Melaka is one of Malaysia’s most rewarding cities for street food. Its compact layout and long culinary history make it easy to eat well without planning every meal. Hawker centres sit at the heart of the city’s food culture, serving Peranakan classics, satay celup, late-night seafood, and everyday local dishes that reflect how people in Melaka actually eat.
For travellers on a short visit or a day trip from Kuala Lumpur, hawker centres are often where the most memorable meals happen. This guide brings together ten hawker centres in Melaka worth visiting, ideal for first-time visitors and for those returning with food as the main focus of the trip.
Table of Contents
- Cheng Ho Hawker Centre
- Newton Food Court
- SMVKKK Hainan Chicken Rice Ball
- Poh Piah Lwee
- 7 Warna Kopitiam
- Tengkera Hainan Kopitiam
- Tanjung Mee Goreng Kopitiam
- Chamek Kopitiam
- Pak Putra Restaurant
- Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball
1. Cheng Ho Hawker Centre
Cheng Ho Hawker Centre is one of the more established hawker centres in Melaka, known for its wide selection of everyday local food and a steady local crowd. Located outside the main tourist streets, it draws regulars from nearby neighbourhoods alongside visitors willing to travel slightly beyond the city centre for a more grounded food experience.
The hawker centre houses multiple stalls serving classic Malaysian and Peranakan-influenced dishes, with popiah, noodles, rice meals, and traditional snacks among the main draws. The layout is straightforward and functional, making it easy to move between stalls and share dishes across tables.
| Best Seller | Popiah basah, chwee kueh, wantan mee, curry mee, local rice dishes |
| Price Range | RM5 – RM20 |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 7am-2pm(Fri Closed) |
| Address | 147, Jln Laksamana Cheng Ho, 75000 Melaka |
| Parking | Street parking available nearby |
| Peak Time | 8am-12pm |
| Seating | Open-air hawker centre seating with covered dining area |
| Service | Self-service counter ordering, fast and casual |
| Suitable For | Casual meals, non-touristy food |
Highlights
Popiah
Source: Ls Chan
Beef Noodle Soup
Source: Chow Hon Keong
Nasi Lemak
Source: Ruth Wong
2. Newton Food Court
Newton Food Court is a popular evening food stop in Melaka, known for its open-air setup and mix of hawker stalls that focus on dinner-friendly dishes. It’s a practical option for those who want a casual meal outside the Jonker Street area, especially if you’re staying nearby or moving around by car or ride-hailing. The food selection leans towards heavier, shareable items like satay, oyster omelette, stir-fried noodles, and grilled options, making it a reliable choice for groups and late dinners.
| Best Seller | Satay, oyster omelette, popiah, char kway teow, grilled seafood |
| Price Range | RM5 – RM20 |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 5pm-11pm |
| Address | 277, Jln Parameswara, 75000 Melaka |
| Parking | Street parking available nearby |
| Peak Time | 7pm-9pm |
| Seating | Open-air food court seating with covered areas |
| Service | Self-service counter ordering, casual and fast-paced |
| Suitable For | Dinner, supper, group dining |
Highlights
Satay with Peanut Sauce
Source: Mr. Ye
Oyster Omelette
Source: Chuah W Pang
Roasted Chicken Wings
Source: Monda S.
3. SMVKKK Hainan Chicken Rice Ball
SMVKKK Hainan Chicken Rice Ball is one of Melaka’s best-known stops for chicken rice balls, a local variation of Hainanese chicken rice shaped into compact portions. The shop is popular with both locals and visitors, especially those making a short food-focused trip to the city. Meals here are straightforward and efficient, centred on tender poached chicken, lightly seasoned rice balls, and classic accompaniments. It’s a focused dining experience rather than a wide menu, making it a reliable stop for travellers who want to try one of Melaka’s signature dishes without distractions.
| Best Seller | Hainan chicken rice balls, poached chicken, roasted chicken |
| Price Range | RM5 – RM20 |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 8:30am-2:30pm(Mon Closed) |
| Address | 332, Lrg Tengkera Jaya, 75200 Melaka |
| Parking | Street parking available nearby |
| Peak Time | 11am-1:30pm |
| Seating | Indoor kopitiam-style seating with basic air-conditioning |
| Service | Counter ordering, fast turnover during peak hours |
| Suitable For | First time visitors, lunch stops |
Highlights
Source: Kenneth Jun
Source: Takimara
Source: Ray Ong
4. Poh Piah Lwee
Poh Piah Lwee is a long-running food stop in Melaka best known for its popiah, a fresh spring roll filled with slow-cooked vegetables, sweet sauce, and optional extras prepared to order. The shop attracts a steady mix of locals and visitors, particularly those interested in traditional snacks rather than full meals. In addition to popiah, the menu includes a small selection of noodle and soup dishes, making it a flexible stop for light lunches or mid-afternoon food breaks. The pace is unhurried, and the focus stays firmly on familiar flavours that reflect Melaka’s everyday food culture.
| Best Seller | Popiah basah, curry mee, noodle soup, traditional snacks |
| Price Range | RM5 – RM15 |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 9am-4pm(Mon & Tue Closed) |
| Address | 14, Jalan Kubu, 75300 Melaka |
| Parking | Street parking available nearby |
| Peak Time | 11am-2pm |
| Seating | Limited indoor seating with simple kopitiam-style tables |
| Service | Counter ordering, prepared fresh, casual pace |
| Suitable For | Light meals, short and quick food stops |
Highlights
Curry Mee
Source: Lay Voon Kai
Popiah
Source: Amanda Lim
Dumpling
Source: HNHNW Wong
5. 7 Warna Kopitiam
7 Warna Kopitiam sits inside a restored heritage building and blends traditional kopitiam culture with a more polished dining experience. The space feels calm and considered, making it a popular stop for travellers who want local flavours without the rush of a typical hawker centre. The menu leans toward Peranakan and kopitiam-style dishes, paired with classic local coffee and desserts. It works well as a sit-down break after exploring Melaka’s old town, especially for visitors who appreciate a quieter setting and heritage surroundings.
| Best Seller | Nyonya set meals, curry laksa, egg sandwich, iced kopi, cendol |
| Price Range | RM10 – RM30 |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 8am-8pm |
| Address | Lot 248, Jalan Limbongan, Kampung Kolam Limbongan, 75200 Melaka |
| Parking | Limited parking nearby, public parking within walking distance |
| Peak Time | 12pm-2pm |
| Seating | Indoor seating in a restored heritage shophouse, air-conditioned |
| Service | Table service, relaxed pace |
| Suitable For | Heritage dining experience, perakanan-style meals |
Highlights
Curry Mee and Spaghetti
Source: Heng Mooi Hong
Chicken Rendang Set
Source: Heng Mooi Hong
Char Kuey Teow
Source: Khai Soon
6. Tengkera Hainan Kopitiam
Tengkera Hainan Kopitiam is one of Melaka’s long-standing Hainanese kopitiams, known for preserving old-school flavours in a no-frills setting. The space feels utilitarian and lived-in, drawing a steady crowd of locals alongside visitors who seek traditional kopitiam dishes rather than curated café menus. The focus remains on classic Hainanese fare such as chicken chop, fried noodles, soft-boiled eggs, and strong local coffee, served quickly and without embellishment. It is the kind of place people return to for familiarity, especially during breakfast and early lunch hours.
| Best Seller | Hainanese chicken chop, fried noodles, soft-boiled eggs, toast with kaya and butter, iced kopi |
| Price Range | RM6 – RM20 |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 6:30am-2:30pm |
| Address | 91, Jln Tengkera, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka |
| Parking | Street parking available nearby |
| Peak Time | 11am-2pm |
| Seating | Indoor kopitiam-style seating |
| Service | Counter ordering, fast and casual |
| Suitable For | Traditional kopitiam experience, breakfast, early lunch |
Highlights
Otak Sandwich
Source: La Creederiore
Nasi Kerabu with Fried Chicken
Source: Yokefu Wok
Curry Mee
Source: Yokefu Wok
7. Tanjung Mee Goreng KopitiamÂ
Tanjung Mee Goreng Kopitiam is a casual neighbourhood kopitiam in Melaka known for its bold, heavily seasoned mee goreng and comfort-style local dishes. The shop attracts a steady crowd throughout the day, especially diners looking for filling meals rather than light snacks. Alongside its signature fried noodles, the menu includes sandwiches, nasi dishes, and simple Western-style plates, reflecting the flexible, anything-goes nature of kopitiam dining. It’s the kind of place people drop into without much planning, drawn by familiar flavours and generous portions.
| Best Seller | Mee goreng, chicken sandwich, fried noodles, nasi lemak, kopi ais |
| Price Range | RM6 – RM18 |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 10am-4:30pm(Mon Closed) |
| Address | 7, Jalan KL 3/8, Seksyen 3, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka |
| Parking | Street parking available nearby |
| Peak Time | 12:30pm-2pm |
| Seating | Indoor kopitiam-style seating |
| Service | Counter ordering |
| Suitable For | Hearty, meals, casual kopitiam dining |
Highlights
Dried Meat, Chicken Floss, and Egg Croissant Sandwich
Source: Tanjung Mee Goreng Kopitiam
Nasi Lemak
Source: Tanjung Mee Goreng Kopitiam
Mee Goreng
Source: Tanjung Mee Goreng Kopitiam
8. Chamek Kopitiam
Chamek Kopitiam is a modern kopitiam in Melaka that blends local everyday dishes with a cleaner, more structured dining setup. Popular with office workers and families, it offers a wide menu that covers classic Malaysian staples such as nasi lemak, fried noodles, soups, and hot drinks. The space feels more spacious and organised compared to traditional kopitiams, making it suitable for longer meals and group dining. It’s a reliable stop for familiar flavours served in a comfortable setting, especially around lunch hours.
| Best Seller | Nasi lemak, char kway teow, hot and sour soup, fried noodles, kopi ais |
| Price Range | RM7 – RM20 |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 8:30am-6:30pm |
| Address | Kota Fesyen, Lot 43 & 45, Jalan Kota Tun Fatimah 1, Malacca International Trade Centre, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Malacca |
| Parking | Dedicated parking available within the commercial area |
| Peak Time | 12pm-2pm4:30pm-5:30pm |
| Seating | Indoor seating, air-conditioned, spacious layout |
| Service | Table service |
| Suitable For | Lunch and group dining, classic Malaysian comfort food |
Highlights
Fried Rice
Source: Mista Que (Qutu)
Source: amirahshahrin
Fried Rice and Grilled Chicken
Source: Muhammad Arieff
9. Pak Putra Restaurant
Pak Putra Restaurant is one of Melaka’s most well-known late-night dining spots, particularly famous for its tandoori chicken and freshly baked naan. The restaurant specialises in North Indian and Pakistani cuisine, with an open-kitchen setup where diners can see breads being cooked and meats coming straight off the grill. The atmosphere is lively and informal, drawing both locals and travellers after sunset. It’s a dependable choice for hearty meals, especially for those looking to eat late after exploring Melaka’s city centre.
| Best Seller | Tandoori chicken, butter naan, garlic naan, curry dishes, lassi |
| Price Range | RM10 – RM30 |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 5pm-1am(Mon Closed) |
| Address | 56 & 58, Jalan 4, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka |
| Parking | Street parking available nearby, can be limited at night |
| Peak Time | 8pm-11pm |
| Seating | Indoor and outdoor seating, casual restaurant setup |
| Service | Table service |
| Suitable For | Late-night dining, group and shared meals |
Highlights
Source: Ryan Foong KW
Source: Yunjoo Kim
Tandoori Chicken
Source: Zoar Chuang
10. Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball
Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball is one of Melaka’s most recognisable names for chicken rice balls, known for its late-night crowds and consistent flavours. The shop serves both steamed and roasted chicken, paired with compact rice balls that are lightly seasoned and aromatic. Located along one of Melaka’s busy food streets, Ee Ji Ban attracts locals, tourists, and supper seekers well into the night. The atmosphere is lively and casual, making it an easy stop for a satisfying meal after exploring the city centre.
| Best Seller | Chicken rice balls, roasted chicken, steamed chicken, char siu |
| Price Range | RM10 – RM25 |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 11am-5pm(Thurs Closed) |
| Address | 275, Jalan Melaka Raya 3, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka |
| Parking | Street parking available nearby, limited during peak hours |
| Peak Time | 12pm-2pm |
| Seating | Indoor seating |
| Service | Counter order with table service |
| Suitable For | Early dinner, halal food |
Highlights
Roasted Chicken
Source: Iskandar Rahmat
Source: Anitha
Source: Hong Yue
Disclaimer: Based on thorough research and collective insights, this list was meticulously curated by the GoldenHourMagazine team to provide useful recommendations for everyone. The brands are presented in no specific ranking, so if you know of any other amazing options, we would love to hear from you at hanahannahooi@gmail.com. For more details, please see our copyright, privacy, and disclosure policies.