Food crawl in Melaka, Malaysia: Local eats you must try when in Jonker Walk

In 2008, the historic port city of Melaka was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca, alongside George Town.

Nestled at the heart of Melaka is Jonker Walk. This area was once a trading hub for Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian merchants and this unique cultural blend is still reflected in the architecture, food and traditions lining the streets.

One of the best ways to experience these cultures is by exploring the local eateries in Jonker Walk and tasting various Melakan snacks and drinks that are not only scrumptious but also budget-friendly for budgetarian biyaheros!

Nyonya Laksa

One of the most famous fusion cuisines combining Chinese and Malay influences is laksa. In Jonker Walk, Filipino biyaheros who love this dish should not miss Malaysia’s signature Nyonya Laksa. This coconut-based noodle soup uses coconut milk, or lemak, which gives it a rich umami and slightly sweet flavor. Prawns, bean curd, and hard-boiled eggs are typically served in the flavorful broth.

Durian Puffs

The distinctive aroma of durian can also be experienced in Jonker Walk. One stall is known for its bite-sized puffs filled with fresh durian cream. If you’re not a fan of durian, yogurt and chocolate-filled options are also available.

Rojak

For biyaheros looking for a healthier snack, rojak is a Melakan-style mixed fruit and vegetable dish tossed in a thick, sweet, and spicy sauce, then topped with peanuts, tofu, and crackers. Cucumber, pineapple, jicama (singkamas), mango, water spinach (kangkong), and bean sprouts all come together in this refreshing local merienda.

Po Piah

The lighter companion to rojak is popiah, the local version of fresh spring rolls. This Malaysian snack is made with a variety of vegetables wrapped in a thin, soft crepe-like wrapper. If you’re craving lumpiang sariwa or ubod, popiah is a perfect merienda alternative.

Dumplings in Jonker Walk are far from the typical rice dumplings wrapped in paper-like skins. Melaka’s Nyonya dumplings are sticky rice-based and wrapped in bamboo leaves. These traditional dumplings are often enjoyed during festivals.

13 shots of Malaysian Coffee

If you need a break from all the food, a heritage-themed café in Jonker Walk is the perfect place to relax. This café serves 13 varieties of coffee, representing the 13 states of Malaysia. Each day, they feature a “coffee of the day,” which biyaheros can try for free.

Unleash your creative side by customizing your own cup noodles at a noodle museum and workshop also located in Jonker Walk. This interactive experience takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how you personalize your cup. Aside from the workshop, the store also offers various snacks and souvenirs.

Malaysia is a visa-free country for Filipino passport holders.

Planning to explore Melaka soon? Check out the first-ever cruise experience of Biyahe ni Drew and its shore excursion in Melaka, Malaysia on GMA Public Affairs’ YouTube channel.

Ready to tick that dream cruise off your bucket list? Visit the website of Executive Resources, Inc., the official travel partner of Biyahe ni Drew for this trip. -- ACC