Motormouth in Malacca Again (Finale) – Donald & Lilly’s, Cottage Spices, Tengkera Nyonya Kuih, Nadeje Patisserie
January 6, 2010 | 38,325 viewsContinuation from previous chapter of Motormouth in Malacca Again (Part One) ….
That Portuguese seafood feast was somewhat disastrous, but given the dire state of my gut at that very moment, I would be balking at the sight of, say …. Lobsters, Alaskan King Crabs, or even Bluefin Tuna.
The very next morning, after some serious deliberation, I agreed to a ‘light’ breakfast at our guesthouse – Tang House. Breakfast is provided FOC for your information, to guests only. Though we saw many outsiders, even construction workers from a nearby area having their leisurely-paced breakfast at the cafe, for the pricing is rather reasonable. Even comparable to the average coffee shops, with drinks priced at below RM2.
I had an Egg Burger, which was an omelette sandwiched between an Apollo bun, that most nostalgic wave washing over me all of a sudden. I could imagine the ancestor seated on the very same stool, biting into his Apollo bun with kaya and butter decades ago. Morbid thought?
The day started with a second breakfast (yeah, THAT fast although I was already half-repulsive at that thought) at Donald & Lily’s, a small charming outlet situated at the back of Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, within walking distance from the centre of Melaka town, the Jonker Walk area.
Donald & Lily’s serves a myriad of Nyonya delights, from the perennial favourite of Nyonya Laksa to classic Ayam Pongteh, Curry Asam Fish and even Taukua Rojak. The Cendol of course, is another one of their forte, as Malacca’s version of Cendol is luscious, drizzled with thick, nectar-ish sweetness of gula melaka, or palm sugar syrup.
The Nyonya Laksa at Donald & Lily’s was heavily laden with santan (coconut milk), a little too decadent for some. I tasted one spoonful of the broth and stayed away from the noodles. Not to say it’s particularly bad, but the cloying aftertaste was a little too taxing to the stomach. And remember, Nyonya Laksa is NOT Curry Laksa, so don’t make comparison.
The Mee Siam was passable, albeit slightly too tangy for some. The noodles was appetizing enough, almost reminded me of Kerabu Beehoon, served with chopped omelette, sliced fish cakes, fried shallots, julienned cucumber and a squeeze of lime juice for that zesty flavour.
But the Ayam Pongteh (a most traditional Nyonya dish of braising chicken with soy sauce, some palm sugar syrup/gula melaka, and stewed with potatoes) was a most delicious affair, screaming for white rice to soak in all the lovely, savoury juices. But on its own, the chicken and potatoes can be a little salty, but we relished every bite of the tender chicken and the huge chunks of potatoes.
We were not expecting much from the Cendol, for the previous visit revealed that Donald & Lily’s version was somewhat lacklustre, in comparison to say, the thicker and robust Jonker 88′s version, redolent with the sweetness of gula melaka syrup. But this time around, the Cendol at Donald & Lily’s fared much better, and the addition of sago added a much delightful texture to the whole concoction. The red beans and cendol (those green, wriggly strands made from green pea flour) were nothing to shout about, being nothing more than generic versions of each. But the right ratio of coconut milk and gula melaka was spot-on, refreshingly addictive, I was actually contemplating on my second bowl, had it not been my weak stomach then. Hmmm …..
Address & Contact Number :
Donald & Lily’s Corner – Nyonya Food, Cendol, Pineapple Tarts
Behind of No 31, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street),
Melaka, Malaysia.
Telephone : 606-284 8907.
Business Hours : 9.30am – 4.00pm
Closed on Mondays.
Then we ventured a short drive away, about 10 minutes from old Melaka town, to Jalan Tengkera for the most classic and famous Nyonya Kuih of Malacca. Sadly they were CLOSED for the holidays (this being the eve of New Year) that few days, and we ended up with some battered egos.Shucks, big time.
Yeah, damn proud to be able to locate that most secluded gem, only accessible using a most constricted pathway off the main road of Jalan Tengkera. You can read about the Nyonya kuih production house HERE.
Address & Contact :
Baba Charlie Nyonya Kuih
72, Lorong Pantai Tengkera 2C,
off Jalan Tengkera, Tengkera, Melaka.
Here’s a GOOGLE MAP to Baba Charlie Nyonya Kuih @ Tengkera
Left with nothing to do, we did the next best thing. We ATE again. No wonder I was not recovering in time for the new year huh? Hehehe … Anyway, we had our lunch (yes, after repeated breakfasts back to back) at Cottage Spices at Plaza Mahkota, a restaurant serving delectable Nyonya dishes.
I think this outlet is rather new, and came to our attention while we were making our rounds at Plaza Mahkota area in search of Nadeje’s Mille Crepe cakes. The restaurant was crowded the night before, hence the age old rule applies here; Go to a restaurant most crowded, and you’re bound to be pleased somewhat.
Half true, I’d say.
By then, I was already feeling the effects of the bowl of icy cold Cendol, mixing it up with the Nyonya Laksa, Mee Siam and Ayam Pongteh. In short, I was in NO mood to eat anything at all.
So when the five dishes arrived on our table, I was rather glad the portions was dainty. But far from cheap, if you’re wondering. The small slab of fish (pardon me, I’ve no idea what the species was) was grilled lightly atop a banana leaf, then topped with some piquant sambal with chopped raw onions, and served with a side saucer plate of dark soy sauce, a squeeze of lime and some chopped red chillies. The fish was fresh, succulent, but nothing that jumped at us. Should’ve gone for the Asam Fish instead.
The Nyonya Acar (spicy, pickled vegetables) (RM12/USD3.40) stayed true to its roots, being different from the nutty sauce we’ve grown accustomed to. The stuffed green chillies was a nice touch, though I was apprehensive after scorched by the day before’s stuffed red chillies at Ban Lee Siang Satay Celup.
The Sambal Sotong with Petai (Spicy chili squids with stinkbeans) (RM14/USD4) tasted fabulous, the crunchy petai added much relished pungency, texture and flavour to the chewy pieces of squids. The Telur Cincalok (Egg omelette with fermented small shrimps) (RM7/USD2) is an almost long gone tradition, very scarcely found in other eateries nowadays. The faint pungent nuance of the Cincalok will not put off even the most discerning of diners, for the omelette was slightly salty only, and tasted like your average ‘Foo Yong Dan’.
The Otak-Otak (Fish souffle?) (RM9.80/USD2.80) reminiscence of Muar’s version of otak-otak, thankfully. I am not a fan of northern style otak-otak, whereby the heavy scent of lemongrass is overwhelming.
The bill came to RM85, a little pricier but the comfortable dining environment (the place is air-conditioned, but with limited seats), and the authentic Nyonya dishes made up for the hefty bill somehow.
Address & Contact Number :
Cottage Spices – A Taste of Melaka
G26, Jalan PM5,
Plaza Mahkota, Bandar Hilir,
75000 Melaka, Malaysia.
Telephone : 606-283 5040.
Website : http://www.cottagespices.com.my
Here’s a GOOGLE MAP TO COTTAGE SPICES
And what better way to end the gastronomic getaway, than some sweet endings? We bought some pineapple tarts back, from LW Nyonya Pineapple Tarts, and Donald & Lily’s (the former’s better), and few slices of Mille Crepe cakes from Nadeje Patisserie @ Plaza Mahkota. Read my previous post for the full review.
This time around, we tried 6 different flavours, being : Original, Rum & Raisins, Cheese, Green Tea, Double Chocolate and Banana Chocolate. Eat them FRESH, I’d suggest. They even gave small ice packs, for those long journeys. So thoughtful. But still, eat the Mille Crepes on the same day, do not leave them overnight, for they’re prepared freshly everyday, and no preservatives.
And that ended our Melaka run ….. my last journey of 2009. For the other destinations, please hop over to Motormouth on a Journey 2009. Okay ….. so wanna know how I spent my NEW YEAR? Stay tuned. 
really need to go with u if wanna eat new foods. otherwise i’ll only have the same old foods to eat lol..
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J2Kfm Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 11:33 am
Nolah …. since you also got lots of Melaka friends over there, I’m sure you’re in good hands.
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shane Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
i dont have melaka frens la..u r the one who have,remember?lol
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Melaka – Donald & Lily’s, Cottage Spices Nyonya Food, Tengkera Nyonya Kuih, Nadeje Mille Crepe | Motormouth From Ipoh – A Malaysian Food Blog…
Nyonya food, cendol, ayam pongteh, Nadeje’s Mille Crepe cakes, etc etc. Never go hungry in Melaka again!…
wow, you really have a lot of makan makan trip.
good one. now i know where to makan in melaka d
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wow….i miss the cendol….nyonya laksa and kuih in Melaka…
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I love the kuihs from Baba Charlie. It’s by far the best I’ve had in Malacca. rif’s dad knows the owner, while rif knows the niece. Their kuih bongkong rocks!! =D
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J2Kfm Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Aiyo, salt to the wounds… salt to the wounds …. >_<
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I still cannot appreciate Mee Siam of Melaka, but I always like the Ayam Ponteh. Well Malacca is surely another good place to visit & makan.
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J2Kfm Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 11:41 am
On normal days, Mee Siam should be ok, the sourness offsets the other richer dishes.
But at that moment, the least thing I needed was something to excite the senses.
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wow what a way to end 2009 foor excursion! You are the man! ;0
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J2Kfm Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Thanks, BBO. Just like the year before, I ended up at Melaka.
Maybe it’s an annual thing now ….
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Why there’s no picture on double chocolate and banana chocolate mile crepe geh?
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J2Kfm Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Hahaha, allie, there ARE, in fact. But more or less the same, only darker in colours and many folds more luscious. Yumz ….
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Geeee…. it’s like a food marathon!
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ikan bakar looks awesome!
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im excited.. wot’s in store on your blog for 2010;D
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J2Kfm Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 11:42 am
As of now, haven’t give it much thought yet. Hmm … probably even more posts?
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Look so yummy
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oh such a shame about the nyonya kuih!!
but mille crepes!!! i love em. still havent had a chance to taste Nadeje’s yet.
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Nadeje Patisserie ! Must go soon.. sigh.. i said tht so many times I’m bored of typing myself..
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Ahh I just love cendol with gula melaka. And the layer cake! *drools* Well I hope you recover soon ok… your gluttony is taking over your health! OK joking !!!
.-= iamthewitch´s last blog ..Teppanyaki’s Fuji Snow =-.
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Goodness. You went to so many places in the space of few days? War….
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J2Kfm Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
2 days in fact. Cz other than eating, dunno do what else. =P
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wow…i want ikan bakar…hohoho and all the crepe cakes =p um mum mum mum….
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omg , suddenly i miss nyoya food. but is too far from ipoh.
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The Nadeje Cakes was very nice! Wasted we had to share among 5 of us! Hahaha. Yup. The Nyonya Kuih was a missed opportunity! Sigh….
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Malacca is packed with sights and food. But I try to avoid it during holidays. I must try the Nadeje next time round.
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Yummy ayam pongteh! And those cakes look delicious! : )
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hmm…the layered crepe is nice but quite pricey for me. i love and miss the food at Jonker 88. will go there next time i go melaka again!
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Thanks to your post I’m going there tomorrow for the layer cakes!!!!!!!!! Woo hooo~
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i wouldn’t recommend baba charlie. visited them recently, bought over RM20 worth of kuih. kept the kuih in the fridge once we reached KL but it has turned bad the next morning. another friend tried it the same evening, all the kuih had already turned bad.
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J2Kfm Reply:
October 3rd, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Oh, mixed reaction this one … I have heard of bad reviews from a local, but some positive comments from the others.
But to imagine the kuih turning bad so fast (the same evening?!), maybe they could have warned the buyers to eat them ASAP.
After all, if the kuih made with santan is left in the car under the hot sun, or out in room temperature for too long, then the kuih will get stale very fast.
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Donald and lily is always my 1st choice for nyonya laksa, I am strongly recommend this to everyone who comes to Melaka!
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To Jimmy : Have you try The BEST Laksa in Melaka
BESS Kopitiam has been choosen as The BEST Laksa outlet in Malaysia year 2009 by the General Public in the http://www.fabfood1malaysia.com
Blog : http://besskopitiam888.blogspot.com/
China Press : http://www.chinapress.com.my/content_new.asp?dt=2010-12-19&sec=mas&art=1219mc35.txt
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[...] during the last trip, we missed Baba Charlie’s? It was a bummer alright, when they chose to close for the [...]
The new location of Donald & Lily (beginning June 16 2012) is opposite Bei Zhan restaurant and on the same row as a hotel named ‘Place 2 Stay’. If you are coming from the direction of Mahkota Parade, it’s on the left side of the bridge.
GPS – 2.193854N 102.2372836E
GPS – 2°11’37.8744”N 102°14’14.221”E
Address – No 16 (Ground Floor), Jalan KSB 1, Taman Kota Shahbandar, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Map – http://www.pbase.com/kelvinphoto/image/143718434.jpg
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J2Kfm Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Yes! I passed by the shop also the other day, and thought it’s a branch. New shops with more parking (hopefully) and cleaner environment. Though losing that old school charm of the current premise.
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i beg to differ..i think the laksa was too bland the lemak is too little..
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[...] (Satay babi) in Melaka. The other famous names include Xiang Ji and Ming’s Sate Hut near to Nadeje’s near Dataran Pahlawan. Sun May Hiong was crowded even in the late afternoon; serving nothing but [...]
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I missed the nyonya kuih at tengkera
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