Local food, Melaka

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The satay house is two shops away from Ringo's guest house. The moment we sat down, they served us two bowls of satay sauce and plates of cucumber, onion and ketupat(rice dumpling).

The satay sauce tasted similar to the ones from Sun May Hiong Satay house but it has a much thicker consistency. However, this penanut sauce is different from the usual ones that we had from the other satay stalls in Singapore. The main ingredient is pineapple and is slightly tangy, it used less of the spices and peanuts too. Pineapples were blended and added to the sauce and the satay were not marinated with lots of spices. The satay is more savory than the slightly sweeter version in Singapore or Johor. Personally, I find the satay is not so flavourful but suculent enough, probably I'm more used to the ones with more spices.

We waited for a while and satay were served to us without our need to order it. The concept of eating here is a bit different. You only pay for what you eat and they will count the number of satay sticks on the table. Each stick of satay cost RM0.70 and the herbal drink cost RM1.50. I find the satays and service here is better than Sun May Hiong.

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Having read reviews elsewhere about the seafood dishes here, we decided to give the restaurant a try.The few tables (there were only about 4) for dining were already full, so we had to take one of the small tables in the inner area (which was obviously meant to be a bar table) close to the kitchen. The upper floor, though with tables, wasn't being used at that time. In any case, the waiters were friendly and helpful (they speak good English, so no problem with communication), and the orders arrived quicky.

We ordered some small clams, fish rolls, mushroom soup, and the "obligatory" baked fish. The clams and soup were quite okay -- i would say, more like home-cooked food, meaning they tasted as i i expected them to taste, so there was no suprise or aha moment there. Nothing special about the fish rolls -- i mean, you didn't need to go to a restaurant to eat that, it felt more like street food for me. But the fish was someting else! We chose the one which had green ginger and chilies. It was excellent -- perfectly done in a melt-in-your-mouth way, the spices didn't overpower the fine taste of the fish, instead it heightened the subtle flavour of the fish. And the fish was big -- it was even too much for 2 persons (although this was a "small" order).

The fish overwhelmingly tipped the balance to the positive of what would have otherwise been just a regular dinner. In terms of taste, I have nothing to complain about, but what is lacking is presentation. See my photos -- the food don't look tempting or appetizing (even the fish), but it's only because they didn't bother with the presentation, for I can swear that the quality is much better than many other places in the area, and for less the price (our big dinner cost us about 25 euros).

So if you're not up to anything fancy and don't care much about ambience, but want simple but good local food (with fresh ingredients) and attentive service at a very reasonable price, this is the place. Come early because the place quickly fills up.

Favorite Dish: The baked fish (which has the effect of steaming, as they bake it in foil) is superb!

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We had heard so much about chicken rice ball before coming to Melaka, that we thought it a must to try. Not having any particular place in mind, we decided to follow our noses to where the locals converged. Judging by the place being full, and with people continuing to arrive (even waiting outside in the rain for empty places), I suppose this was a comparatively good choice among similar eating places in the area, so in we went.

We ordered steamed chicken with the chicken rice ball, noodle soup, spinach, and drinks. Overall, food was just okay, nothing to jump about -- it was more like home cooking. The chicken rice ball, apparently, is just rice steamed in chicken broth. The servings, however, are rather small so a second order may be necessary for a more filling meal. The food, however, is very cheap, so no worries about ordering seconds. Service is fast, the young waitresses don't speak English, but the menu comes with photos so sign language is all that's needed really.

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The restaurant is crowded and it is difficult to get a seat. The cendol has nice and thick gula melaka and it is not too sweet. Liked the texture of the shaved ice; not too coarse. The Kueh pie tees are delicious.

Revisit on the 5th Nov 11. I wanted to try the Baba laksa but it was sold out so I ordered asam laksa and cendol. The asam laksa has more ingredients compared to the version from penang asam laksa. It is slightly tangy and the spicyness is pretty mild. The taste is not too bad. The standard of the cendol seemed to have dropped. Also, they didn't add much of the gula melaka and ingredients to the cendol.

Revisit on the 6th Nov 11. Ordered only cendol. The standard of the cendol seems to be inconsistent. There are frozen bits of green starch noodles, they seemed to have taken it from the freezer and not fully defrost.

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We were walking about Jonker Street and were pretty much famished as we left the hotel at 7.30pm. So by the time we got to Jonker Street, it was already 7.45pm.

We chanced upon this restaurant - lovely decor with traditional peranakan and chinese furniture decking the restaurant.

Favorite Dish: Other than the rice ball and chicken, I really liked the chilli. Well mixed and deliciously prepared.

I would have liked to get a better picture of the shop but alas, I was rushing off and could only do a turn-around shot. It was lunch time and the crowd that had gathered turned us away from eating here.

Though it is said that the food can only be deemed so-so, it's truly like the mecca of Melaka. A must-try. After that, you can announce to others that you've been there, done that.

Favorite Dish: Specialty shop that sells chicken rice. I've ate their chicken rice twice so far - once we bought the chicken rice back to the hotel as we'd wanted to enjoy our meal in the air-con comfort.

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The Seet family could count on four of their ancestors being Capitanes of Malacca during the Dutch administration.
A family with long tradition, authentic nyonya food and served in a pleasant atmosphere under the kind glances of photos of ancestors. quick service. EXCELLENT FOOD
and very good value for the money
apart from a lone japanese tourist with her well worn guide book, all tables were taken by local families gorging on this great food

Favorite Dish: Chicken Serai
Asan Fish
Okra
Blachan Kang Kong
Chin chou with soya bean
Sambal Tercing

This restaurant is located in the Holiday Inn restaurant. As part of the stay, the hotel threw in breakfast.

There was local spread such as porridge and nasi lemak while for western, you have omelette, sausages and pancakes. Another counter served fruits and desserts.

Favorite Dish: I always love my food warm. So omelette gets my pick.