Melaka Diaries: A Month of History, Flavors, and Relaxation

Nestled on the west coast of Malaysia, Melaka (or Malacca) is a city where history and culture intertwine seamlessly with modern life. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, Melaka is a living testament to the diverse influences that have shaped Malaysia’s identity over centuries.

Once a thriving maritime trading hub, Melaka rose to prominence in the 15th century under the Melaka Sultanate, drawing traders from China, India, and the Middle East. Its strategic location along the Strait of Malacca made it a coveted prize, leading to successive occupations by the Portuguese in 1511, the Dutch in 1641, and the British in 1824. Each era left indelible marks on the city, from the imposing A Famosa fort to the vibrant Dutch Square and the colonial-era shophouses lining Jonker Street.

Today, Melaka is a vibrant blend of cultures, cuisines, and architecture, where the echoes of its storied past coexist with a dynamic modern pulse. Whether it’s exploring ancient temples, savoring delectable Nyonya cuisine, or meandering along the scenic Melaka River, the city offers a wealth of experiences that captivate and inspire.

In this blog, I’ll take you through our month-long stay in this fascinating city—diving into its history, uncovering hidden gems, and sharing the unforgettable moments that make Melaka truly special.

Our home for a month was a 10th-floor apartment on the coast with a stunning view of the Melaka Strait, where one could sit and watch the maritime traffic for hours. The complex also had a lovely, enormous swimming pool, which we swam in every afternoon, often having it all to ourselves. The location was excellent—close to restaurants, shops, and supermarkets, and just a short 15-minute walk to the famous (and insanely busy) Jonker Street.

We quickly settled into life in Melaka. Our days often began with coffee at the exceptional café I Love Coffee, run by a passionate barista who roasted his own beans.

I also refined my curry-making skills during our stay. With an abundance of wonderful fresh produce available, it was a joy to craft curry pastes from scratch and create dishes like rendang, sambal, chicken curry, and even Thai red curry paste. One day, I discovered a banana flower at the market and made a banana flower salad—one of my favorite salads ever.

We ventured out to Jonker Street a number of times. Located in the heart of Melaka’s historic Chinatown, it is a vibrant blend of culture, history, and lively commerce. By day, it’s a charming street lined with beautifully preserved heritage shophouses showcasing Dutch, Portuguese, and Peranakan architecture. These buildings house antique stores, boutiques, and quaint cafés, making it a haven for treasure hunters and history enthusiasts alike. By night, the street transforms into a bustling night market with vendors selling everything from local crafts and souvenirs to mouthwatering street food like chicken rice balls, satay, and cendol.

We found a fantastic restaurant there called Kopi Harian, set in an old Chinese trading house. The food was excellent—my favorite dish was Nasi Lemak, and they served the incredible dessert cendol. Unique to the region, cendol is made with shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and vibrant green rice flour jelly, often topped with red beans or sweet corn. It’s absolutely delicious and unlike anything I’ve ever tasted.

Mostly, we dined close to our apartment at a couple of local favorites. One was Amy, a restaurant popular with locals, and the other was a cozy spot run by a lovely couple from Sarawak, showcasing the cuisine of their home region called W & L Restaurant – The Sarawak Cuisine.

We also worked on projects that we never seem to find time for back in France or Australia. I wrote a short book about our trip through the Gobi Desert a few years ago, while my other half focused on his programming project.

In between, we swam in the pool, watched the passing ships, enjoyed cooking with fresh produce, and simply savored our time in Melaka.

And just like that, it was time to leave Melaka and head to Malaysia’s bustling capital, Kuala Lumpur.

See you there!