Forget Starbucks when you’re in Malacca, and head to one of the best coffee places in the city, Calanthe Art Cafe. Located in a narrow alley just off the well-known Jonker Street, the cafe is like a quiet oasis, even though the decor doesn’t quite say the same thing – it is vibrantly furnished, with eclectic and creative touches such as rattan furniture hanging from the ceiling, hand-painted walls, and little trinkets on shelves throughout the property. It might not sport the famous modern minimalist look every cafe is going for nowadays, but we can’t help but love this feast for wandering eyes.

Alongside coffee, other delicious drinks such as milkshakes, smoothies, teas, and soda mixes are also on the menu, all creatively-curated for the non-coffee drinker. A variety of alcohol-based drinks are also available; we highly recommend their royale Bailey cocktail, a mixture of a single shot of espresso, Bailey and chocolate sauce, topped with a scoop of ice cream.

As for their food items, Calanthe specialises in local food, and does so expertly, as it was listed in top 50 best laksa outlets in Malaysia by the Malaysian Tourism Body. Laksa is a Nyonya spicy noodle soup, and the cafe’s version is loaded with ingredients such as tofu puffs, fried beancurd skin, eggs strips and fishcake slices, all in flavourful coconut gravy infused with lemongrass, turmeric and spices. Another notable dish is golden rice, aka the cafe’s own version of nasi lemak. While the popular dish can easily be bought anywhere in the city, Calanthe’s comes with its special chicken rendang, together with usual nasi lemak condiments such as fried peanuts and anchovies.

Opening Hours: Friday-Wednesday (9:00 am-10:30 pm)

Adress: 11, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75250 Melaka

Contact: 06-2922960