We point you in the direction of the city’s best dishes and where you can find them
Rich in history and alive with culture, Melaka is a city that any visitor to Malaysia should not miss. Within the city is a beautiful blend of flavours and cultures that have combined to make Melaka’s unique cuisines that speak to its heritage.
Read more: 7 essential local dishes to try in George Town, Penang
With the likes of ayam pongteh and satay celup, Melakan food is unlike any other, spanning the homey Nyonya cuisine to the fiery Kristang cuisine. To help guide you through the state's diverse cuisine, here are five essential dishes that you need to try for a taste of Melaka.
Devil curry
Not your typical chicken curry, Devil Curry, also known as curry Debal, is part of the Kristang cuisine that has grown to be a Melakan favourite. This spicy dish gets its name from the word “Debal”, which means leftovers in the Kristang language, as it was historically made a couple of days after Christmas with leftovers from the festive meals and on other special occasions. Today, you’ll find the dish in Eurasian homes and restaurants, where it is served at any time of year.
A blend of Malaysian culinary traditions and Portuguese-style cuisine, Devil Curry is flavoured by a spice paste made up of red chillies, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, galangal, turmeric, nutmeg, mustard seed, and candlenuts. The addition of vinegar adds another dimension to the rich curry, which is usually served with chicken and potatoes. Get your fix at The Mansion at J&J Corner in the Portuguese Settlement area.