Baba Kaya in Melaka
When you’ve had your fill of bustling KL and crave a historical exploration in a more laidback setting, it’s time to pack your bags and plan a road trip to Melaka.
As you’re bound to get hungry from exploring the town’s popular Jonker Street, we found this quaint cafe nearby – Baba Kaya, a breakfast spot you wouldn’t want to miss out on when you’re in town for a holiday.
The cafe is located along the Melaka River, so you can get an amazing view of the historic river and the cruises that journey on it while you savour lip-smacking food.
A cafe near Jonker Street that reminiscences the old
Baba Kaya has been capturing the attention of locals and tourists alike with the way they deliver their Apom Balik. To reminisce on the good ol’ days, diners have to place their money in a rattan basket and watch as it lifts up and into a window on the 2nd floor of the cafe.
The cafe’s staff will fill it up with fresh apam balik that customers have ordered, and lower it down.
Be ready with your camera, as it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t get elsewhere.
Image credit: British Malaya via Blogspot
This unique way of serving the locally loved snack draws inspiration from the past. During the British colonial era, the buildings by Melaka’s riverside were built much closer to the water’s edge, which allowed fishermen and boats to trade and purchase items using pulled baskets.
The Penangite owner of the cafe, Yen, who finds interest in the beauty of arts and culture, seeks to preserve this small but interesting part of local culture with orders for their apam balik.
Yen and his crew at Baba Kaya.
Ambience at Baba Kaya
There are both indoor and outdoor seating options at Baba Kaya. For shutterbugs, the outdoor seats offer a more scenic view of the river and cruise. You’ll have to brave the sun and heat, but the photos you’ll get to take for your Instagram story will be worth it.
For those coming in a larger group, you might prefer the spacious indoor area. The air-conditioned space is further cooled down with huge fans and have bigger tables for you to sit comfortably with family and friends.
Baba Kaya wasn’t made just for their amazing choice of delicacies. They also have quaint photo corners for you to get your camera ready for action. Having had the opportunity to travel the world, the owner has adorned the cafe, both inside and outside, with eclectic decorative elements that draws inspiration from his journeys abroad.
The street art includes murals of kids giving piggyback rides, beautiful coloured tiles, and vibrant lanterns that decorate the cafe’s building.
Do keep in mind that the cafe may be swarmed with locals as well as tourists due to its popularity, hence it’s better to come earlier, at around 7.30am, if you want to secure a spot to sit.
It’s recommended to wear comfy shoes when you’re in town, as parking near the cafe is limited and you might just have to walk a distance. But you’ll likely bump into sites along the way during your walk, as Melaka is jam-packed with all sorts of hidden gems.
Food at Baba Kaya
We started off our meal with their viral Coconut Gula Melaka Apom Balik (RM8) and Corn Apom Balik (RM6). The apam balik was served steaming hot and fresh, as it would when you’re munching on this street food snack from a roadside stall.
The pandan, coconut, and gula Melaka complemented each other well and the cafe was generous with the fillings.
Between the two, we favoured the Corn Apom Balik more. It was crunchy on the outside yet the moment we sank our teeth into it, it was soft and the buttered corn melted perfectly on our tongues. It had us wanting for more the moment we took our last bite.
Baba Kaya Signature Toast
Over at Baba Kaya, you are able to get a taste of local heritage along with a fusion of dishes from different cultures. Their Baba Kaya Signature Toast (RM6) was a crowd-favourite. What makes it different from the typical roti bakar was that the bread was infused with a slight hint of cinnamon.
This special treat was served alongside a homemade tri-coloured dip that is ready for the ‘Gram. It’s a combination of Pandan teaberry, Yam, and Kaya. The dip had a smooth, custard-like texture that complements the toast perfectly and when paired together is just amazing.
Signature Nyonya Curry Prawn Laksa
When visiting Melaka, Baba Nyonya dishes can’t be missed out. The blend of both Chinese and Malay flavours are the core of what makes their dishes interesting. So for our main meal, we couldn’t resist the temptation and ordered their Signature Nyonya Curry Prawn Laksa (RM17.80).
Typical Curry Laksa would be served with mee kuning, but Baba Kaya’s Curry Laksa had both mee kuning as well as bihun — a great option for texture.
The broth was rich, and creamy yet light, with just a hint of sweetness from the coconut milk that balances perfectly with the savoury spices and the natural sweetness of the huge juicy prawns.
The verdict
For those who aren’t able to function well in the morning without the joys of a delicious breakfast spread, Baba Kaya is a must-visit cafe for you in Melaka. They offer a local fusion of authentic Malaysian flavours, from their unique Baba Kaya Signature Toast with its cinnamon-infused twist to the creamy and flavourful Curry Prawn Laksa.
Address: 13A, Jalan Bunga Raya, Melaka Tengah, 75100 Melaka
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 8am – 2pm | Fri-Sun 8am-2.30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: Baba Kaya’s website | Instagram | Facebook
You’ll also want to check out this 100-year-old bar in Melaka and these 8 cafes with old-school charm in Melaka.
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Ainna.z.