Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake, Melaka
Watch how experts make onde-onde at a popular shop – you can eat them, too!
IF the thought of biting into the goey, chewy mass of glutinuous rice ball that’s filled with melted palm sugar and coated in shredded coconut appeals to you, then you might relish a visit to Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake in Melaka.
this traditional cottage-industry “factory” produces many delicious types of nyonya kuih (cakes), but are especially known for the ondeonde.
tucked in a little backlane, this unasuming-looking place is popular with locals and tourists alike to get freshly made nyonya kuih. the shop comprises a retail area where all the colourful kuih are displayed, and a huge kitchen area.
there is also the Baba Charlie Cafe close by (in a bright yellow building that you just can’t miss) in case you want to have more snacks.
Why you should go
there are many types of nyonya kuih in Malaysia so here’s a chance for you to try them out and possibly learn a thing or two about them.
the whole shop has an open concept design, so chances are high that you’ll get to see how some kuih – onde-onde, kuih talam, kuih lapis and more – are made. Other kuih include seri pandan, kuih bingka ubi, apam balik, kuih rempah udang, pulut panggang and pulut inti.
If you’re keen to try out these traditional snacks you better hurry because they sell out very fast!
What to do
If you come at the right time, you might get to see how they make the kuih and ask some questions. the staff are photography-friendly, so they won’t shoo you away if you want to take pictures too.
You can also buy your favourite nyonya kuih. they come conveniently packaged in plasic containers (but we suggest you bring your own reusable containers).
Who will like it
If you are a foodie, you will definitely like this, more so if you have a sweet tooth, or love traditional nyonya kuih. And, if you want to find out more about the art of making traditional nyonya kuih, this is a good place to visit.
tourists visiting Melaka – local or international – would also find this place appealing.
Getting there
the shop is located in Jalan tengkera, Melaka. the best way to get there is to use apps like Waze or Google Maps. the gps coordinates are: 2.203168, 102.231461.
Melaka is roughly two and a half hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur.
there are buses running between Kuala Lumpur and Melaka, from terminal Bersepadu Selatan.