Showing posts with label Melaka. Show all posts

[FOOD] 20141107 Nancy's Nyonya Kitchen @ Jonker Street, Melaka


Note: Nancy's Kitchen will be relocating (or relocated) soon to 13, 13-1 & 13-2, Jalan Kota Laksaman 3/8 Taman Kota Laksamana Seksyen 3, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia.

Nyonya cuisine is very unique to Melaka (Malacca) due to the blend of cross cultural marriage between the local Malay community and the Chinese way back during the Melaka empire history. The men are known as Baba while the ladies are known as Nyonya. The cultural blend has also create a fusion of the culinary of both cultures that creates a unique cuisine known as Nyonya cuisine.

There are so many Nyonya restaurants around Melaka and most probably you will only have the chance to sample one or two restaurants during your trip. Nancy's Kitchen is conveniently located right at the side alley of the famous Jonker's street, hence I don't really understand why they would want to move out from here to somewhere further away from tourist spots.

There are mixed reviews about Nancy's Kitchen on the food quality as well as service as many have rated their food to be average and above, while service is pretty much depending on which waiter is serving your table. As for my own experience, both food and service quality are acceptable.

The restaurant is small and maintains the interior of the old and traditional architecture of the shop with a mezzanine floor located at the back of the shop to cater for more tables. Do expect long queue on peak hours and it is best to visit before or after peak hours.

I would personally recommend you to try their individual menu and desserts, or if you fancy some Nyonya kuih and cookies. Most negative reviews were due to ala carte dishes which I avoided during my visit.

Nancy's Kitchen
Old: 7 Jalan Hang Lekir, Off Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
New: 13, 13-1 & 13-2, Jalan Kota Laksaman 3/8 Taman Kota Laksamana Seksyen 3, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia.
Telephone: +606 283 6099 / +6013 - 618 3608
Opening Hours: 11:30am until 5:30pm (Daily, closed on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday extended to 9:30pm)


TO GO


The old location is conveniently located at the alley of Jonker street which is the same junction where Geographer Bar is located. 


The new location is located nearby but further away from tourist hotspots which requires you to drive or take a cab.


SPECIALITY



It was late in the afternoon and I was looking for some new places that I have yet to try and bumped into Nancy's Kitchen. After checking some online reviews, I decided to give it a try despite some mixed comments. The tiny space was packed with patrons and I was escorted up to the mezzanine floor at the back of the shop, passing through their pastry counter and warmly welcomed by a waitress who is in charge of the floor. The squeaky wooden planks gives a chill when walking on it, worrying the old wooden structure might collapse.


I skipped Pai Tee for the starter and ordered the five spice lobak (spring roll with meat paste seasoned with five spices) instead as I noticed their Pai Tee is not that appetizing from the looks (sorry about that!). I was also curious how different is the Nyonya lobak in comparison to the well known Penang lobak. Taste wise, it's a milder version of Penang lobak and I still prefer the Penang ones. 


I know this Kampung Fried Rice has nothing to do with Nyonya cuisine but I was craving for fried rice after reading the menu hence decided to order it. The fried rice is well cooked and flavoured with good amount of ingredients and nice kick of chilli. Not too bad if you fancy some fried rice.


To compliment the Nyonya cuisine, I ordered a bowl of laksa (curry noodles) and the colour of the curry is very inviting. The curry is thick and rich with flavours with generous amount of ingredients including two big prawns! Overall it's a good laksa that we savour until the last drop.


Not forgetting my usual habit of ordering a bowl of cendol for sampling and surprisingly the cendol served here in Nancy's is better than my expectation with good balance of the Gula Melaka (Palm Sugar), coconut milk and of course the fresh cendol. It was so good that I ordered another bowl to top up. 

SUMMARY


Despite the mixed reviews about Nancy's Kitchen, my experience during my visit was pleasant with unexpected findings. Although I only ordered the individual menu instead of normal Nyonya cuisine, the servings did not disappoint and the waitress who attend us was friendly enough as opposed to the online reviews that condemned on the poor services. Perhaps it very much depends on your luck and fate in meeting someone. It's a pity that they will relocate to another place and hopefully they will improve their food and service to another level thereafter.

Taste
 ☆☆☆☆
 Not the best but did not disappoint.
Value
 ☆☆☆☆
Reasonable value with good portion and serving
Service
 ☆☆☆☆
Reserved comments.
Cleanliness
 ☆☆☆
Can be improved.
Opening Hours
11:30am until 5:30pm (Daily, closed on Tuesday)
Friday and Saturday extended to 9:30pm
Wifi
Yes, password: nancykitchen
Parking
Limited.
Website
Nancy's Kitchen Facebook

GPS:
Old: 2.196385, 102.245928
New: 2.197523, 102.239654
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[FOOD] 20141106 Amy Heritage Nyonya @ Melaka Raya, Melaka


Nyonya cuisine is very unique to Melaka (Malacca) due to the blend of cross cultural marriage between the local Malay community and the Chinese way back during the Melaka empire history. The men are known as Baba while the ladies are known as Nyonya. The cultural blend has also create a fusion of the culinary of both cultures that creates a unique cuisine known as Nyonya cuisine.

There are many Nyonya restaurants around Melaka and you will probably have a hard time to choose which to try, especially when you do not have the luxury of time to try one by one in a short trip. Many will recommend to try the award wining Amy Heritage Nyonya restaurant, where the chef, Mdm Amy Koh has won a few competitions and also represented Malaysia to cook Nyonya food in the USA under the invitation by the Malaysia Tourism Board, which she proudly exhibits on the wall of the restaurant.

Amy Heritage Nyonya is a small cozy restaurant with no fancy interiors that's located at Melaka Raya, away from all the tourist hotspot. Some even recommends to make reservation as the restaurant would be normally packed during lunch hours, given the limited tables available.

On a recent visit to Melaka, I opt to dine at some other places than the usual famous spots and Amy happens to be in one of the list. Apologies on the limited pictures as I didn't intend to blog about it back in 2014.

75, Jalan Melaka Raya, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka
Telephone: +606 286 8819
Opening Hours: 11:30am until 02:30pm;  06:00pm until 10:00pm (Closed on Monday)

TO GO



It's a bit tricky travelling along Melaka's streets due to the one way traffic policy. The nearest landmark will be the Mahkota Parade or the Mahkota Medical Centre, where the restaurant is actually visible from the main road behind Mahkota Parade. It's same row as Alliance Bank but not the same block. It's not easy to spot the signboard as it's rather...err not outstanding.




SPECIALITY


I would recommend to go in larger group in order to sample more dishes and unfortunately for me it's only two person with limited dishes to try. I arrived rather early before the lunch hour and the restaurant was rather empty in a normal weekday. The menu was rather limited but sufficient with most of the common Nyonya dishes available such as Pongteh Chicken, Ikan Chili Garam, Rendang, Curry etc.


I ordered the traditional Pie Tee (Top Hat) for a start. The crispy hat is made of roux that is deep fried using an angled mold to give it the angled shape. The hat is then topped with stir-fried turnip strips with tamarind and other ingredients. Finally garnished with omelette, coriander and chilli. Every Nyonya restaurant has their very own interpretation of Pie Tee and personally I felt that Amy's Pie Tee during my visit was mediocre, predicated on the oily hat that has strong presence of used oil and the pastry was overcooked with slight bitterness. The turnip filling was ok but not generous enough, I had high expectation on Amy but this dish turns out bad.


I also ordered the Fried Chicken Wings which was recommended online. The taste is very similar to typical Chinese fermented bean curd style fried chicken wings. This dish is also another disappointment as the drumlet was uncooked with traces of blood near the bones, probably didn't thaw enough before frying. Not to mention the chicken was not well marinated and felt the dish was prepared in a hurry.


Next would be the Cencaluk Omelette, which is also a very unique dish as no other places will use Cencaluk to prepare dishes. Cencaluk is actually fermented baby shrimps and is an unique cooking ingredient for Peranakan dish that is prepared in Nyonya cuisine. No complains about this omelette as it was well prepared, probably more cencaluk needed.


Last but not least, some greens for the bowel movement. There are a few typical vegetable dishes like sambal paku belacan, sambal kangkung, jantung pisang etc. I ordered the rather healthy steamed ladies fingers topped with a blend of ginger flower, lemon grass(?) and chili.


Not forgetting to try a bowl of cendol in every Nyonya restaurant. I would rate Amy's cendol at 6/10 with the rather dull taste. Something is really wrong today. Maybe Amy was in bad mood?

SUMMARY


Amy's style is more towards home cooked food instead like other restaurants who are more commercialized. I'm not sure what happened during my visit as my experience was bad. I was somewhat disappointed with Amy's offerings, given all the good reviews about this restaurant especially with all the awards and pride Amy has on her food.  Not to mention the price is on the high side given the small (and pathetic) portion served, probably to conserve quality of each serving? For the benefit of doubt, I probably need to give this restaurant a second visit to try some other dishes to give a fair comment. As for now, I would recommend some other Nyonya restaurants in Melaka like Nancy's Nyonya or Aunty Lee.

Taste
 ☆☆☆
disappointing
Value
 ☆☆☆
small portion with high price tag
Service
 ☆☆☆☆
hmm..
Cleanliness
 ☆☆☆☆☆
Opening Hours
11:30am until 02:30pm 
06:00pm until 10:00pm 
Daily. Closed on Monday
Wifi

Parking
Ample
Website
N/A

GPS: 2.186038, 102.253352
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[FOOD] 20140711 Haji Musa Ikan Bakar @ Crystal Bay, Melaka


I have blogged about Haji Musa Ikan Bakar in my previous blog which receives quite a number of hits and I guess the owner should thank me for promoting his stall as I see his stall expanding bigger and bigger every time I visit them.

Jokes aside.

I was introduced to this stall by a friend who is a local here in Melaka few years back and have never fail to drop by for their ikan bakar (grilled fish) every time I pass by Melaka. My last visit was back in July 2014, hence the date was titled as above.

If you are looking for something different than the usual Melaka famous food, this Ikan Bakar would probably be in your want-to-try list. It may not be the best around, but it is definitely best bang for buck although prices might seemed to be on the increasing trend every year (still affordable!).

Medan Selera Crystal Bay, Jalan Alai Perdana 8, Taman Alai Perdana, 75460 Melaka
Telephone: N/A
Opening Hours: 06:00pm until late

TO GO


The food court (medan selera) is located away from the usual hotspots of Melaka and unfortunately you will need your own transport to get to Crystal Bay. It's about 20 minutes drive from Melaka town centre along Jalan Permatang Pasir on the way down to Muar, Johor.

The stall is located within a housing area near a coast line called Crystal Bay. The exact name will be Medan Selera Ikan Bakar Crystal Bay. Basically there are two ways to get here. If you know how to go to the Portuguese Village from Melaka Raya then it will be easier for you. If you are heading to Portuguese Village or Aunty Lee's Nyonya Restaurant's direction from Melaka Ray, then you will just need to continue driving straight in that direction until the end of the road where you will pass thru traffic lights and Malay villages along the way until the end of the road where there's a big left turning (curve) where you will arrive at a traffic light. From that traffic light, turn right after the light turns green and you will soon cross a small bridge across a stream. Keep right after the bridge and you will see a turning to the right with a big pintu gerbang and you will see the signboard "Crystal Bay". Turn right and travel some distance and you will notice a signboard stating Medan Selara Ikan Bakar at your right side. Turn right again and drive all the way to the end then you will find yourself a parking area with the stalls at your left. If you came earlier then you will be able to find ample parking. The stalls open at 6pm, come any time later than that then you will have to pray that it is not weekend or public holidays.

Just key in "Jalan Alai 8" in your navigation app and you will eventually reach the food court. Look for stall number 3 or the one with the dark blue table cloth.

Would recommend you to come earlier for the tables and also the best catch.



SPECIALITY



Crystal bay is located near the beach which you can stop by before you dinner for sunset. The food court itself is located next to a river with fishing boats, but try not to look at the water will ya?


Just like any other ikan bakar joints, you get to choose your seafood at the counter and inform the boss on the preferred cooking method. The price is seasonal but reasonable, always check the price with the boss before you choose to avoid any "unhappiness". The usual seafood available includes:

  • Siakap (Seabass)
  • Pari (Sting Ray)
  • Kembung
  • Kerapu (Grouper)
  • Merah (Red Snapper)
  • Big prawns
  • Squid
  • Flower crab
  • Shellfish (lala, siham/kerang, bamboo clams, mussels etc)

It's best for you to choose your seafood to ensure the quality, or you can just tell the boss what you want and he will do the dirty job for you. After you done choosing, just pass the basket back to the boss for weighing and also to inform him on the cooking method. Cooking method varies according to type of seafood but commonly ordered flavours include:

  • Bakar sambal (sambal grill - spicy)
  • Bakar garam (salt grill)
  • Goreng tepung (flour battered)
  • Goreng chili (fried with chili)
  • Goreng kunyit (fried with tumeric)




Besides grilled seafood, each table is also served with nasi lemak, otak-otak (grilled fish paste) and occasionally coconut jelly by other stalls which will be charged accordingly if you choose to consume. The nasi lemak is just normal and small portion, and I usually take it along with my grilled fish and calamari.



One of my sure order will definitely will be the fresh prawn, nicely grilled with salt. Because you get to choose your prawn, you will have the biggest and freshest prawn on your table. The prawn is measured in kilo and average each prawn will cost you about RM3+ (very cheap for the size!). I usually order 2 or 3 per person, but if you love prawns, you might need to top up more. 

Tips for choosing prawn: look for prawns with head firmly attached and clear colour. 


Not forgetting the calamari with sweet and sour dipping sauce. The squid is best prepared with goreng tepung method which is very much like our Chinese style of preparing fried squid. Recommended portion will be one squid per person because you will not be able to stop once you start. Average per squid (big ones) will cost you about RM5 or RM6.


I would recommend you to skip shellfish due to a few reasons. The taste is not up to standard (at least from Chinese preparation point of view), and the lala is not properly clean with traces of sand within. Bamboo clam, however, would be a better choice.


The main highlight would definitely be the fish. I always order their Siakap (sea bass) due to freshness and cheap, and prepared with sambal. I don't quite like their pari prepared with sambal but that's personal preference. Nowadays their Siakap will cost about RM40/kg (inclusive of preparation), which is higher than my first visit of only RM30/kg.


Ikan kembung goreng chili, nothing much to shout about. Just ordered to try and should just stick to their signature grills.


SUMMARY


Ikan Bakar Haji Musa may not be the best in town but definitely the best bang for buck on top of its freshness. However, prices have increased and may need to reclassify from "cheap" to "affordable". Nevertheless, this stall is worth a try if you are looking for something different in Melaka.

Taste
☆☆☆☆
Not the best, but acceptable
Value
☆☆☆☆☆
Cheap and affordable
Service
☆☆☆
Friendly boss but staff might not be attentive at times.
Cleanliness
☆☆☆
Opening Hours
06:00pm onwards until late (Daily)
Wifi
Nil
Parking
Yes (RM1 parking fee might be chargable)
Website
Nil

GPS: 2.171094, 102.307875
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