the ridiculously yummy fragrance of freshly baked breads, pastries and cakes.
Munch on handmade pain au raisins, pulla buns and muffins fresh from the oven while you watch bakers shaping their dough. At the same time, say hello to this adorable bear that will not maul your face off!
Sweet treats aside, the cafe serves up a large range of savoury dishes such as pizza and salad which will please your growling tummy.
Must-try: Chocolate Guinness Cake, Baked Polish Cheesecake, Tunisian Orange Cake, Oreo Volcano
Handmade Bakery Cafe
Address: 77 Jln Kota Laksamana 3/8, Taman Mahajaya, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
12. The Coffee Jar (呷珈琲)
A quaint little coffee shop with its own mini roaster, its specialty, lightly roasted coffee, will tickle the tastebuds of third wave cafe-goers. Apart from coffee, The Coffee Jar also stocks a selection of pies and cakes for you to munch on while you sip away.
Watch the world go by while the aroma of roasted coffee fills the cafe, and 80s tunes drift from a cassette player, lulling you into a cocoon of calm.
Must-try: Coffee, Earl Grey Tea Cheesecake, Jar of Pie (a unique in-house rendition of Shepherd’s Pie)
The Coffee Jar
Address: 38 Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 10.30am to 6pm; Closed on Tue
13. Plat Kitchen
While it may be a coincidence that Plat rhymes with “fat”, this is where we wouldn’t mind piling on the calories at.
For those with more adventurous tastebuds, you’ll find the ingenious play on local ingredients very intriguing and tempting indeed.
One such dish is Ah Ma’s Sambal Hebi Pasta, a modern European twist on the traditional local shrimp chilli blend.
Food aside, its decor is sleek and modern, leaning towards a stark Scandinavian aesthetic with a bold splash of royal blue.
Must-try: Ah Ma’s Sambal Hebi Pasta (Sambal Dried Shrimp Pasta), Breakfast-in-a-Pot, Tray Baked Chicken, Bloody Mary Dessert
Plat Kitchen
Address: 596 Jalan Melaka Raya 10, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 12am; Sat & Sun: 10am – 12am
14. De Reve Cafe (Halal)
The go-to place for your hairdressing needs and caffeine fix, De Reve Saloon is famed as the only salon in Melaka with an attached cafe.
Blocked off from the surroundings with a soothing curtain of greenery, the cafe is a tranquil getaway from the busier city scene.
Browse their selection of light snacks, desserts and drinks, and sip on a cuppa or two while you pamper your locks.
Must-try: Banana crumble, Apple peach crumble, Dalmatian waffle
De Reve Cafe
Address: Jalan Kenanga 3/29, Taman Kenanga, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 8pm; Closed on Thu
15. Me & Mrs Jones Cafe
Keeping up with the Joneses has never been this fun.
At this family-run music bar, kick back with their wide selection of freshly-squeezed health juices and alcoholic mixes. The music is the highlight here, so don’t drop by on an empty stomach! Come jam with the owner, Hawk, and his wife, Joan, as they sizzle up this vibrant, energetic bar with music ranging from blues to rock-and-roll.
Must-try: Freshly-squeezed health juices
Me & Mrs Jones Cafe
Address: 3 Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily: 7pm – 1am; Closed on Wed
16. TPC Home Cafe
At this cafe that’s housed in a homestay, you’ll truly feel like you have balik kampung.
Retro wooden tables, paper lanterns and old-style Chinese swing doors adorn the establishment. Unlike the modern Western dishes served in most cafes, their home-style dishes are a refreshing change.
Sample their signature crystal dumplings, roast pork and egg over rice, and handmade noodles or ban mian.
As a added perk, they serve yummy cups of coffee too, with some even adorned with cool latte art.
Must-try: Crystal dumplings, handmade noodles (ban mian), roast pork rice with egg
TPC Home Cafe
Address: 35 Jalan Bukit Cina, Kampung Bukit China, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue – Sun: 12pm – 12am; Closed on Mon
17. Halia Inc. (Halal)
Located right next to the river and at the heart of the historical district, Halia Inc. is the perfect pit stop for a casual brunch.
The atmosphere is tranquil and restful, elevated by the spacious cafe’s high, open ceiling which gives it a touch of industrial chic. This cafe is much larger than most, so it’s the perfect stop if you’re touring with a big group of friends.
The menu features a mishmash of Western fare, comprising burgers, pastas, pizzas, steak and seafood with interesting Asian overtones. One such dish that caught our eye was the Oat Crusted Salmon with Yuzu Butter Sauce. Sounds familiar?
Must-try: Peri Peri Pizza, Creme brulee, Single origin coffees, Oat Crusted Salmon with Yuzu Butter Sauce, Flourless Orange Almond Cake with Double Cream, Sticky Date Pudding, Forty Licks Ice Cream
Halia Inc.
Address: 1 Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hillir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 7am – 11pm
At the end of your delicious journey, you’ll be a true certified foodie in the land of Melaka. Not only that, you’ll also juggle two other titles as well: Professional Instagrammer and Master Snapchatter.
So… Ready, get set, snap and chomp!
For more good food in Malaysia, check out these hipster cafes in JB you’re sure to love.
(Header Image Source: Nitalovestoeat WordPress)
