We all know Singaporeans love to go cafe hopping in JB, but did you also know that Malacca is another hotspot for famous cafes? You can get a good cup of coffee (at an affordable price), take Instagram-worthy photos, and enjoy a good break from the hustle & bustle of the city in some of Malacca’s best cafes.
The next time you plan to travel to Malaysia, consider heading down to Malacca (it’s just a 3-hour drive from Singapore!) for a unique dining experience at these cafes.
1. The Daily Fix
One of the most popular cafés in Malacca is hidden behind a souvenir store at Jonker Street, and the only way you will notice it is if you look out for a sign displayed outside. Aside from its mysterious location and retro decor, The Daily Fix is also famous for its pancakes, with signature flavours such as pandan, durian, and salted egg yolk. Some reviews have even said that the coffee served here is the best in Malacca!
Address: 55 Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street), 75200 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9am – 11.30pm, Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 11.30pm
Contact: +60 6-283 4858
2. Calanthe Art Cafe
This cafe is also known as Malaysia 13 States’ Coffees, and that’s because it serves coffee from all states in Malaysia. Each state has its own unique way of making coffee – for example, Melaka’s coffee consists of 70% coffee beans, and 30% mix of sugar, salt and margarine, while Perak is famous for its white coffee. Other recommended food on the menu include Nonya laksa and butter milk curry chicken (yes, you read that right!).
While enjoying your food, you can also take in the quirky decor that has caught the eye of many diners. Calanthe Art Cafe’s founders hoped that by showcasing the artwork of local artists, diners will be able to better understand and appreciate Malaysia.
Address: 11, JaLan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Sun to Thu: 9am – 11pm, Fri & Sat: 9am – 12am
Contact: +60 6-292 2960
3. The Baboon House
Don’t be fooled by its name – the cafe-and-art gallery is one of the most tranquil places you can find, thanks to its spacious layout which features an open-air courtyard. This eatery is also pet-friendly – if you are lucky, you might be able to spot the owner’s dog and cat both wandering about and greeting guests at the entrance.
The Baboon House is well-known for its signature Baboon Beef Burger, as well as its Oriental Chicken burger. Priced affordably at around RM15 (about SGD4.60), it’s definitely value for money. You can also order a tea or coffee (comes with a complimentary piece of Danish butter cookie!) or cool down with a mango smoothie to complete your meal.
Address: 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Kampung Bukit China, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 10am – 5pm (closed on Tues), Sat & Sun: 10am – 7pm
Contact: +60 6-283 1635
4. The Old Mark Cafe
You know a cafe is really good when it even has to turn customers away because there are not enough seats for everyone. Unlike other cafes that go for bright, open-air concepts, the Old Mark Cafe boasts a dark and cozy setting for you to really snuggle in.
Reviews recommend that you try their burger (served with scrambled eggs, ham, onion rings and fries), as well as their light and airy souffle pancakes. Prices are slightly higher than other cafes, but definitely still worth the price tag!
Address: No.39, Jalan KSB 11, Taman Kota Syahbandar, Melaka, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Tue to Sun: 11am – 7pm (closed on Mon)
Contact: +60 17-899 1639
5. Kaya Kaya Cafe
No, the ‘kaya’ in this cafe’s name does not refer to the coconut jam (sorry if you’re a kaya fan!) – the Malay word ‘Kaya’ actually translates to rich or wealthy and the cafe uses it to describe the level of richness in food, life, relationship, health and wealth.
The cafe has a vintage interior design, including an interior courtyard that many visitors flock to the cafe for photo-taking. Food-wise, its menu is mostly Western, and you definitely have to try their Kaya Breakfast (RM22, about SGD7.25). It is a hearty breakfast set that comes with scrambled eggs, toasted bread slices, ham, sausages, mushrooms, and vegetables. For the actual kaya fans, you can even try their Melaka ‘Elvis’, which is actually stacked pancakes with banana and homemade kaya.
Address: 32, Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 8am – 6pm
Contact: +60 6-281 4089
6. Mods Cafe
As suggested by the name, the cafe’s theme is inspired by mods culture during the sixties. The first thing you might notice is that it has an orange 1978 Volkswagen Combi Campervan parked inside the shop. As a result, there is actually not much seating space in the cafe and can barely accommodate more than 6 groups of people, so you run the risk of being turned away when the cafe gets very crowded.
Instagram-worthy cafe interior aside, you can enjoy a good cup of coffee and a slice of delicious cake in Mods Cafe. There is no proper meal on the menu, but if you are a coffee aficionado, you should definitely come and try what many people tout as the best coffee in Malacca.
Address: 14, Jalan Tukang Emas, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10am – 6pm (closed on Wed)
Contact: +60 12-756 4441
7. River View Cafe
Not everyone is keen on hipster interiors, but most of us won’t say no to a good view of the river. River View Cafe offers local, Indonesian, and Western cuisine – in huge portions, no less! Enjoy their signature Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang at less than RM15 (about SGD 5), and end off with their must-try Ice Cream Mud Pie (that will set you back less than SGD2.50).
Address: 80 & 82, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10am – 10pm (closed on Tues)
Contact: +60 12-380 7211
8. Limau Limau Cafe
This cafe is not only a favourite among tourists, but also highly recommended by locals. There are even tourists who visit Limau Limau Cafe almost every day of their trip!
Some common fan favourites include pumpkin soup, homemade bread, milkshakes, and desserts. What everyone can agree on, however, is that the customer service here is really good – one reviewer appreciated the fact that despite looking visibly tired, the staff were very attentive and always smiled at the customers, even going so far as to entertain customers’ bad jokes and requests to turn the music up.
Address: 9, Jalan Hang Lekiu, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs: 9am – 6pm, Fri & Sun: 9am – 7pm, Sat: 9am – 8pm (closed on Wed)
Contact: +60 12-609 9088
9. Backlane Coffee
Backlane Coffee is famous for serving handmade dishes such as classic breakfast sets, pizza and panini from, well, the back of Jalan Hang Jebat. Previously, they only offered desserts and beverages, but recently started serving brunch all day long.
Try their English Big Breakfast at RM23 (SGD 7.60) for a hearty and energizing start to the day. If you are just in the mood for a light afternoon snack, get their Salted Caramel Tart and a cup of hot Cappuccino – a sure-win combination that’s made even better by the comfortable environment.
Address: 129, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Sun to Thu: 11am – 12am, Fri & Sat: 11am – 1am
Contact: +60 6-282 0542
10. Alley No.5
Most people who have visited Alley No.5 agree that they love the vibe of the place, that the owner has great taste in music, and that the cats are cute. The insiders also say that the cafe throws underground parties every month, so you know the owner is really serious about sharing good music. The interior design is also sure to evoke nostalgia, be it the old posters or vintage collectibles.
While they only serve coffee and desserts, it’s more than enough to keep drawing customers in. Be sure to try their homemade creme brulee and cheesecake!
Address: No.7 Jalan Kampung Kuli, Kampung Kuli, 75200 Malacca, Johor, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Mon to Wed: 12pm – 9pm, Fri & Sat: 12pm – 6pm, 8pm – 12am, Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Contact: +60 16-415 5097
11. Locahouz
Locahouz was founded by two sisters, after one of them moved back to her home state of Malacca after 7 stressful years in Kuala Lumpur and wanted to spend her time in a place filled with comfort and contentment. Opened near one of Malaysia’s oldest Chinese temples, the cafe is decorated with personal items: their late grandfather’s 80-year-old bicycle, which he took them riding on for dim sum, and their mother’s sewing machine.
Locahouz serves traditional local favourites like loh mai kai, and international cuisine such as ciabatta sandwiches. Do try one of their creative drinks – they look so good, you might mistake them as art!
Address: 8, Jalan Bukit Cina, Kampung Bukit China, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9am – 11.30pm, Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 11.30pm
Contact: +60 19-679 3993
12. The Huskitory
Here’s for all the dog lovers! In this cafe-and-pet shop, you can get up close with more than 20 huskies – a dream come true if you absolutely adore these furry friends. You can buy treats or RM2 (SGD0.65) per packet so that you can get the attention of a doggo, and you get one for free with every three packets purchased.
There are two outdoor sessions in a day — one from 5pm to 7pm and the next at 8pm to 10pm. During these periods, the huskies would be let out into the backyard and you can have fun running around with your newfound friends. Unfortunately, as of 2018, the cafe is not serving food and drinks (to the humans) anymore, but this is still a unique cafe experience that you should definitely give a go.
Address: 27, Jalan Taman Asean, Taman Asean, 75250 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Tue to Sun: 12.30pm – 10.30pm
Contact: +60 6334 2602
13. The Stolen Cup
We’re not sure why it’s called ‘The Stolen Cup’, but the interior itself does remind us of a cup of coffee itself, complete with warm lighting and wooden furnishing.
Their barista specialties are Gula Melaka Latte and Gula Melaka Cappuccino; gula melaka being a locally produced palm sugar. Make sure to visit on a weekday if you want to make sure that you will get a seat, although the space makes it comfortable enough to enjoy your time there even when it gets crowded.
Address: 12, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Sun to Mon: 9am– 9:30pm (closed on Tues)
Contact: +60 6-283 4858
14. Relish The Moment
Relish The Moment, also known as RTM, is a vintage-style café within walking distance from Jonker Street. If you are looking for a dog-friendly cafe, this is definitely one that you can bring your pet to (but only small dogs allowed!)
RTM serves spaghetti with a twist – nasi lemak spaghetti is one of their specialties and highly raved about by customers. Other must-try dishes include triple cheese pizza and aglio olio. Be prepared to spend a whole day here, be it from playing with all the dogs, or playing card games with your family & friends!
Address: 100, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10am – 12am (closed on Tues)
Contact: +60 6-281 2356
15. Sin See Tai
This is actually the sister cafe of The Daily Fix, but instead of serving fare like pancakes, Sin See Tai offers healthier options such as Avocado Bacon Toast and Home Baked Granola.
Waffles and popsicles aren’t the most natural combination that come to mind, but it definitely is the most popular dish in the cafe. You will probably wonder why you didn’t think of such a delicious food pairing earlier after you try this out.
Address: 18, Lorong Jambatan, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10am – 6pm (closed on Tues)
16. Heesan Kopi
Western and Nyonya influences dominate in this cafe’s interior design, and this extends to their dishes as well. Heesan Kopi’s specialty is called The Lot, which comes with sausages, fried eggs, hashbrown, cherry tomatoes, ham, mushrooms, asparagus, baked beans and croissant for a super hearty brunch. Another must-try is their Nanyang Egg Benedict, served with Pongteh chicken (a Peranakan dish which uses fermented bean paste as the core ingredient).
Address: 100, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 9am – 7pm
Contact: +60 6-281 2165
17. Coféology Cafe & Restaurant
Last but not least, Coféology Cafe & Restaurant is a Halal option for those who are looking for one during their cafe-hopping experience in Malacca. It is a favourite with Malaysians, and reviews online are mainly written by happy return customers who have been visiting them often.
The owner of Coféology is in fact a certified professional barista from SCAE (Speciality Coffee Association of Europe), so you definitely need to order their coffee. Other dishes to order include the Cofeology Waffle Tower (a triple decked stack of waffles with a caramel drizzle and berries), and of course a local favourite – Nasi Lemak.
Address: Lot 21 & 23, Ixora Condomunium 75450 Bukit Beruang, Melaka, Malaysia (Google maps)
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 8am – 11.30pm, Wed: 12pm – 11.30pm
Contact: +60 13-288 6792
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