Jonker 88 — Restaurant in Malacca

If you’re wandering down the vibrant Jonker Street in Melaka, Jonker 88 is one spot you don’t want to miss. Known for its authentic Peranakan desserts and classic Malaysian fare, this bustling eatery is a go-to destination for both locals and tourists looking to sample some of the best flavors Melaka has to offer.

Ambiance and Setting Jonker 88 is located in a charming, historic shophouse, decorated with vintage decor and antique items that echo Melaka’s rich heritage. It’s often packed with people, especially on weekends, adding to its lively and bustling atmosphere. The seating is simple and functional, as the focus here is all about the food. The narrow space and crowds create a bustling ambiance that feels very much like a busy food market.

Food and Specialties Jonker 88 is famous for its cendol—a traditional Peranakan dessert made with shaved ice, gula Melaka (palm sugar), coconut milk, and green pandan-flavored jelly. Their cendol is a refreshing, sweet treat perfect for cooling off in Melaka’s heat. The gula Melaka they use is rich, caramel-like, and aromatic, blending beautifully with the creamy coconut milk to create a dessert that’s indulgent and satisfying. You can choose from different versions, including one topped with red beans, durian, or even pulut (sticky rice) for added texture and flavor.

Another popular dish at Jonker 88 is their asam laksa. This dish is a tangy, spicy noodle soup with a sour, fish-based broth that’s packed with flavors from tamarind, chili, and various herbs. It comes with thick rice noodles, shredded fish, cucumbers, pineapple, and fresh herbs, making for a wonderfully balanced meal that hits every note—savory, sour, and spicy. Their curry laksa is also a hit, with a creamy coconut milk base that adds richness and depth.

If you’re a fan of classic Malaysian desserts, they also serve ais kacang, another shaved ice treat topped with a colorful mix of sweet corn, red beans, grass jelly, and palm sugar.

Service Given the high volume of customers, service at Jonker 88 is fast-paced and efficient. It’s largely self-service, with orders taken at the counter and food picked up as it’s ready. The staff work hard to manage the crowds and keep things moving smoothly, though it can get crowded and wait times may vary during peak hours.

Pricing Jonker 88 offers great value for money. The prices are reasonable, especially for the portions and quality of the food. A bowl of cendol or laksa here is affordable, making it accessible for all visitors looking to sample authentic Melaka flavors without breaking the bank.

Overall Experience Jonker 88 is a true taste of Melaka, with its unbeatable cendol, flavorful laksas, and an ambiance that immerses you in the heart of Jonker Street. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to enjoy authentic local food in a casual, bustling setting. Just be prepared for the crowds—Jonker 88 is popular for a reason! If you’re in Melaka, stopping by Jonker 88 for a bowl of cendol or asam laksa is an experience you won’t...

Had my breakfast here during Christmas break recently. I got myself a bowl of mini celup (RM9.00 - I actually wanted to buy the cheaper one but when I didn't mention the exact type size of order, the girl at the counter just simply easy got me the most expensive one), baba cendol (RM7.00) and a large bowl of Nyonya Asam Laksa Kahwin Baba Laksa (RM18.00).

I guess it's quite an expensive breakfast in a kopitiam (ordering the laksa without knowing the real price when you were offered to add a few stuff in your laksa which is actually not making the food any good coz the basic laksa is already good on itself) but I had to try their food since everytime I search for Muslim friendly Peranakan food, this kopitiam is among a few will pop out in my search.

Would I come back? I don't know, because after too much confusion and miscommunication while placing the order with the young woman at the counter, everything tasted just ok. It is my first time eating Peranakan laksa so I don't know exactly how it looks or taste.

However the cendol is slightly better than the cendols I tried from the other shops around Jonker street (I think this kopitiam uses fresh or homemade santan, while other shops might be using instant santan) and I can personally request the auntie handling this section to make my cendol less sweet.

A huge thanks and respect for the restaurant's helpers whom move around the restaurant asking for opinions or if we in need of anything and can speak fluent Malay because they are very friendly and...

This restaurant specializes in Baba Laksa and Nyonya Asam Laksa, and they are absolutely delicious. The rich, flavorful broth perfectly coats every strand of noodles. It’s truly mouth-watering. The most important dish, of course, is the Cendol. This is a must-try and complements the laksas perfectly. All three dishes are simply outstanding. However, the self-service aspect of this place can be a bit inconvenient. If you’re dining with a companion, one person needs to stay at the table while the other goes to the counter to place the order, wait for the food to be prepared, and then bring it back to the table. The prices vary depending on the ingredients you add to your laksa. The base price might be around RM12++, but it can go up to RM14, RM16, or more depending on the number and type of additional ingredients you choose, such as stuffed tofu and other extras. Despite this, the place is quite popular and often crowded because of the excellent food. The ambiance is decent. There are cabinets on the left wall filled with notes from various places, giving the place a unique feel. However, the seating is limited, so there can be a bit of a wait for a table. Overall, while the self-service and variable pricing are slight drawbacks, the incredible taste of the Baba Laksa, Nyonya Asam Laksa, and Cendol make it...