Melaka – it’s all about concept “Hipster” cafes

By Razan Rose

Famous ‘Hipster’ cafes around the city

Modern cafés and hotels have been sprouting all over Melaka since 2005, thus earning itself the moniker ‘hipster’ among Malaysians. Its unique concepts and designs range from evergreen Baba Nyonya, ‘old school’ retro, to modern minimalist style. where2 travelled to Melaka just to experience the ambience of each of these famous cafés and boutique hotels around the historical city.

BILLIONAIRE’S CONCEPT CUISINE & GRIND SHACK

Unique 2 in 1 concept eateries

Simple and cozy design with a touch of retro

This is a unique 2-in-1 outlet where two contrasting eateries are found side-by-side within the same premise. While Billionaire’s Concept Cuisine offers you a variety of western delights, Grind Shack complements them with their exotic indulgence ranging from various types of coffee, juices, to homemade desserts. Among the must-try here are the grilled salmon by Billionaire’s Concept and two famous desserts from Grind Shack, namely Honey Bae and Caramel Sutra. Living up to the modern zeitgeist, the design is simple and cozy with a few retro touches here and there. There is a choice of three different settings to enjoy an evening out with friends and family.

CALANTHE ART CAFÉ

Among the earliest concept cafes in the city

Their 13 types of coffee each represent a state in Malaysia

Established in 2005, Calanthe Art is among the earliest concept cafés around the city with 13 different types of coffee, each to represent a state in Malaysia. Joseph Chia, the owner, spent a year travelling to almost every coffeeshop around the country to acquire the ‘signature brew’ of each state. This café offers three settings for their customers – the typical modern arrangement, ‘kampung’ style ambience and the natural outdoors. Besides coffee, Calanthe Art is also famous for Laksa Nyonya, Asam Pedas, Sago Nyonya, and Nasi Lemak with turmeric, all in authentic Peranakan fashion.

KAYA-KAYA CAFÉ

Most of the items on their menu have generous spread of “kaya”

Their homemade “kaya” is made of duck eggs and “Gula Melaka”

The name Kaya-Kaya Café is derived from a local egg jam known as kaya. It is rich in flavour and thick in texture, and generously offered in most of the items found in the menu. Their homemade kaya is made from duck eggs and ‘Gula Melaka’, sugar made from coconuts. The ‘Malacca Elvis’ is a recommended item comprising of stacked pancakes with sliced bananas and kaya sandwiched in between, and of homemade chocolate and peanut butter sauce to suit the taste buds. Another original creation is the fusion dish which combines pasta with salted egg and ‘sambal udang’. Kaya-Kaya also provides a place to stay on their upper floor to those who are interested to experience a night in the heart of the historical city.

THE DAILY FIX CAFÉ

A hidden treasure in the middle of Jonker Walk

There is gallery above the cafe for events

Julian and Soo Teng started operating The Daily Fix Café in 2008 behind an antique gift shop owned by Julian’s mother. “We like the idea of a hidden treasure in the middle of busy Jonker Walk,” said Julian Yeo, drawing the idea from ‘journeying through time’ before arriving at the café.

Apart from coffee, the café also offers breakfast items such as homemade pancakes. Above the café, there is a gallery and space available for those who are interested to host events there.