In Melaka, satay isn’t just food—it’s an experience, with smoky, char-grilled skewers paired perfectly with a rich, nutty peanut sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily

Ah, Melaka - Malaysia’s historic gem. But forget the museums and historical sites for a moment; let’s talk about what truly makes Melaka magical: the food.

If you’re a foodie on a budget, here’s your ultimate guide to eating like royalty without feeling the pinch.

Everything listed here is under RM20 and full of flavor:

1. The OG Chicken Rice Balls at Chung Wah

Restoran Chung Wah, Jonker Street

Tiny, round and packed with flavor—these bite-sized rice balls are paired with succulent Hainanese chicken. The tangy chili dip? Absolute fire. The queues can be intense, but trust us, it’s worth every second. Pro tip: Go early to avoid the lunch rush.

Onde-onde in Melaka is a beloved Nyonya delicacy—soft, chewy rice balls filled with molten gula Melaka and coated in freshly grated coconut, offering a burst of sweetness with every bite. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily

2. Baba Charlie Nyonya Kuih

Baba Charlie, Tengkera

Dive into traditional Nyonya kuih heaven with treats like onde-onde (gooey rice balls filled with molten gula Melaka) and kuih lapis (colorful layered jelly). Baba Charlie’s iconic house-turned-kuih-paradise serves nostalgia with every bite.

Satay celup in Melaka is a must-try culinary experience, where skewers of meat, seafood and vegetables are dipped into a bubbling pot of rich aromatic peanut sauce. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily

3. Capitol Satay Celup

Capitol Satay Celup, Lorong Bukit Cina

Think lok lok but drenched in thick, aromatic peanut sauce. Capitol is the spot for satay celup, where you dunk skewers of meat, veggies, and seafood into bubbling hot satay gravy. Budget-friendly, messy and ridiculously satisfying.

No visit to Malacca is complete without indulging in some delicious cheese naan at Pak Putra. Photo: Instagram

4. Pak Putra’s Garlic Cheese Naan and Tandoori

Pak Putra, Taman Kota Laksamana

No Melaka trip is complete without a late-night session at Pak Putra. Their garlic cheese naan is soft, buttery and best enjoyed with a side of smoky, tender tandoori chicken. It’s comfort food, Melaka-style.

Pantai Klebang Coconut Shake serves some of the best coconut shakes around. Photo: Instagram

5. Klebang Coconut Shake

Klebang Original Coconut Shake, Klebang

Beat the heat with this icy creamy coconut shake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sip it by the beach and life feels instantly better. Pair it with their nasi lemak for the ultimate budget-friendly combo.

6. Roti John at Barkat Roti John

Barkat Roti John, Batu Berendam

Imagine fluffy bread loaded with egg, minced meat and a secret sauce that’s both spicy and sweet. Barkat’s Roti John has been a Melaka icon for years and every bite tastes like home.

7. Mee Bodo Tengkera

Mee Hassan, Tengkera

Don’t let the name fool you—Mee Bodo (literally "stupid noodles") is simplicity at its best. Yellow noodles, sambal and a fried egg. That’s it. But the taste? Genius. You’ll wonder how something so basic can be so good.

8. Asam Pedas Claypot at Kota Laksamana

Claypot Asam Pedas Kota Laksamana, Jalan Laksamana

Melaka is synonymous with asam pedas and this spot does it justice. Spicy and tangy with chunks of fish or chicken, this dish is best mopped up with steamed rice. Affordable and addictive.

9. Kuih Keria Antarabangsa

Kuih Keria Antarabangsa, Limbongan

These sweet potato doughnuts are glazed with caramelised gula Melaka, making them crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. You’ll need at least three to satisfy your cravings.

10. Cendol Kampung Hulu

Cendol Kampung Hulu, Jonker Walk

This modern cendol cafe serves the classic dessert with a twist—opt for their durian or Oreo cendol if you’re feeling adventurous. But even the OG gula Melaka version is pure bliss.

Melaka’s food scene proves you don’t need to drop big bucks to eat well. From street eats to hidden gems, there’s always something delicious waiting around the corner.

So pack your appetite, grab your foodie squad and let Melaka’s flavors take you on a journey.