A fruit of Malay and Chinese descent, laksa is a noodle dish by the Peranakans and is also a heritage Malaysian food. This dish has many variations as recipes were spread differently while some others have created their own. Either way, every Malaysian laksa is highly appreciated and cherished by both locals and tourists (unless you can't take the spiciness that comes with it). So be sure to check out these top favorites in the heritage state of Malacca!
 

#1 Calanthe Art Cafe

Beating stereotypes, Calanthe Art Cafe serves one of the very best laksas despite being a proper cafe. We can not deny that there are continuing speculations that Malaysian dishes are best at traditionally born Malaysian restaurants instead of modern cafes. However, many have come to recognize the authenticity and palatability of the Nyonya laksa at Calanthe's! It may not be as affordable as the laksas at hawker stalls but we say it is worth the price as you can definitely expect a more hygienic experience in the cafe.

#2 486 Baba Low

Away from the bustling city, 486 Baba Low is a humble restaurant stall along the streets in Jalan Siantan Sek 2 (behind Jalan Tengkera). The place may be difficult to locate for non-locals but we reckon it will be worth your trip. Many have raved and rumbled about how authentic the Nyonya food is here. Humble and wholesome, the laksa is said to be fragrant and spicy. Also, the sambal is made fresh daily and cooked to perfection to accompany your Nyonya dishes.

#3 Bess Kopitiam

Having snagged an award for the best Laksa outlet in Malaysia, it is a no-brainer not to feature Bess Kopitiam on this list. Offering a bowl of Nyonya Laksa that has the perfect consistency, the curry soup is neither too thick nor too diluted, teeming with cockles, dried tofu, fish cake, julienned cucumber and sliced hard-boiled egg. The sambal is also no ordinary condiment; just a dollop can enhance the savory flavors of this soupy bowl of goodness. Finally, it's garnished with a sprinkling of shredded daun kesum (laksa leaf) for an exotic minty aroma.

#4 Nyonya Delight Homestyle

Quite a distance away from town, Nyonya Delight Homestyle is a family-run restaurant that is not to be missed out if you are willing to travel a little further. The Nyonya food here, which includes the thick savory Nyonya Laksa, lives up to its name as it is  'homecooked' and very robust with flavor This place is undoubtedly one of the better Nyonya restaurants in Malacca with reasonable prices. As a result, crowds are not much of a surprise despite the restaurant's location on the outskirts.

#5 Nancy's Kitchen

The rich aroma of coconut milk wafting through the air signifies that a Nyonya restaurant is in proximity. Here at Nancy’s Kitchen, you are presented with a simmering bowl of curry-coated noodles, filled with a piquant flavor. Generous toppings like fish balls, dried tofu, grated cucumbers, and fried onions add to the perfection of their Nyonya Laksa - a recreation of authentic Peranakan flavors from the proprietor's grandmother's recipe. 

#6 Yung Lai Siang

At Yung Lai Siang, you can expect friendly service despite huge crowds that may overwhelm the sellers (or so they say). The notable difference between the Nyonya laksa here is Yung Lai Siang's unique take on that prawn cracker topping! Garnished with generous portions of your essential laksa toppings, Yung Lai Siang adds its own ingredient of prawn crackers to add that crunch to your dish. And we must say that we absolutely love it just as much as many others do!

#7 Jeta Groves Nyonya Delights

Jeta Groves Restaurant is a lovely, casual, and simple hangout place where you can enjoy some Peranakan delights. As we know, laksa is a classic Nyonya food and therefore you can expect to get an authentic one here! The dish is tasty, flavourful and memorable. Finish off with their famous dessert, a delicious bowl of cendol! 

#8 Jonker 88

Jonker 88 is best known for their array of refreshing desserts. However, what good are cooling desserts without some sweat-inducing laksa? The curry laksa here is aptly named Baba Laksa and has a unique sweet flavor from the use of coconut milk, typical of Southern-styled laksa dishes. Served with julienned cucumber, sliced onions, dried tofu, prawns, and a spoonful of tuna flakes, this interesting concoction is vaguely reminiscent of Asam Laksa but without the sourness from tamarind.

#9 Violet Station

Violet Station is probably your next favorite place to shop when it comes to searching for hijabs, shawls, and fashion apparel. While you’re deciding which color best matches your skin tone, indulge in its “Laksa Penang” here. Laden with slices of a hard-boiled egg, onion, and cucumber, this tamarind-tang, bowl of noodles is attributed to its rich flavors and savory taste. If that is not enough to stimulate your appetite, zest up your meal by squeezing the lime halves before you start digging in.

#10 Green House Vegetarian Restaurant

Remember the phrase “Blue is the new Black”? White is probably the new green when it comes to denoting a vegetarian restaurant such as Green House Vegetarian Restaurant. You will be welcomed with a white-themed facade, and a decent vegetarian menu that consists of both a la carte dishes and those of communal dining concept. Other than that eye-catching dating plan of strolling along the river view of Melaka, should you decide to dine, do savor the Nyonya Laksa here. Given a generous serving of ingredients such as tofu puffs and bean curd sheets, a robust broth with a creamy texture, and a portion that is just about right, going meat-free has never been this yummy and satisfying!