Jonker Street Dessert Cafe in Melaka
Jonker Street Dessert Cafe in Melaka
 |
| Jonker Street Dessert Cafe in Melaka |
A local favourite, this quaint little cafe serves local Melaka desserts, noodles, and rice, which are part of the Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan Cuisine. As you should know, the heritage city of Melaka was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2009.
 |
| Baba & Nyonya Curry Laksa |
The trick is that when you enter the Jonker Cafe, you need to place your order with the stalls located just outside the 200-year-old pre-war building entrance. There are 2 stalls opposite each other. One serves desserts, and the other serves noodles and rice dishes.
The famous dishes here are the homemade Peranakan Nyonya Asam Laksa, Baba Curry Laksa, Baba Nasi Lemak, and the desserts, which are the Baba Ice Kachang, Baba Cendol (Chendol), and Durian Cendol with Gula Melaka (Palm Sugar).
On weekends or long holidays, the place can get a little chaotic, so you have to be patient. I got in on a Sunday afternoon, and the line to order had already reached onto the street. But it can move quickly so you will not have to wait ages.
 |
| Jonker 88 Museum Cafe Interior |
The next tip is to have someone go in and get a table while you place the orders out front. Trust me, you do not want to walk in holding a food tray with no place to sit. Once you get your food, head inside this living museum cafe. The seating extends into the back portion of the shop. If you are a couple, you can also ask to share a table.
 |
| Museum Cafe in Melaka |
Inside the museum cafe, you will notice many antique pieces displayed throughout the cafe. Aged wooden display cabinets hold priceless antiques and memorabilia in the front portion of the cafe.
Various items, such as pineapple tarts, cookies, and some other local cookies, are being sold. I once bought a unique edition postcard set of old Malacca from inside here. So, those interested in some of the pieces can inquire about some of the items for sale there.
 |
| The back portion of the museum cafe |
While the back portion of the old shophouse is a general seating area, it is divided by a wooden bar window and doorway. The washrooms are at the back. Looking around, you will also notice old Chinese and Baba-Nyonya paintings and some antiques mounted on the walls, along with various vintage items such as irons, cash registers, telephones, and many other interesting items carefully placed around the area.
 |
| Nyonya Asam Laksa |
The food and desserts served at the Jonker Cafe are an absolute must for anyone visiting Melaka. Here, you will get a taste of the famous Melaka Peranakan Baba and Nyonya cuisine.
I must say that in the last two years, I have visited this place four times at Jonker Walk. Every time I make a trip to Melaka, I must make it a point to stop here for the addictive food and desserts sold there.
 |
| Nyonya Nasi Lemak and Ice Kacang |
One of my favourite combinations would be the Nyonya Nasi Lemak with the Baba Ice Kacang and my Iced Teh Tarik (Iced Tea with Milk). The food never goes wrong on my visits; it’s just that the crowd gets bigger every time I go there.
I will not discuss the food and desserts here, as they speak for themselves. After multiple visits and still tasting good, I can assure you they have a pretty good standard here.
My conclusion to Jonker Street 88 Cafe:
- Must visit for the local food, desserts and ambience
- It does get super crowded on weekends
- Overall charm was spoilt by the cheap utensils used
- One of the overtourism places in Melaka
- Turnaround time is pretty quick as people eat and leave fast
- Value for money
Price Range: RM 2.50 to RM6.00Â for food
Address for Jonker Dessert 88 Cafe;
Jonker Dessert 88 (Museum Cafe)
88, Jonker Walk
Jalan Hang Jebat 75200
Melaka.
Opening Hours:
Daily – 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Saturdays and Sundays – 10.00 am to 10.00 pm
Note: The place may have changed owners over the years. But it’s still here, serving tourists.
View Larger Map
Conclusion
Please note that some of the pictures here were taken from my iPhone 1 in 2009, so please excuse the quality of the photos. Eating at the Jonker Street Dessert Cafe in Melaka is one of the main highlights of my visit to this old historical city. But remember, this was in 2009, and now, this place is part of the overtourism in Malaysia.Â
I recommend visiting this place from Tuesdays to Fridays, as the Jonker Street Dessert Cafe can get really crowded on weekends and long holidays.
Share this content:
0 comments