Melaka is considered the cultural heart of Malaysia. It is also the birthplace of Nonya cuisine, an intergration of Chinese and Malay culture.
Restoran Bibik Neo is at no.6 Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya and run by the hospitable Marcia and Henry Tan. Marcia's recommendations included otak-otak ( banana leaf wrapped fish cake made with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, chilli and coconut milk ), crispy fried snapper with chilli sauce, prawn and pineapple laksa, wok fried kangkong and rice. Marcia emphasised the sole use of fresh ingredients over manafactured pastes and sauces. The meal was followed by a palate cleanser of Ais chendol... a dessert of shaved ice, caramelized durian fruit and pandanus flavoured rice "spaghetti".
Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball is in the heart of chinatown, at no. 4 Jalan Hang Jebat. This place is packed with locals devouring plates of poached chicken, braised cabbage, sticky rice balls and chilli sambal. Doesn't sound like much, but a perfect cooking technique and the balanced flavour was spot on.
Get to the weekend night market in the same street for a feast of food and karaoke; look for the Banyan Garden Cafe and order a bowl of laksa for Rm 4.50 and the old chika near the entrance selling smokey otak-otak for 40cents a pop.
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