Trevo Malaysia If you’re on the hunt for the best Portuguese food in Melaka, you’ve come to the right place.
Melaka is a food paradise, and its Portuguese heritage is a big part of why.
We’ve spent some delicious days exploring this historical city, tasting some of the freshest, most flavorful dishes you can find.
From seafood to rich spices and classic baked fish, the Portuguese influence here is unmistakable and absolutely mouthwatering!
Whether you’re a local, an expat, or a tourist just passing through for some famous food in Melaka, it can be tough to pick the perfect spot for your Portuguese meal.
That’s why we’ve rounded up our top 10 best restaurants and stalls serving authentic Portuguese cuisine, so you can just focus on eating and enjoying yourself.
But first, some history.
History of Portuguese Roots in Melaka
Back in the day (specifically 1511), the Portuguese arrived in Melaka and ruled until 1641.
That’s over a century of influence, and it left a lasting mark on Melaka’s culture, architecture, and especially its food.
Fast forward to 1933, a small 11-hectare area was set aside to create a home for the Kristang people, the descendants of Portuguese settlers and locals.
This area, known as the Portuguese Settlement, is now famous for its vibrant food scene, where Portuguese flavors have blended beautifully with Malaysian tastes.
So when you’re digging into famous food in Melaka, you’re also tasting a unique part of Malaysian and Portuguese history.
What’s Portuguese Food Like in Melaka?
Portuguese cuisine in Melaka often leans heavily on fresh seafood. That’s no surprise since the Portuguese were expert fishermen.
Portuguese dishes in Melaka are generally loaded with fish, crabs, prawns, and squid, cooked with bold spices, herbs, and tasty sauces.
You’ll find lots of baked fish, spicy crab, otak-otak with a Portuguese twist, and some hearty curries like devil curry.
Their cooking style stands apart from the usual Malaysian cooking with a lovely balance of tangy, spicy, and buttery flavors.
Some must-try dishes include:
- Portuguese Baked Fish: fresh fish baked with rich, aromatic herbs and spices.
- Butter Garlic Crab: sweet crab meat with buttery garlic goodness.
- Otak-Otak: a spicy, meaty fish cake wrapped in banana leaf, but with a Portuguese sambal twist.
- Devil Curry (Curry Debal): a spicy, tangy curry that’s truly unique to the Kristang community, and it just so happens to be our personal favorite!
So, without further ado, let’s get down to our top 10 best Portuguese food in Melaka!
Our Top 10 Best Portuguese Food in Melaka Picks
1. J&J Corner
If you want seafood heaven in Melaka, J&J Corner is a must-visit. We loved the garlic crab.
Cracking it open to that fresh, juicy meat was pure bliss.
The otak-otak was meaty and packed with flavor, and the homemade sauce for their stingray made everything better. The friendly staff and attentive service made our dinner even sweeter.
Location: Portuguese Settlement, Stall 10
Must-eat Portuguese dish: Butter Garlic Crab, Otak-Otak
Google-rating: 4.4
2. Vera Portuguese
Vera’s got that cozy, welcoming vibe with fresh, tasty dishes at very reasonable prices. The owners are Kristang descendants who really know their Portuguese heritage.
Don’t miss the salted egg sotong and butter garlic prawns. They were so good!
Plus, the staff are happy to explain the dishes and help you pick the best ones.
Location: Across from Portuguese Settlement, near Temasek Hotel
Must-eat Portuguese dish: Otak Otak with Portuguese Sambal, Butter Garlic Prawns
Google-rating: 4.6/5
3. Ristoran de Lisbon
This underrated gem blew us away with their baked fish. The fish was so fresh and tender! And it came topped with a gravy-like sauce that reminded us of laksa.
The devil curry was tasty, even if not super spicy, and the brinjal dish was a solid side (just watch out for saltiness!).
The friendly owner, reasonable prices, and the warm atmosphere made this place feel like a home-cooked meal.
Location: Jalan Dalbuquerque Portuguese Square
Must-eat Portuguese dish: Portuguese Baked Fish, Devil Curry
Google-rating: 4.⅘
4. San Juang 3
San Juang is great for an outdoor, casual dinner with plenty of parking.
We loved the crispy butter squid and the live crab, which was super fresh and meaty. Their belacan ladyfingers added a unique flavor twist.
This place is quite busy as it’s very popular with tourists but for good reason. The food is delicious and the prices are fair.
Location: Portuguese Settlement Food Court, Stall 3
Must-eat Portuguese dish: Black Pepper Crab, Butter Squid
Google-rating: 4.1/5
5. Pescados
Pescados is casual and relaxed, serving fresh Portuguese seafood with local flair.
We enjoyed their turmeric prawn soup and Portuguese stingray. The friendly staff and great food make this a spot to revisit when hunting for the best food in Melaka.
Location: Portuguese Settlement Food Court, Stall 7
Must-eat Portuguese dish: Portuguese Stingray, Oyster Omelette
Google-rating: 4.6/5
6. Monterios Portuguese Restaurant
Monterios impressed us with their salted egg crab and black pepper brinjal. It’s a fantastic place for a bigger group or family dinner.
The devil curry chicken is also a must-try, delivering authentic Kristang flavors. The sisters running the place keep the tradition alive with warm hospitality.
Location: Lot 18C, Medan Portugis, Kampong Portugis, Portugis Square
Must-eat Portuguese dish: Salted Egg Crab, Devil Curry Chicken
Google-rating: 3.9/5
7. De Costa’s 8 Portuguese Seafood
De Costa’s 8 offers fresh, well-balanced dishes with a friendly atmosphere.
We couldn’t get enough of the stingray with Portuguese sauce and the butter garlic scallops.
Prices are reasonable and portions generous. Juliana, who helps with service, really made us feel welcome.
Location: Lot 8, Medan Selera MBMB, Perkampungan Portugis
Must-eat Portuguese dish: Butter Garlic Scallops, Portuguese Baked Fish
Google-rating: 4.⅕
8. Casa de Mello Home Cafe
For something a little different, Casa de Mello offers cozy home-cooked Western dishes with a Portuguese flair.
The lamb shank and pork tomahawk were huge hits for us. The atmosphere is warm and family-run, with a friendly waitress named Tammy who made our meal even better.
Location: 12, Jalan D’Albuquerque, Perkampungan Portugis
Must-eat Portuguese dish: Lamb Shank, Tomahawk Pork Chop
Google-rating: 4.8/5
9. 339 Seafood
339 Seafood is the go-to for many locals craving seafood in Melaka.
Their signature Portuguese stingray is a standout, and you can pick your live crab before it’s cooked. The black pepper beehoon crab packed just the right punch, though we found the baked crab a bit over-charred.
The friendly service and bustling vibes complete the experience.
Location: Gerai No 9, Jalan Ujong Pasir, Perkampungan Portugis
Must-eat Portuguese dish: Asam Pedas Stingray, Black Pepper Beehoon Crab
Google-rating: 4.7/5
10. Maureen’s Corner
Maureen’s is the perfect spot if you want classic Kristang cuisine in a quieter setting.
We loved their Portuguese baked ikan pari and tamarind prawns. The owner is warm and welcoming, making this feel like a friendly neighborhood spot.
Definitely pre-book to get the best experience.
Location: Portuguese Square, Perkampungan Portugis
Must-eat Portuguese dish: Portuguese Baked Fish, Tamarind Prawns
Google-rating: 4.6/5
Here are a few more helpful resources:
- Dinosaur Encounter Melaka: Exploring The Dinosaur Park – TREVO Stories
- 10 Best Buffet Dinners in Kuala Lumpur Every Foodie Must Try – TREVO Stories
- 18 Best Restaurants in Georgetown Penang for EVERY Craving (2025) – TREVO Stories
- 10 Things To Eat in Kuching You Should Try On Your Visit! – TREVO Stories
FAQs About Portuguese Food in Melaka
What is the most known Portuguese food?
The national dish of Portugal is bacalhau, or salted cod. Often called the “faithful friend” (fiel amigo), bacalhau is so popular that it’s said there are more than 365 ways to cook it, one for every day of the year.
What is Melaka traditional food?
Ikan Bakar, or grilled fish, is a signature dish in Melaka. This mouthwatering dish is prepared with the freshest fish, commonly stingray, slathered in spicy sambal and wrapped in banana leaves and foil.
What is Portuguese food ranked in the world?
Portuguese cuisine is ranked as the #4 best cuisine in the world.
Is Portuguese food mostly seafood?
Portuguese dishes are based on the Atlantic diet and include meats like pork, beef, poultry, game, as well as a wide variety of seafood such as fish, lobster, crab, prawns, octopus, and scallops. Vegetables, legumes, and desserts also play important roles.
Final Thoughts on the Best Portuguese Food in Melaka
We hope this list makes your next visit to Melaka’s Portuguese Settlement easier and tastier.
With such a rich history and incredible food heritage, it’s no wonder Portuguese food remains among the best food in Melaka.
Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner spot or the best restaurant in Melaka for buttery crab and baked fish, these places have something for everyone.
So, pack your appetite and get ready to dive into some of the nicest food in Melaka that’s deeply tied to a fascinating culture. We can’t wait for you to try them and hear what you think!
Ride with Trevo on the long weekend
The long weekend is the perfect excuse for a foodie trip to Melaka, especially if you’re craving authentic Portuguese flavours by the sea!
Trevo has a wide range of cars to match your travel style. Whether you’re heading down with family for a laid-back feast, taking a romantic getaway with your partner, or road-tripping with foodie friends, Trevo’s got you covered.
So gather your appetite, plan your food trail, and let Trevo take you straight to the best Portuguese food in Melaka!
