A trip through history to explore the Southeast Asian customs::Malacca Jonker Street
Welcome to Jonker Street, the heart of Malacca's historic city! This street, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is the best portrayal of Malacca's multicultural fusion. Walking through it, it's like traveling through time and space, feeling the unique charm of hundreds of years of Nanyang style, Chinese culture and Nyonya heritage.
Origin and allusion
Jonker Street, its Malay name "Jalan Hang Jebat" or "Jalan Gelanggang", is said to be derived from the fact that this place was once a place for cockfighting in ancient times. However, it is more widely known by its Chinese name "Jinchang Street", and some say it is "Jiechang Street", which means the place where "ends" or "settlement" is done, because in the past it was the place where merchants traded and settled. Regardless of its true origin, Jonker Street carries the glorious trade history of Malacca and witnesses the process of Chinese immigrants taking root and developing here.
The architectural style here is a fusion of Chinese, Malay and colonial features. The colorfully painted two-story old house, with carved beams and painted buildings, is antique and quaint. Every brick and tile tells the story of the past.
Nyonya specialty cakes: a feast for the taste buds
When you come to Jonker Street, how can you miss tasting the unique Nyonya cakes? Nyonya culture is the product of the long-term integration of Chinese and Malay cultures, and its cuisine is unique. Nyonya cakes are usually made with natural ingredients such as coconut milk, glutinous rice, and pandan leaves. They are brightly colored, rich in taste, and sweet but not greasy.
Must-try Nyonya cakes are recommended:
* Nyonya Chang: Blue glutinous rice dyed with butterfly pea flowers, wrapped with pork, mushrooms and winter melon candy fillings, with a salty and sweet taste and rich aroma.
* Kuih Lapis: Layers of colorful cakes, chewy and chewy, each layer has a different flavor.
* Onde-Onde: Green glutinous rice balls wrapped in shredded coconut and filled with melted coconut sugar. The texture is amazing.
* Kuih Dadar: Green pandan leaf pancakes filled with shredded coconut and coconut sugar, sweet and delicious.
* Kuih Kapit: Thin, crispy lattice-shaped cookies with a strong coconut milk aroma.
You can find these delicious Nyonya cakes in many pastry shops or food stalls on Jonker Street. Why not try a few and let your taste buds enjoy the Nanyang style.
Watermelon Engraving and Watermelon Juice: A Creative Way to Cool Down in Summer
On Jonker Street, you will see some vendors offering a unique "watermelon engraving" service. They will engrave blessings, names or patterns on the watermelon, which is not only pleasing to the eye, but also a unique souvenir.
Of course, a glass of cold watermelon juice is definitely the best choice to cool down in hot weather! Many vendors cut and squeeze fresh watermelon, and the sweet watermelon juice, paired with ice cubes, will make you feel the refreshing summer in an instant.
Night Market at Night: Jonker Street is more lively as the night goes on
The busiest time of Jonker Street is the night market on weekend nights! Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, the whole street will transform into a bustling pedestrian street. Various vendors are set up along the street, brightly lit, bustling with people, full of vitality and noise.
What are the famous snacks in the night market?
The night market is a paradise for tasting authentic snacks in Malacca! From traditional food to creative snacks, there is everything you can think of, which will definitely satisfy your appetite.
* Satay Celup: A unique way of eating in Malacca! Put various skewers of meat, seafood and vegetables into skewers and put them into a hot satay sauce pot to cook. The sauce is fragrant and delicious.
* Nyonya Laksa: Rich coconut milk soup, with rice noodles, bean sprouts, shrimp, fish cakes and other ingredients, spicy and delicious.
* Chicken Rice Ball: Roll chicken rice into rice balls, with poached chicken or roast chicken, it is a representative delicacy in Malacca.
* Cendol: A Malaysian specialty dessert, green vermicelli, red beans, corn, coconut syrup and coconut milk, refreshing and cooling.
* Durian Puff/Durian Ice Cream: Friends who like durian can't miss it! The rich durian aroma melts in your mouth and is endless.
* And more: Grilled skewers, oyster omelettes, fried bananas, various fruit smoothies, special drinks, etc., guaranteed to make you dazzled and drool.
Canal Bar: A Tipsy Historical Night
When night falls, the Malacca River around Jonker Street also shows another style. Along the canal, there are many unique bars and cafes. You can choose a favorite bar, sit by the river, order a drink, feel the breeze, enjoy the night view on both sides, watch the cruise ship slowly passing by, and enjoy a leisurely and romantic night.
Transportation Information
Jonker Street is located in the center of Malacca and is conveniently located.
* Walking: If you live in the city of Malacca, many hotels are within walking distance of Jonker Street.
* Taxi/Grab: Taking a taxi or Grab (a common taxi APP in Southeast Asia) from Malacca Station or other places in the city is the most convenient way. Just tell the driver to go to "Jonker Street".
* Human-powered tricycle (Trishaw): In Malacca, colorful and gorgeously decorated human-powered tricycles are also a major feature. You can experience taking a tricycle to visit Jonker Street and surrounding attractions and experience the unique style. Remember to negotiate the price in advance.
* Driving by yourself: If you are driving, there are parking lots around Jonker Street, but parking spaces are difficult to find during the weekend night market. It is recommended to take public transportation or walk.
Travel Tips:
* The Jonker Street night market is crowded on weekends, so please keep your personal belongings safe.
* The day and night show different styles. It is recommended to arrange a day to go shopping and experience the culture during the day and experience the bustle of the night market at night.
* Many shops accept cash payments, so it is recommended to prepare some Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
* There are also many museums, temples and historical buildings around Jonker Street. You may wish to visit them and learn more about the history of Malacca.
I hope this travel book introduction to Jonker Street can help you plan a pleasant trip! I wish you a good time in Malacca!