Melaka, Malaysia

The lure of good food is as much a part of Malacca's magnetism as its narrow streets, old shop houses and the ruins of European empires. To many, Peranankan or Straits Chinese cuisine, that unique blend of Chinese and Malay cooking styles, evolved from the social dynamics of colonial chapters, springs to mind instantly with all its trademark piquancy. However, a diversity of cuisines has also proliferated from the colorful ethnic tapestry of this city. In other words, the choice is vast.

Peranakan

You can't think of Malacca without thinking Nonya cooking. Its influence is pervasive and lasting, with its imprints found in a great many menus. Hotel coffeehouses, cafes, even pubs frequently carry one or more Peranakan items as a main course, a light meal or finger food.

Malay

Malaccan satay is a specialty of the city. It is different from satay found elsewhere in the country because the accompanying sauce is based on belimbing (a small sour fruit) rather than peanuts. Grilled fish and seafood are other staples of traditional Malay cuisine. Malacca is also particularly famed for a delicious variation of the chicken rice theme—chicken rice balls. The specialty here is the golf-ball sized fragrant rice balls, which are cooked in butter and ginger and served with a plate of succulent steamed chicken. Hoe Kee Chicken Rice is purportedly the inventor of the dish and operates from the same pre-war shophouse as it did three decades ago.

Eurasian

Eurasian cuisine in Malacca revolves around a fusion of Portuguese and local cooking styles -- Devil's Curry and Kapitan Curry being its most prominent representation in the local food landscape.

Other specialties to try while in Malacca include affordable and authentic Northern and Southern Indian cuisine. The city's Indian commercial enclave revolves around the junction of Jalan Bendehara and Jalan Laksamana and there are several long-serving restaurants in the area. Cantonese restaurants cover every Chinese variation of dim sum while vegetarian restaurants specialize in seitan-inspired "meat." The hotels in tourist areas are reliable for decent western comfort food, and more and more pan-Asian restaurants from Japanese to Korean to Thai are opening in Malacca all the time.

Bandar Hilir

Plenty of dining options are to be found in Bandar Hi lir, including some of the top choices in Malacca. The Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant is an excellent place to get an introduction to Peranankan cuisine with superb service to boot. Golden Phoenix is among the top Chinese restaurants in town. For Japanese food, step into Kampachi Restaurant .

Old Town

Old Town offers many classic and well-reputed dining choices in historic buildings. The Galleri Cafe leverages on the marvelous restoration of Hotel Puri to add great ambience to commendable Peranankan food. Famosa Chicken Rice Ball off Jonker Street is known for the Malay specialty . The Heeren House Cafe serves selected Portuguese fare for lunch and dinner, while Coconut House Studio features modern pizza and art house offerings in a 19th century setting, complete with antiques and a working water well. Whether or not you stay to dine or come back later for a drink and some music, stop by Restoran Hoi San to see how this old Chinese temple was renovated into one of the most happening night spots in Malacca.

Taman Melaka Raya

Taman Melaka Raya is one of Malacca's central streets for dining and shopping. The selection of restaurants is overwhelming but highlights include Ole Sayang Restaurant and Manis Sayang Restaurant for Malay and Peranankan cuisine. If you are in a hurry and just want a quick bite, try the Jalan Melaka Raya Food stalls located directly across the Makhota Parade shopping center. For a slower paced meal in a calm setting, dip into Hong Fook Restaurant for traditional Chinese classics. Catering mostly to Buddhist visitors stopping by one of the many temples in the area, Ci Sin Vegetarian Restaurant and Jitseng Vegetarian Restaurant both serve Chinese vegetarian cuisine. For other Malacca specialties, visit the Portuguese Restaurant on the ground floor of Hotel Portugis. For contemporary international cuisine done right, dine in the Straits Cafe . Crocodile Pub is a fun place to strike up a conversation over a game of pool.

Town Centre

Many of these restaurants are within walking distance of Malacca's historic buildings, and some of them are even housed in them. For authentic Malay cuisine, try Restoran Anda or Restoran Sri Percik . The Selvam Restaurant is a typical coffee shop style eatery offering both North Indian (Tandoori, chapati, paratha) and South Indian (rice served in banana leaves) delights. Lakshmi Vilas Restaurant and Banana Leaf Restaurant serve incredibly affordable breakfast, lunch and dinner with a South Indian flavor. Long Feng Chinese Restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. Zong Hua Seafood Restaurant is a great place for classic Cantonese food, or for vegetarian Chinese variations go to Mei Lin Vegetarian Restaurant or Yang Sheng Vegetarian Restaurant . Restoran Swee Kee in Chinatown serves a mean dish of Hainanese chicken rice. If you have never tried it, you don't know what you are missing. Restaurante San Pedro at the Portuguese Square is a great place to try Kapitan Chicken. For another Straits specialty, go to the Garden Cafe for a steamboat meal, a variation of Chinese hot pot. Discovery Cafe near St Francis Xavier Church is a real travelers' destination, with a breezy courtyard, internet, and an amazing collection of travel information as well as a wide-ranging menu. Likewise, the Geographic Cafe is in a fun and a specifically Malaccan setting.

Kelebang Besar is known especially for its grilled fish and seafood and many roadside stalls are open until late in the evening.