MY – Malacca

03.02.2025 – Thailand to Singapore day 26

Malacca: A Day of Rest, Planning, and Culinary Discoveries

Malacca (Melaka) is a city where history, culture, and food come together in a unique way. While our day was mostly spent indoors, editing photos and videos, we still managed to experience a taste of Malacca’s rich culinary heritage and explore the city in the evening when the air was cooler.

A Day Indoors: Rest, Editing, and Planning Ahead

The tropical heat was intense, so staying in the air-conditioned comfort of our hotel felt like the best choice. We took the opportunity to catch up on editing our travel content and plan the next leg of our journey.

Our next destination is Johor Bahru, where we need to pick up our Autopass card. This card is essential for entering Singapore by motorbike, as riding there without one can result in heavy fines. Since parking in Singapore is notoriously expensive, we chose to stay at another Dusit Hotel, which offers free parking—an excellent bonus for motorcyclists like us.

A Sweet Surprise: Malacca’s Cheesecake Specialty

In the afternoon, we treated ourselves to a local specialty: pure cheesecake. Unlike traditional cheesecakes that have a biscuit or sponge base, this version is made entirely of cheese. It was rich, creamy, and incredibly filling—definitely a calorie bomb, but a delicious one!

This cheesecake is a perfect example of how Malacca’s food culture is full of surprises. The city’s cuisine has been shaped by centuries of influence from the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Chinese, creating flavors and dishes that can’t be found anywhere else.

The Influence of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British on Malacca’s Cuisine

Malacca’s history as a colonial trading hub brought together different culinary traditions. Each colonial power left its mark on the city’s food, resulting in a fusion of flavors that still exist today.

 • Portuguese Influence: The Portuguese ruled Malacca from 1511 to 1641 and introduced ingredients like chilies, tomatoes, and vinegar to the local cuisine. One of their most famous contributions is Devil’s Curry, a spicy and tangy dish made with chicken or beef, flavoured with mustard seeds, turmeric, and vinegar. Another well-loved dish is Portuguese Egg Tarts, a sweet pastry with a creamy custard filling, similar to the famous pastéis de nata from Portugal.

 • Dutch Influence: The Dutch took over Malacca in 1641 and ruled until 1824. While their influence on food was less pronounced than the Portuguese, they introduced dairy products, leading to richer desserts and pastries. Malacca’s Dutch-inspired butter cakes and baked goods reflect this influence.

 • British Influence: The British controlled Malacca from 1824 until Malaysia’s independence in 1957. Their impact on food culture can be seen in the popularity of afternoon tea, buttered scones, and pies. British-style bakeries in Malacca still serve these treats today, blending European flavors with local ingredients.

This mix of culinary traditions makes Malacca one of the most exciting food destinations in Malaysia.

Exploring Malacca’s Chinese Heritage

In the evening, as the heat of the day faded, we set out for a walk through the city. A light sea breeze made our stroll much more comfortable. We revisited Chinatown and Jonker Walk, though they were still crowded and overly commercialized.

However, beyond the tourist shops, Malacca’s Chinese heritage is deeply woven into the city’s identity. The Chinese community in Malacca dates back to the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century when Chinese traders settled in the city and married local Malays, forming the Peranakan or Baba-Nyonya culture.

The Chinese Influence on Malacca

 • Trade and Economy: Chinese merchants played a crucial role in Malacca’s rise as a trading port, bringing silk, porcelain, and spices. Their influence helped shape the city’s economy, and many Chinese families became successful traders.

 • Baba-Nyonya Culture: The Peranakan community, descended from Chinese settlers who married Malays, developed a unique culture blending Chinese and Malay traditions.

Their influence is most evident in Baba-Nyonya cuisine, which combines Chinese cooking techniques with Malay spices and flavors.

 • Chinese Temples and Architecture: Malacca is home to some of the oldest Chinese temples in Malaysia, such as Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, which dates back to the 1600s. The Chinese shophouses along Jonker Street, with their colorful facades and intricate carvings, also reflect traditional Chinese architectural styles.

A City Shaped by Many Cultures

Malacca’s history is one of multicultural influences, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, and British traditions into a unique identity. This fusion can be seen not only in its food and architecture but also in its traditions and daily life.

Even though Jonker Walk was still too crowded for our liking, walking through Malacca in the evening allowed us to appreciate its layered history. The mix of old and new, the preserved shophouses next to modern cafés, and the historical sites surrounded by bustling markets all tell the story of a city that has constantly evolved over the centuries.

Final Thoughts

Our day in Malacca may have been quieter than usual, but it was still filled with discoveries. Whether through its food, its history, or its cultural influences, Malacca continues to surprise us.

As we prepare to leave for Johor Bahru and then Singapore, we carry with us a deeper appreciation for this city’s past and present. Malacca is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to experience, taste, and understand. And even on a slow day, it has plenty to offer.

Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!!

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