(above left) Painting the town red has a different meaning in this part of Malacca. The buildings with their distinctive red cast date back to Dutch times. The red-and-white sidewalk barricades are very pretty, aren't they? Somewhere between the Stadthuys and A 'Famosa.
(above right) Food like this should be avoided. This bowl of laksa has one dominant taste - salty. Many such places, great for relaxing over a drink, sell lousy food. Some of the best food is in the small restaurants and coffee shops. Ever eaten crab cooked with milk and lethal mini-chillis? Great stuff at the corner coffeeshop diagonally opposite City Bayview Hotel. Roll up your sleeves, wash your hands and dig in!
(above left) Dial a snack: A local favourite, ideal for those who need a bit more spice in their itinerary. What's otak? Just mince some fish, mix it with spices and chilli. Spread the thick and moist mixture on banana leaves. Wrap the leaves and grill over fire (charcoal is optional nowadays). At the 'entrance' to the historical area (The Stadthuys, Christ Church, etc).
(above right) Give the man a beer: This place along the sluggish Malacca River is pleasant and shady, perfect to rest your feet, get out of the noon sun and cool down with an ice-cold drink. Give the food a miss, that's our advice. Sort of between the historical sights and Jonker Street (artist galleries, antiques, Peranakan museum, boutique hotels, pineapple tarts and chendol smothered by thick, smooth gula melaka are all here).
(right) Whither art thou, O Wise One? We couldn't find anyone to tell us how this place got its English name, Wisdom Drive. The Malay name says Garden Walk. Perhaps it was named after someone. Near A 'Famosa, even nearer to the Fortune Tree (see previous blog entry).
(left) I'm sure these colourful bins look familiar to some of you. Malaccans are also doing their part to save our planet. On one of the main roads towards Bukit Cina.That's it for Malacca, folks!
Next... Sojourn in the Golden Triangle
1 comment:
that soup looks yummy!
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