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.

St Paul's Hill, Melaka

In the early 16th century (1511 - 1641), the straits of Malacca was widely colonised by the Portugese empire during the struggles between super powers. As a mean to maintain its colonial foothold in Melaka, a fort was designed and erected encompassing St Paul's Hill. The fort served not only as a housing and meeting place for the Portugese officials, but also an important vantage point, strategically overlooking the rivers. Following a seven-month attack by the Dutch, the fort was mostly destroyed and what remained is the entrance facade and ruins of the church.

Today, hundreds and thousands of travellers from all over the world visit the ruins of the what-used-to-be a majestic and powerful Portugese fort. Just be warned though, the ascend of St Paul's Hill via a series of steeply-inclined stairway is not for the faint-hearted.

Formosa Chicken Rice Ball @ Jalan Bendahara, Melaka

During my recent trip to Malacca, one of the few food that was introduced to me was the legendary Chicken Rice Ball, among the gula-packed chendol and famous nyonya dishes. Located along the streets of Jalan Bendahara, a half-hour drive from the central, Formosa boasts itself with its famous chicken rice ball made with a team of experienced staff in food and restaurant management, as well as being integrated as part of a journey into the Historical City of Malacca.

Is it worth the big hoo-ha and the long queue, or is it simply just over-rated?