Melaka: Calanthe Art Cafe @ Jalan Hang Kasturi (Jonker Street)

Stopped by this cafe for a breather after getting lost for about fifteen minutes or so. Hahaa, my sense of direction is as atrocious as ever.

The cafe has a relaxed vibe to it. You can curl up with a book, and enjoy a cool coffee from any of the 13 states in Malaysia.

alfresco seats, outer side of the cafe

inner courtyard

Ordered a Sarawak Blenz, and a Nyonya laksa for lunch.

Sarawak Blenz

coffee jelly

The Sarawak Blenz was nice to drink, although I should really be having something to quench that thirst! Coffee jelly was a subtle complement to the drink. Something to chew on, while waiting for the drink to melt a little. Coffee was not too strong, and whipped cream gave it a smooth feel. Not too sweet and that's a major plus point.

My food was missing due to some miscommunication and when it came, the beehoon had already soaked up the sauce.

nice presentation

Nyonya Laksa with beehoon

dried sambal chilies

The laksa was fragrant, and quite 'lemak'. Ingredients were pretty simple. Deep fried beancurd skins, taupok, tiny fishballs, some shredded cucumber and egg strips. Big bowl and took quite an effort to finish!

Personally, I felt that the star of the dish, was the accompanying dried sambal chilies. Crispy, very yummy, and not too spicy.


This meal costs about RM16, and the service staff was friendly and courteous.

Melaka: Nadeje @ Plaza Mahkota

Walked past this shop, so went in for cake and coffee. If dining in, then just go up to the cake counter to choose the cake and then the service staff will show you to your table. Then, peruse the drinks menu and make your choice.

Ordered the Original Mille Crepe, and a cup of Melaka Latte.

Melaka Latte

The Melaka Latte was rather thick. Made a mistake of dumping in a stick of sugar before tasting. Ended up with a slightly too sweet version than preferred. Forgotten that this coffee already had palm sugar syrup in it. And that contribute to its distinct taste.

Original Mille Crepe (@RM9)

many layers

cream

such thin layers

Liked the cake. Not too sweet, and tasted moist, creamy and light. Yums.

One of their staff, a Mr Shahrukh Khan (he mentioned that his name is the similar to the Bollywood superstar) said that the owner of the shop is a Japanese lady and that Nadeje in Czech, means "Hope".

Melaka: Bunga Raya Pork Porridge @ Plaza Mahkota

Located at one of the alleys at Plaza Mahkota, and quite near to the hotel when I was in Melaka recently. Lunched there and to pass time while waiting for check-in time.

inside of the shop

Order and pay at the counter, then sit down and wait for food and drink to be served.

lone newspaper clipping

To tell the truth, the shop does have a dated feel to it. Apparently, it's now run by the 4th generation, so ordered pork porridge to try. The lady at the counter asked if I'd eat internal organs and I said yes, so they did a mixed parts pork porridge.

pork porridge (small)

small intestine, minced pork balls, sliced lean pork and liver

On first sip of the porridge, it tasted predominantly of soya sauce. It lacked flavour. The liver and lean meat were very overcooked. Fortunately, the small intestine was soft and tender. And the best tasting ingredient, was the minced meat balls. It has bits of salted vege (was it chye poh?) in it. Kind of something that ah ma (grandma) would make at home. Retro.

Somehow, this bowl of light tasting porridge kind of grew on me as I was eating it. Perhaps, it evoked a sense of nostalgia.

sour plum

The sour plum drink tasted like sour plum, but the sour plum didn't look like the kind of sour plum that I know.

sour plum

This meal costs RM5.50 in total.