Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake, Melaka

In the straits of Malacca, there is a saying: "think of Nyonya cakes, think of Baba Charlie". Little did I know what was Baba Charlie prior to this tour visit, and little did I expect that such a treasure was hidden in a quiet alley along Lorong Tengkera Pantai 2C.

Established on 1988, Baba Charlie (now 3rd gen) was a door-to-door business which sold nyonya popiah and less than five types of nyonya cakes. Businesses grew and soon, Baba Charlie has made its name in the night markets (pasar malam). It was not long before it became a household name, catering their traditional delicacies to major hotels, restaurants, private functions and parties.

Ole Sayang @ Taman Melaka Raya, Melaka

As a center of the exotic Peranakan culture, Malacca is well known for the small - and unfortunately diminishing - Babas (men) and Nyonyas (women) community. For Singaporeans, I am sure you got to catch a glimpse of the Peranakan society, such as what they do, eat and wear, in the 2008 hit drama series titled "The Little Nyonya" or better known in Mandarin as 小娘惹. Therefore, it's true to say that one haven't been to Malacca, until one try out their traditional Nyonya cuisine.

Located at the streets of Taman Melaka Raya (a few minutes drive from central), Ole Sayang is probably one of the most established Nyonya restaurant in Melaka. Being said that, reservations are highly recommended, as we waited approximately 30 minutes for a table of ten. One of the reasons being the restaurant has shifted from a quiet residential makan place to a popular tourist trapattraction, with tour groups from all over the world and the other states of Malaya hoarding several tables during the lunch/dinner timings.