Snapshots in Malacca
Archive for Melaka
Tastebuds in Malacca - Nyonya Country
The locals seemed inclined to only mention Pineapple Tart when asked where to get the best nyonya kuih. I tried it, it’s good. But where are the rest of the nyonya kuihs ???
Chendol however, is really legendary. Stays solid enough in the sultry weather but still melts in your mouth, just sweet enough to actually quench your thirst instead making you order more water.
Tastebuds in Malacca - Authentic Teochew Cuisine
There are times when you can find more authentic cuisine of particular cultures in smaller places, and I believe this is one of those instances.
We heard about this place a lot called Teo Soon Leong, a tiny half-shop in the middle of old town Malacca that requires reservations but doesn’t even have a backdoor. We’re constantly reminded that there’s no real way to escape if the kitchen catches fire.
Anyone familiar with Teochew cuisine will immediately recognise the dishes, Orh Mee (trans: oyster noodles), Lou Ngap (trans: Soy Seasoned Duck), Koh Gua Pai Kut (trans: Pork Ribs with Bitter Gourd) and the essential Steamed Pomfret. In fact we only had to choose the ingredients, the cook determines the style.
To be honest, I wasn’t blown away until I tried the Oh Ni (trans: Mashed Yam).
THIS … is completely mind-blowing. Obscenely fulfilling, normally you can’t get pass the first two spoonfuls after being knocked dead from sugar or oil overdose, but this one - I lapped the whole bowl clean. Do make an effort to sample this if you pass Malacca.
Historic Old Malacca (with a fresh coat of paint)
Can’t help but notice it’s many times REDDER than impression (from school textbooks), but it’s clearly excessively painted this year for Visit Malaysia 2007.
Thankfully across Dutch Square and Melaka river, original shophouses from the colonial days are still intact. Beautiful, would return to sketch given time.
Midway through the old city, we met a rambling old man. Very very educated with perfect English rambling about his paintings and reciting crazy bits of trivia perfectly, like postcodes from Sydney suburbs and all the Presidents of the United States.
Can you spot me ?
