Malacca, also spelt as Melaka, has changed a lot since the lockdown and the next time you find yourself in this historical town while on your trip to Malaysia, be sure to check out some of the best, most interesting bars, including a 100-year-old one.
Malacca is known for many things, especially being home to a rich and culturally diverse environment. With travel back in full swing now, a short trip here is always a good idea. There is plenty to discover, from heritage hotels to cafes. And since the historic city is also known as one of the best places to visit to eat to your heart’s content, you might forget that it also has plenty of great bars.
The bar scene in Malacca has recently upped its ante, with names like BUDI that offer more than just potent cocktails. Others, like the 100-year-old Sin Hiap Hin, well, let history do the talking.
There are also plenty of old-school bars readily available, featuring the background of the rich history of one of Malaysia’s oldest states. Checking out these best bars in Malacca may be the perfect reason to plan a trip.
8 best bars in Malacca to visit:
Jonker Street is one of the more livelier places within the city of Malacca and rightfully so, as there is always something going on. However, Jonker Street is also popular mainly due to the Geographer Café, which cannot be missed as it’s one of the biggest bars around the area. It embodies the term ‘east meets west’ while maintaining its warm ambience and old charm. The Geographer Café also serves up a wide array of dishes, which ranges from your classic Western dishes as well as local delicacies. It also has plenty of beer choices on tap as well as wine and other liquors.
Address: 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +06-2816813
Hatten Hotel is considered to be one of the more luxurious stays you can find when in Malacca. The hotel is set against a picturesque vista of Malacca’s most famous historical landmarks and on the 22nd floor lies Alto Sky Lounge. It brings a whole new definition to the term “a new height of luxury” with a breathtaking view of the cityscape right before your eyes. Alto Sky Lounge also offers a wide variety of drinks, from cocktails to fine wines. Be sure to dress appropriately as Alto Sky Lounge does have a strict ‘smart casual’ dress code.
Address: Hatten Square, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-286 9696
It appears Malacca has also caught up with the times with its very own speakeasy bar known as The Old Merchant. From a first glance, The Old Merchant carries a heavy oriental vibe to its atmosphere as it was evolved from an ancient private bank that dates back to the 1920s. The speakeasy is also located along Jalan Kampung Pantai, which was the original Chinatown back in 15th-century Malacca. The Old Merchant also sticks true to the heritage of being a speakeasy as it will be a bit of a task to locate.
Address: 88, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 19-627 9020
Image credit: The Old Merchant 滙庄/Facebook
If you’re looking to liven up your evening, the Hard Rock Cafe in Malacca is the place to be. The franchise has been around since the 1970s with its rock & roll themed memorabilia that adorn its walls. Fans of old-school rock & roll are in for a treat as Hard Rock Cafe has plenty of that and more. It also offers a wide spread of dishes and drinks for one to pick from while you go back through the golden years of rock & roll. You can also walk away with Hard Rock Cafe souvenirs from its gift shop, located within the premises.
Address: 28, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +606-2925188
Image credit: Hard Rock Cafe Melaka/Facebook
Inspired by the golden days of Dondang Sayangs clubs, BUDI Melaka is a hidden bar that offers more than just a good ol’ Old Fashioned. Sin See Tai cafe by day, and BUDI Melaka by night, the bar serves a bevvy of unique cocktails made using local produce including a vegetable-forward menu that incorporates homegrown ingredients like bittergourd, eggplant, corn and sweet pea into its concoction. The multi-level bar is eccentrically designed, giving a sense of mystery and cosiness at the same time. We recommend that you make a reservation before heading over because seats are pretty limited.
Address: 16, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka
Phone: +6017-7188269
Image credit: Budi/Facebook
If you’re looking for something authentic and old-school, your visit to Melaka will not be complete without a drink at the 100-year-old vintage bar at Java Lane. This drinking hole is a living heritage and is managed by Aunty Doris, the bartender in charge of serving and pouring you some of the most unconventional spirits in the market. She’s been with the bar for over 40 years, and it is raved about for its rustic saloon-style bar that’s unpretentious yet charming. When visiting the oldest bar in historical Melaka, you’ll get more than cocktails and shots, but anecdotes of good ol’ Malacca from the owner herself.
Address: 5, Kampung Jawa, 75200 Melaka
Image credit: tripadvisor
They say the best way to explore Malacca city is by foot. If you happen to be around the heritage zone, Tipsy Bridge is a must-go for a tipple. It’s tucked in an alleyway off the main road, along Jalan Kampung Pantai across Kampung Jawa Bridge (where Sin See Tai or BUDI Melaka is). Its neon-lit signage is quite hard to miss. The little street here is quite happening at night, with upbeat music and neighbouring cafes like Tuju Cafe and The Bridge Cafe.
Address: Jalan Kampung Pantai, Dalam Lorong Jabatan, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +6011-2682 3038
Image credit: tipsybridgeauthentic/Instagram
Located adjacent to the famous Jonker Street, Reggae on the River is a riverside bar that allows you to chill al-fresco style while having a pint of beer or tequila shots. It’s a popular drinking place among the locals and offers a nice view of the vibrant Melaka River.
Pasar Karat, affectionately called Bazar Karat, is a must-visit destination in Johor Bahru that’s just a stone’s throw away from the JB Checkpoint.
This charming night flea market (or pasar malam as locals call it!) on Jalan Segget offers a wide array of products, from clothes and electronics to yummy treats for the foodies.
Read on to discover all this market has to offer – what to buy and what to eat – for a memorable offbeat shopping experience in JB!
Originally known for antiques and used items, Pasar Karat or Bazar Karat, which translates to “rust” in Malay, is now a walking street filled with shoes, gadgets, and local street food vendors.
With approximately 500 meters of bustling stalls, this lively market spans across Jalan Segget and Jalan Tan Hiok and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
What You’ll Like:
Great ‘pasar malam’ vibe
Variety of street food and local delights
Shop for various knock-off goods, electronics, clothes, etc
Open til late night – great for an after dinner stroll or shopping
Very affordable prices
Good place for bargain shopping
Good To Know
Many vendors at Pasar Karat JB night market accept both cash and TnG (Touch ‘n Go) payments
Pasar Karat JB can get crowded especially on weekends, so be aware of your belongings and keep an eye on your purse or wallet
While haggling is a common practice in night markets, food items generally have a fixed price
Parking could be a hassle, so consider ride sharing options
Pasar Karat Night Market is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 6:00pm til midnight.
While most shops open by about 6:00pm, head to the market a little later for a better night market vibe as the it only truly comes alive around 8:00pm!
If you’re a fan of vintage treasures, don’t miss the antique stall selling treasures like old cameras, brassware, enamel pots, and street vendors selling vintage t-shirts.
4.2 Clothes
Numerous stalls offer a range of clothing items, including jeans, tourist-themed t-shirts, and the always-popular crowd favorite, batik shirts!
4.3 Fashion Accessories
Pasar Karat is also famous for a wide selection of affordable knockoff handbags and shoes resembling popular high-end brands in malls.
Shopping Tips For Pasar Karat
Exploring the stalls can be an exciting adventure, with the potential to discover one-of-a-kind gems
Goods can be similar from stall to stall, so don’t buy from the first shop you come upon as you might find a better deal elsewhere!
Feel free to haggle down the prices, but keep in mind that these vendors are also trying to make a living!
A definite must-eat at the market is their ‘lokching’ or skewered fish satays and sausages that are grilled then dunked and smothered into the most delectable homemade Thai chilli sauce!
5.2 Mee Siput
While the name suggests that you’ll be eating a bowl of noodles, mee siput is actually a deep fried flour dough that spirals like a shell of a ‘siput’ or snail and served with tasty sambal!
Cap off your visit to Pasar Karat with their yummy Kunafa, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert of shredded dough soaked in sugar syrup layered on top of a delicious cream cheese base!
6. How To Reach Pasar Karat JB?
Pasar Karat JB is a quick 10 minute drive away from the JB Checkpoint.
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Pasar Karat from the JB Checkpoint is to hail a taxi or use a ride-sharing app like Grab.
If you’re driving to Pasar Karat yourself, parking can be a bit of a challenge due to the busy area and lack of designated parking facilities.
Most shoppers choose street parking, but be sure to avoid double lines, yellow lines, and hydrants – it may be risky, but it does add to the excitement of shopping at a pasar malam!
8. Pasar Karat FAQs
Q1. What time does Pasar Karat JB open?
Most stalls in Pasar Karat JB are set up and open by around 6:00pm.
Q2. Are there any differences between Singapore’s and Pasar Karat JB’s night market?
Singapore’s night markets are more food-centric offering more ‘hot food’ options, while Pasar Karat sells clothes, vintage ware and street snacks that are super budget friendly!
Q3. Is Pasar Karat JB worth visiting?
Yes! Pasar Karat JB is definitely worth a visit for its unique ‘pasar malam’ atmosphere, great bargains, and delicious street food!
If you have been wondering where to eat at Jonker Street, this article will help you in many ways!
We have got you 12 different restaurants along or near the Jonker Street that has been frequented and recommended by the locals.
These Jonker Street restaurants not only serve you local delicacies.
Instead, some offer you the hearty and wholesome Western cuisines, Malacca food and some even present you Nyonya dishes that have heavenly taste!
A meal at these restaurants could reenergize your tired body and mind before getting on the journey again.
Let check them out!
We hope you really enjoy yourself while dining here!
12 Best Restaurants In Jonker Street
1. The Baboon House
The Baboon House is a restaurant where tranquil environment meets with decent food. Greeny surrounding, big portion of food at affordable prices, scenic spots, everything about the restaurant is outstanding.
The restaurant is famous for their homemade burger. One of the most ordered dishes is their highlight, Baboon Beef burger that comes with tender and juicy beef. Served with vegetables and potato wedges, the burger is best with the sauce that adds a little spiciness to the taste. It is one of the famous food in Jonker Street.
Baboon Green Salad is another must-try too. Topped with chicken and pork bacon, the massive portion of salad is enough for 2 persons!
To quench your thirst, the restaurant offers you beverages ranging from smoothies, fresh juices, coffee, hot tea to alcoholic beverages. Each coffee and hot tea comes with Danish cookies to complement your afternoon tea.
Location: 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Kampung Bukit China, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 1635 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
2. Salud Tapas
Being the only Spanish Restaurant in Malacca, Salud Tapas serves incredible Spanish food with nice food presentations. It is housed in an ancient heritage building and the beautiful interior creates a cosy yet romantic ambience for diners.
The restaurant features open kitchen where diners can see how the chef cooks while enjoy the delicious food. With the western environment, it makes you feel like having a dinner in Europe.
The food offered are very authentic. Every bite come with huge flavours. Whether it is paella, gambas (prawns) or calamari, the restaurant offers all of them. If you dip them in their special made black garlic sauce, it tastes even more flavourful!
Upstairs, the restaurant transforms into a casual bar filled with fun and warm atmosphere. They offer variety of drinks for you to socialise with friends.
Location: 94, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia. Contact: +606-282 9881 Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:30pm – 12:00am
Closed on: Tuesday Facebook
3. Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball (马六甲和记鸡饭)
As the name suggested, Hoe Kee sells poached chicken in Malacca. With marble tables and wooden chairs, it offers a nostalgic ambience of traditional Chinese restaurant. For better lightning, head to the middle area with open roof.
Like the normal chicken rice we eat, the rice ball is cooked by using the chicken stock. The only difference is it is shaped into balls. It is firm and it won’t break up while picking it up.
The poached chicken is incredibly succulent, flavourful and moist! The serving is enough for 2 persons and it tastes really different from the chicken rice in KL and the bean sprouts chicken in Ipoh.
Chili sauce and dark soya sauce are available at each table. It simply just adds the chicken more flavourful.
Location: No.4, 6, & 8, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 4571 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:30am – 4:30pm Facebook
4. Poh Piah Lwee
Serving the Malaysian’s all-time favourite – Po Piah, the humble restaurant is perfect for a decent breakfast to kick start your day. They also serve Nyonya cuisines that will make you long for more.
The unique thing about Malacca’s Po Piah is they add delicious fried pork lard oil. Though they add it into Po Piah, it still comes with right texture and is not overly oily.
The jicama inside is well-marinated and boiled to the right moisture. Best of all, the amount of sweetness is just right! It is fresh, crunchy and mixes so well with other ingredients in Po Piah.
Other recommended breakfast would be Nyonya Dumpling and Nyonya Laksa. The Nyonya Dumpling that has generous fillings is very tasty and sweet while the Nyonya Laksa that comes with fragrant smell is creamy and not too spicy in taste!
Location: 14, Jalan Kubu, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-282 7175 / +6017-783 0986 Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Closed on: Monday & Tuesday Facebook
5. Straits Affair
Straits Affair was established to preserve authentic Peranakan food. Although the ethic has been living in Malacca for over 200 years, the restaurant prides themselves in serving contemporary Nyonya delicacies and keeping old favourite at the same time.
Despite Nyonya delicacies, the restaurant is also a patisserie offering all kinds of Peranakan kuih including pastries, biscuits, cakes and cookies. Their fine kuih are made from their secret family recipe and freshly made of the day.
Fried ang koo kuih, Pang Susie, ondeh-ondeh and apom berkuah are the signature kuih at Staits Affair. Nyonya food like pai tee, Nyonya laksa and mee siam can be found here too. Besides, their Peranakan pancake with banana and Gula Melaka has a heavnly taste.
For beverages, opt for the coffee or tea with gula melaka. If you prefer something cold, their chendol is best recommended.
Location: 1, Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-605 6490 Opening Hours:
Daily:
Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday
6. Wild Coriander
Set in the picturesque riverside, Wild Coriander is a restaurant combining both Malaysian and Asian food and it offers exceptional Nyonya dishes too. The restaurant serves no pork so you can bring Muslims friends around.
Wild Coriander is in a traditional Malay house with beautiful interior design. The decorations on walls such as traditional plates throw you back to old Malacca times.
Both Laksa and Beef Rendang here are superb in taste. As the Beef Rendang goes very well with biryani rice, remember to pair them up while having the dish.
Other Malaysian favourite like Nasi Lemak, mutton curry and bok choi are offered here. Each has distinct flavours and all the produce are fresh.
Don’t forget to opt for their Cameron Highland tea which has a wonderful taste!
Location: 40, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-380 7211 Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday Facebook
7. River View Cafe Melaka
Located away from the hustle and bustle of Jonker Street, River View Café Melaka is one of the Jonker Street cafe that best suited for those who enjoy some quiet moments. Especially in the evening, it offers customers an amazing sunset view of Malacca River.
Even though the cafe offers both local delicacies and western cuisines, they are known for specialising in Malaysian classic food.
Beef rendang is their signature. The serving is great and the tender soft beef could just fell apart in plate. For the gravy, the taste is rich and full of spices. It is well-accompanied with pickles, cucumbers, chilli paste, fried anchovies and rice.
Other recommended dishes are chicken curry, calamari and fried rice.
For beverages, you can have their mango lassi- their highlight smoothies made with yogurt. It is extremely fresh and fruity.
Location: 82, Jalan Kampong Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-380 7211 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday Facebook
8. Shui Xian Vegetarian Restaurant (水仙素食园)
Jonker Street caters to vegetarians too! At Shui Xian Vegetarian Restaurant, a variety of dishes are offered and they will come out with 1 or 2 local specials each day as the day’s highlight. Ala carte dishes are available here as well.
The Melaka chicken rice ball is their signature and it is almost sold out around 9am daily. Some people said that it tastes better than the non-vegetarian one.
It is a twist on the normal chicken rice we taste. Instead of serving a plate of rice, the chicken rice is made into big ball shape and the chicken is served separately as accompaniments.
Their Wan Tan Mee tastes good too. Customers can choose from 3 different sizes at different prices. However, there is no wantan in the dish. Instead, they serve fried wan tan skin with no fillings.
Location: 43, Jalan Hang Lekiu, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +601-635 8052 Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:30am – 2:30pm
Closed on: Sunday Facebook
9. Seeds Garden Bistro
Seeds Garden Bistro presents the best of nature food. Featuring hearty Asian and European dishes using the freshest ingredients, herbs and spices, the restaurant gives your body a healing experience in the modern city.
We have been eating meat burger for a long time but have you tried the mushroom burger before? This is the signature of Seeds Garden and it tastes delicious! The burger is quite healthy because there is not much seasoning inside.
We recommend you enjoy their Japanese Curry and Nasi Campur too. If you prefer western dishes more, you can always try their pizza and spaghetti. No worries to vegetarians as they don’t even use mock meat in preparing these dishes.
They offer fresh fruit juices as well. Carrot and apple juices are recommended here.
Location: 60, Jalan Tokong, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6017-363 9626 Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday Facebook
10. Hard Rock Café Malacca
Almost everyone who love music will fall in love with Hard Rock Café Malacca. The restaurant is a place where classic hits and authentic cuisines mix in one.
They decorate the restaurant with musical instruments, autographed albums and costumes. And with the memorabilia and modern design, you feel cool and trendy while dining here.
Their homemade Original Legendary Burger is the dish that makes them so famous. Generously filled with cheddar cheese, smoked turkey bacon, crisp lettuce, tomato and fried onion ring, you can imagine how big the portion is!
Not to forget about their Caesar Salad too. Topped with fresh parmesan cheese and garlic croutons, the delicious romaine lettuce is tossed with their homemade dressing.
Last but not least, their giant Jumbo Combo! It consists of Tupelo Chicken Tenders, signature wings, onion rings and many more. The big plate is served together with barbecue sauce and honey mustard that goes perfect with the meat!
Location: No.28, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-292 5188 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:30am – 1:00am
Friday to Sunday: 11:30am – 2:00am Facebook
11. Geographer’s Café
Located at the corner of Jonker Street, it is hard to miss out Geographer’s Café that has green panels and striking yellow wall. With live band performance every week, it has been attracting many tourists come over for a decent meal.
The restaurant is very famous in Jonker Street, Malacca. A popular Hong Kong movie, Summer Holidays filmed some of the scenes here.
Many people order their Chicken Satay that comes with peanut sauce. The Indonesian bean curd, Tempeh Curry which is the chef specialities are available here. Another recommended dish would be the curry ramen that mixes with Malay culture. It tastes as good as laksa.
If you enjoy drinking beers, they offer cocktails and iced beers to relax yourself. It is also one of the best nightlife spot in Jonker Street. If you come here in the afternoon, a coconut drink could beat your heat!
Location: 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-281 6813 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 1:00am
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 1:00am Facebook
12. Pin Pin Hiong (品品香茶室)
Featuring an open kitchen, Pin Pin Hiong is a humble restaurant serving home style Chinese food with consistent quality.
It only has a simple one-page menu with few selections. But the food served is definitely what you will die for.
Oyster omelette here wins most people hearts. The fried egg is looks crispy outside but once bitten, it tastes extremely fluffy! The best part is it is not salty and oily yet gives off the egg aroma.
Unlike other restaurants serving flavourful Mee Suah, Pin Pin Hong’s version seems tasteless without much seasonings and ingredients. But if you keep eating, the flavour of ingredients and noodles start coming out.
Their pork chop tastes great too. It has a very crispy skin and the pork is very juicy. A few tomato and vegetables topped the dish.
Location: 786, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:30am – 2:00pm
Closed on: Sunday
[…] the main reasons people flock to Melaka is for its food. The city is famous for its unique blend of cultural and colonial cuisine, which can be found right in the heart of the […]
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[…] the main reasons people flock to Melaka is for its food. The city is famous for its unique blend of cultural and colonial cuisine, which can be found right in the heart of the […]