Melaka City, Malaysia - Eating Out in Jonker Street

Jonker Street's most famous dish is chicken rice ball, and may ask the difference between the traditional chicken rice? There isn't, except the rice is shaped into a ball but diehard fans will strongly argue the difference! There are a number of restaurants serving this signature dish and if the queue is long then rest assured it must be good, whatever the argument.

Another specialty here are the restaurants specialising in Baba-Nyonya dishes, a blend of Chinese and spicy Malay cooking that has its origins in Melaka. If you have a sweet tooth, then don't miss Melaka's famous pineapple tarts from the bakeries. Friday to Sunday night, Jonker Street turns into a pedestrian mall with street stalls offering a bewilderment of tasty dishes. 

Jonker Street's famous Chicken Rice Ball Restaurant

Chinese restaurant in Jonker Street

Another restaurant in Jonker Street

At a fruit juice bar

Street food (background) at night by Ente75

Melaka City, Malaysia - Shopping for Antiques in Jonker Street

For many tourists, shopping at Jonker Street is usually for the typical souvenir items like T-shirts, refrigerator magnets, pens and key chains - not much for shopping experience. For the interested, there are a couple of antique shops in the area and some have been in business since the early 20th century. However, exercise caution since some "antique" shops sell replicas passed as the real thing. Even if you have no plans to buy, you are still welcome to browse the antique collections.

A reputable antique shop is Abdul Company, which has been in business since the 1920s with two shops in Jonker Street. Abdul Company does have a good reputation, servicing several local museums and rents its collections for exhibitions and official events. Antiques at its two shops not only include locally made items but also from other parts of the world. Collections include Chinese porcelain, clocks, brass ware, lamps, chandeliers, swords and furniture

Abdul Company Antiques Shop in Jonker Street

Old gramophone and clocks at Abdul Company

Another antique shop in Jonker Street

Melaka City, Malaysia - Jonker Street's Chinese Influence

Many of the buildings along Melaka's Jonker Street date from the 17th century until WWII i.e. during the British colonial era. The early inhabitants in the area were predominantly Chinese, who immigrated from China seeking a livelihood and for some their fortunes in Melaka. Their generations have continued and not surprising to find the area has a Chinese character and is Melaka's historical Chinatown. 

Jonker Street is more than just shopping for souvenirs, eating out and having a jolly evening but a little cultural appreciation would do. You can't miss the Chinese gates as you enter Jonker Street and then pass by the old Chinese clan houses as you walk along. Just a block north off Jonker Street is Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, built in 1645 and is Malaysia's oldest Chinese temple. 

Chinese gate at Jonker Street by Jack No. 1

Chinese occupied building at Jonker Street

Old Chinese clan house

Inside the clan house

Melaka City, Malaysia - The Narrow Road of Jonker Street

Melaka's Jonker Street is a narrow road (more like a lane) and the traffic here moves at snail's pace. The roads get even narrower along the backstreets off Jonker Street. With cars parked along the curb, the traffic flow doesn't get any better. My advice, don't drive or call for a taxi or even pedicab to take you to Jonker Walk - you will curse yourself and regret it! More convenient and much faster is to walk to get here and explore the area on foot. It is located within the city centre and a short walk from the city's historic district.

Narrow road of Jonker Street

Another scene of Jonker Street

Alley off Jonker Street

Cars parked along the road

Melaka City, Malaysia - Lively Jonker Street

Jalan (road in English) Hang Jebat in Melaka is the official name of the more popularly known Jonker Walk or Jonker Street. Jonker Sreet is a short walk from the historical Dutch built Stadthuys and Portuguese built A'Formosa fortress. This is the place to go when in Melaka for antiques, local handicrafts and souvenirs. Jonker Street is lively place to be during the day but must admit it gets even livelier (and definitely cooler) in the evenings. The place seems popular with both the local residents and tourists.

The narrow road of Jonker Street is cramped with old buildings constructed before WWII and some as far back as the 17th century. Then there are the cars parked along the road, making Jonker Street even narrower - there are also the occasional traffic jams. Small alleys jut out from Jonker Street and seem quieter, less touristy, and lost in a world of their own. Beside the touristy shops, there are restaurants, cafes and snack bars charging surprisingly local rather than tourist prices.

Jonker Street

Narrow road of Jonker Street

Restaurant in Jonker Street