Best Nyonya Restaurants in Melaka

Nyonya Makko is one of those special restaurants that have been around for a long period and loved by both locals and tourists. It is also a true traditional Nyonya crib, where even the exterior is decorated to imitate a traditional Peranakan house, complete with paper lanterns hanging on the entrance. Most of their dishes (like the Sambal Petai and Asam Fish) looks incredibly red-hot spicy but don't be fooled. It's actually leaning more towards the sweet and spicy flavour instead of the full-blown spicy kick you're expecting. But still pretty alright if you're a keen spicy-eater.

Nancy's little hub is rather low profile but ask any Melakan about it and they'd be glad to guide you to it. It's more of a small and crowded restaurant so you might have to be prepared to wait in line and even share a table with strangers and tourists. Their sweet and sour fish is especially popular as it isn't clogging with sweetness but spicier instead. If you're feeling adventurous, the buah keluak ayam is a challenge you should take up on. Tame down the heat and spices with a bowl of refreshing cendol. All the recipes are handed down generations after generations, ensuring that it doesn't go forgotten. 

The bubbly owner, Amy takes large pride in her Nyonya cooking. The wait for your food can be a bit lengthy, but that's so that Amy and her kitchen team can prepare the best of their cooking to you. Their memorable dish is the Ikan Cili Garam; which is basically a deep fried fish fillet complimented with a generous topping of flavoured fresh chilli paste. The fish is actually lightly-seasoned but goes hand-in-hand with the chilli paste which already packs a punch. Oh yes, be sure of leaving some stomach space for their well-regarded pai tee.

Jonker 88 is famed for one thing - cendol. There will always be a line there, and during the weekends, it gets worst. Apart from that, they do have several other stalls that offer delicious Nyonya laksa and assam laksa. The only downside to this place is probably the seating arrangement as most of the time, they're packed. And if that wasn't the case, stains of cendol or curry would be evident. All and all, if you don't mind any of those, then Jonker 88 is a pretty solid place to be. 

Get ready to fight for seats as Restoran Nyonya Sayang is always packed during lunch and dinner hours. It's an incredibly simple place with nothing much to offer in terms of its aesthetics, but the food here is really good. It's also voted as one of the better places to enjoy a decent Nyonya meal in Melaka. From the Chicken Pongteh to the Lady's Finger, they're all cooked beautifully and deliciously. Don't forget to try out their anchovies with petai and sambal, one that is unique only to Restoran Nyonya Sayang.

Yes, the name is odd. But one thing for sure is that the food here is absolutely delicious. Possibly one of the best there is within this range. From their signature Pongteh Babi to Kuah Lada Ikan, everything here is incredibly well seasoned and cooked to perfection. The dishes does not only possess a depth of flavour, but the presentation is simple and honest as well. Nothing too fancy, just plain ol' good Nyonya dishes. One that you will definitely bring your family over for. Oh, don't forget to try out their popiah as well!

Since dominating the “Baba Nyonya” local television sitcom series and being featured in various other on-screen dramas is never enough, this celebrity expanded his brand to a restaurant, known as Big Nyonya Restaurant. Churning out his Peranakan dishes with recipes passed down for seven generations up to date, if authenticity is what you’re looking for, this is the place to be. All you need is to get a portion of white rice to go with any signature dishes here, such as “Pong Teh Chicken”. With a concoction of ingredients that include Chinese dried black mushroom, chopped potatoes and chicken, this stew is robust with flavours and every mouthful is just heavenly! To top it all off, cleanse your palate with the Sago Gula Melaka afterwards.

The name is definitely odd as it doesn't even relate to what they're serving or the theme behind the restaurant. Having said that, it is catchy enough for people to remember, and the sign on the facade of the shop certainly sparks an interest in passerbys. Inside, you'll find quite an edgy, modern and contemporary looking place with a menu that dates back to the 90s. Not that it's a bad thing, but the contrast is evident. Food here is pretty good but a little pricey, and if you're willing to pay that differences, then you're gonna enjoy yourself here.

Be prepared to be amaze by Our Place Nyonya Restaurant's home cook Peranakan food that was brought down from traditions. A place where it feels like home, from their interior to the warm dishes they serve. True foodies would not doubt a place like this as it is not commercialised but actually cooked with care.

Wild Coriander not only serves good Nyonya cuisine but does it in a beautifully restored shophouse right along the Melaka river. Among their specialty must surely be the Nasi Dulang, which they use to decorate their outer dining area. There's also an inner dining area that needs to be seen to be appreciated.