[Updated 21 September 2020]
Home to one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, Melaka looks like a scene straight out of a historical film set in the 1950s. Aside from being known for its extravagantly decorated rickshaws and of course, lip-smacking bowls of cendol, Melaka’s café scene is flourishing – giving way to lots of hipster eateries scattered across the city. From monster milkshakes to fluffy waffles, check out these awesome halal cafes in Melaka that you simply can't miss!
1. Cofeology Café & Restaurant
Established in 2014, Cofeology’s owner made a decision to serve the Melaka community by providing a comfy setting for Muslim diners to sip quality coffee and savour local delicacies.
Tapping on the owner’s contacts and his experience as a certified professional barista from SCAE (Speciality Coffee Association of Europe), he began another chapter in the history of superlative coffee and also sourced for the freshest ingredients from fellow locals.
We would recommend the Cofeology Waffle Tower – a triple decked stack of waffles with a caramel drizzle and berries. Another local favourite among the crowd is the Nasi Lemak – best served during breakfast of course ? Once you’re done going local, have a go at the different artisanal coffee selection and light bites there.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Mon; 8AM-11PM, Tue-Sun; 8AM-11.30PM
Address: Lot 21 & 23 Condomunium, Jalan Bukit Beruang, Bukit Beruang, Jalan Ixora, 75450 Melaka
Contact: +606 231 6180
P.S. Planning a short trip to Melaka? Check out our 3D2N itinerary for your historical Melaka getaway!
2. Le QUE
Listed as one of the top 10 halal restaurants in Melaka, Le QUE menu offers a myriad of Western dishes. Le QUE is also known for its amazing local cuisine at unbeatable prices. The menu consists of lamb chops, Assam Pedas Ikan Pari, Pisang Bakar and Crème Brulee. Not to worry, there's something for everyone!
It is also strategically located at Jonker Street, an Insta-worthy street that occasionally has night markets too. After taking a picture of your meal at Le QUE, you can head over to Jonker Street to shop for antique collectables!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 12PM-11PM (Closed on Mon)
Address: No.14, Jalan Lagenda 3, Taman 1 Lagenda, 75400 Melaka
Contact: +6019 213 8844
P.S. Still feeling hungry? You're going to love our ultimate guide to halal food in Melaka!
3. Sayyid Antique & Café
Not all cafes are following the trend of serving artisanal coffee and poached eggs on toasts. For example, the Sayyid Antique & Café offers simple and authentic Malaysian cuisine in a homely environment. With dishes like good old Nasi Ambeng and Nasi Lemak, this is one café experience you definitely wouldn't want to miss out on.
Other crowd favourites include the Melaka Nyonya Laksa and good old Teh Tarik. Prices at this café ranges from 1.50RM to 15RM. Unlike other hipster cafes, this eatery replicates the design of old school coffee shops; swapping metallic chairs and polished wooden tables with plastic stools and marble tables. A perfect set up for your Instagram-worthy shot!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Thu-Mon; 9AM-5PM (Closed on Tue and Wed)
Address: 74, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Contact: +6012 681 3505
4. Truly Two Café
Truly Two Café is a boutique café located at Bukit Baru. The milkshakes are the best-sellers in this café. The variation of sauces and toppings makes these over the top milkshakes truly one of its kind in Melaka. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate or caramel drizzle, these monster milkshakes will definitely leave you feeling super satisfied.
In addition to that, they also have unique lip smacking desserts such as the San Marco Nutella Pizza and the French Miniature – crème brulee served with vanilla ice cream, choc mousse and panna cotta. Recently, they have launched the Stickek – a cheesecake on a stick topped with melted chocolate or any of topping of your choice (Yes, I am not kidding!).
Other toppings include Lemon Meringue and Chocolate Madness – a combination of Nutella, Kit Kat, Maltesers and Cadbury. There are also savoury options such as the seafood salad and cheesy chicken nachos. You will definitely be leaving the café, completely stuffed and over the moon!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 1 PM-9.30PM (Closed on Mon)
Address: No. 9, Jalan PNBB 2, Pusat Niaga Bukit Baru, Seksyen IV, Mukim Bukit Baru, Bukit Baru, 75150 Melaka
Contact: +606 284 3488
5. Dutch Harbour Cafe
Fancy a dinner by the river? Swing by Dutch Harbour Café, a cafe that is strategically positioned by the Melaka River! Be it a romantic night out with your significant other or a short catch up with your high school friends, this restaurant tops the list for the most amazing views of the city canal.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Open daily; 9AM-11PM
Address: Jalan Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, 75100 Melaka
Currently not open for dine-in
1. Noah Art Café (closed until further notice)
Brought to you by the guys behind the Dutch Harbour Café, NoahArt Café is a quaint and cosy café located at Jonker Street. Their extensive menu includes Grilled Chicken Mandy rice, gourmet sandwiches like the London Salt Beef Sandwich and Soft Shell Crab Panini sandwich as well as good old Chicken Noodle. (P.S. We heard that the London Salt Beef Sandwich is a bestseller!)
For those of you intending to start the day right, their Western breakfast spread , served with a cup of coffee is also available there. You can also opt for the Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang or Asam Laksa for a change! Then, end it all with the perfect sweet treat - a delicious bowl of cendol ?
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Sun-Tue; 8AM-4PM, Thu; 8AM-4PM, Fri; 3PM-11PM, Sat; 8AM-12AM (Closed on Wed)
Address: 9, Jalan Hang Lekiu, 75200 Melaka
Contact: +606 288 2820
P.S. Planning a weekend getaway? Check out our super affordable destinations in Malaysia for the ultimate weekend trip!
2. Halia Inc (closed until further notice)
Note: The cafe is currently undergoing renovations. Do check out their social media pages for updates!
A quaint riverside café in Central Melaka, Halia Inc is located in a renovated warehouse. Upon entering the café, you’ll be greeted by the stylish hipster interior design consisting of exposed bricks, wooden boards and vintage items. Some of the popular items on the menu include the Hawaiian Pizza and the Carbonara Spaghetti.
Craving for dessert? You can’t go wrong with waffles and ice cream! They have a variety of waffles in store such as the red bean waffles with matcha ice cream, banana waffles with salted caramel sauce, Oreo cookies with dark chocolate sauce and chicken mustard waffles!
In addition to the Western fare, Halia Inc also offers delectable local sets such as Portuguese Baked Fish and Nyonya Curry Prawn. Talk about yummy! With all the good food that you'll be able to sample, you can wash it down with mocktails such as the notorious Pina Colada and Lychee Mojito.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Average price of main dishes: RM26
Opening hours: Open daily; 7.30AM-11PM
Address: No. 1 Jalan Merdeka, Quayside Heritage Centre, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka
Contact: +6019 770 7590
3. Rain & Co. Café (open for pick-up and delivery)
Established in 2018, Rain & Co. Café is originally built to cater the guests at Rumah Kotak Pantai Klebang Villa. Today, it attracts a slew of customers who are craving for a taste for their best-selling nasi ayam penyet kaw-kaw.
Come on weekends, and you’ll get to try their special nasi lemak bamboo and ayam goreng berempah. Serving 100 plates daily, remember to drop by early. Otherwise, you can settle in for a slice of mango cheesecake from a local bakery, Kulacakes.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Tue-Thu; 2PM-10PM, Fri-Sun; 12PM-7PM (Closed on Mon)
Address: End Lot, Jalan Muhibbah 5, Taman Muhibbah, 75200 Klebang, Melaka
Contact: +6019 732 4015
Now that you have many places to visit, your cafe-hopping trip to Melaka will be quite an adventure! The best thing about these cafes is the variety of cuisine that appeals to all tastebuds and cravings. Whether you're going cafe-hopping with your family or friends, you're going to have the best time!