Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: Nadeje Mille Crepe and Jonker 88

 

It has been a long time since I'm actually home on a Monday, as I'm clearing my brought-forward leave before the end of Q1. It seemed like an extended weekend and best of all, no Monday blues. The downside is that I have to join a conference call at 6.30PM to discuss some important decisions with a client. I guessed I shouldn't grumble since my colleague is getting up at 6.30AM his time to join this call as well. 

 

The recent humid temperature in Singapore reminded me greatly of that in Malacca, during our last family trip. After visiting St Paul's Church and A'Famosa Fort, we headed to the nearest mall for the comfort of air-con. We walked around the malls, taking in the sights but there wasn't anything to buy. I realised that it has been a long while since I last shopped at the malls, especially with the convenience of internet shopping.

 

While looking for a place to rest our tired legs and grab a quick bite, I figured that we should head to Nadeje - famous for their mille crepe. I have long heard about Nadeje way before Lady M invaded our shores. Surprisingly, I have never gotten to visit this place during my past trips here.

he Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) issued an advisory on 15 March 2016 stating that the second half of March 2016 is expected to be drier and warmer than that experienced in the first fortnight of the month. During this period, the daily maximum temperatures are expected to range between 33°C and 34°C, and could reach a high of around 36°C on a few days. - See more at: http://www.gov.sg/factually/content/is-it-true-that-singapore-temperature-is-expected-to-soar-to-40-degrees-celsius-in-the-next-few-days#sthash.bUmV2loa.dpuf

Wow, check out the ridiculously long queue for both dine in and take away. The decision was to either join the queue or head somewhere else, but we decided to brave the queue! 

 

As the weather was humid, PILs stayed at KFC to enjoy the cool air while the 3 warriors took up the challenge and joined the queue.  

he Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) issued an advisory on 15 March 2016 stating that the second half of March 2016 is expected to be drier and warmer than that experienced in the first fortnight of the month. During this period, the daily maximum temperatures are expected to range between 33°C and 34°C, and could reach a high of around 36°C on a few days. - See more at: http://www.gov.sg/factually/content/is-it-true-that-singapore-temperature-is-expected-to-soar-to-40-degrees-celsius-in-the-next-few-days#sthash.bUmV2loa.dpuf

 Accompanying the niece as she sat at the bench to rest her tired legs. 

After an 'eternal' wait, we were ushered into the cafe. This was akin to seeing light at the end of a dark tunnel, lol! We placed our orders and waited eagerly for the cakes to be served. 

 

I love being in a cake shop, as the cakes always remind me of special occasions like birthdays and celebrations. I love buying and eating cakes. Now, we'll try to indulge in them occasionally since we are trying to reduce our sugar intake.  

We ordered 6 crepes to try out. A few that stood out: Malacca, a localised flavour which was inspired and made using Malacca famous Gula Melaka. This was very popular on the table. Nothing can go wrong with the Original, which is the origin of Nadeje Mille Crepe. Homemade custard cream with Tahitian vanilla beans mixed with fresh cream - fingerlicking good! Double chocolate was also one of my favourites, just because it is chocolate! With over 18 choices available, I'm sure there will be one that will suit your tastebuds. 

Nadeje Mille Crepe
G-23B, EG4 and EG5, Ground Floor
Mahkota Parade, 7500, Melaka
Tel: 603 06 2843469
Opening Hours: 11AM till 10PM daily

Back to Jonker Street for a quick pit-stop before heading back to the hotel. We bought some stuff at San Shu Gong the night before, so we decided to skip this and headed for Jonker 88 Laksa instead. 

Having been here numerous times, I feel that the standard has dropped. However, business seemed to be better than usual. It used to be easy to get a table, but now it took ages before finding a seat/table.  

The never-ending-long-queue for asam laksa. 

 

We queued for almost 45 min before we could place our orders. Taking selfies to kill time, other than surfing facebook/internet. An unhappy episode happened here, with a no-manners uncle. Uncle, I hope your kids won't grow up to be as ill-manners as you, hmp! Anyway, I have to prepare for the call now - will be back soon (hopefully) with more updates :) 

Jonker 88 ( 大寶小食)

88 Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street)

75200, Malacca, Malaysia 

 ******
Read our Malacca adventures here:

❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: The Journey & Jonker Walk 

❤ Malacca 2015: 5 things to do in Malacca

❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: St Paul's Church and A' Famosa Fort

❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: Christ Church and Heading Home

Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: St Paul's Church and A' Famosa Fort

  

I'm currently on business trip but sneaking some time to update while waiting to board the plane. From where I left off previously, most of us were dead tired and retired to bed. We got up pretty early the following morning for breakfast, only to find that PILs already ate and retired back to their room to wait for us. We then made our way across the street to the breakfast "hall", where a sumptuous buffet awaits us. 

 

A mini yet wonderful spread of breakfast items. Since we stayed for 2 nights this time, we got to taste 2 different menus *greedy* The chicken rice was really fragrant, so I went for 2nd helpings - extra chilli please! Leecher liked the spread as well, so we ended up eating more than usual. 

 

A quick pic with PILs at the lobby. My past experience in Malacca made me realised the importance of sunblock and I took the opportunity to use my precious Edward-the-vampire-shine-like-diamond sunblock. When applied, your skin will sparkle under the sunlight, no kidding! Leecher said this is the closest that I'll get to connect with Edward, tsk tsk. 

The main agenda was to tour around Malacca, visiting some of the famous landmarks. Here we are, in front of the Stadthuys - well-known for its red exterior and red clock tower. The clock tower is a significant icon of the square, as it was the landmark for me to navigate in the area. 

Combing the area in my new sandals. Comfort level was OK, but I mega love the blings!

 

Wanna make a guess on where's our first stop?  

 A bird's eye view from the summit of St Paul's Hill.

We endured the humid and sunny weather, conquered the stairs to reach the summit of St. Paul's Hill. We wanted to take a picture in front of the church, but the large crowd of people prevented us from doing so and we got relegated to the sides instead :(

 Buskers and souvenir stalls at the top of the hill, outside St. Paul's Church. 

 Selfie first before I roamed around the area ;) 

St Paul's Church, originally built in 1521, is the oldest church building in Malaysia. Located at the summit of St. Paul's Hill, the church is now roofless and covered in ferns. The church was originally a simple chapel but was later used as a burial ground. Today, the church is part of the Malacca Museum Complex comprising of the A' Famosa ruins, the Stadthuys and other historical buildings. 

 Lining against the walls of the church are intricately engraved tombstones belonging to the Dutch nobility. 

St. Paul's Church

Jalan Kota, Bukit St. Paul (St. Paul’s Hill)

Heading down on the other side of the church led us to Porta de Santiago, the remains of the great A' Famosa Fort. 

 Can you spot the fort from here?

The A' Famosa fort is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in SEAsia. The fortress once consisted of long ramparts and four major towers. One was a four-story keep, while the others held an ammunition's storage room, the residence of the captain, and an officers' quarters. Porta de Santiago, the small gate house behind us, is the only part of the fortress which still remains today. 

One of the original cannons guarding the fortress. 

 A' Famosa Fort 

Jalan Parameswara, 78000 Alor Gajah, 

Melaka, Malaysia

This pirate-like ship transforms into a huge theatre at dusk, where theatre actresses/actors come together to tell the history of Malacca through songs and dance. We didn't have time to catch the play, but I would definitely love to sit through this next time. 

The blazing sun shone mercilessly upon us and we were starting to feel tired. My energy level was down and I navigated to the nearest mall for aircon! I'm signing off now, but will be back with more of our adventures soon.

 ******
Read our Malacca adventures here:

❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: The Journey & Jonker Walk 

❤ Malacca 2015: 5 things to do in Malacca 
❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: Nadeje Mille Crepe and Jonker 88
❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: Christ Church and Heading Home 

Malacca 2015: 5 things to do in Malacca

From a simple fishing village to a UNESCO site, Malacca has come a long way since 1377. Malacca is also a popular place for weekends getaway with both Singaporeans and locals. Within the span of 1 year, I headed to Malacca twice - once with the Jitches and most recently, with the in-laws. Here's the 2015 edition of 5 things to do in Malacca: 

 1. Ride on the rickshaw

 

Hop on for a ride in these elaborately decorated rickshaws, which even came equipped with a stereo system blasting the latest songs. Top marks for the amount of effort taken to dress each rickshaw, which has now become an icon of Malacca.

 2. Stroll along Melaka River

Evening is the best time to stroll along the Malacca River, which was once a vital trade route during the heyday of Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century. Restaurants, bars and shops are scattered on both sides of the river, so you can hop in for a rest or a quick bite before continuing the rest of the journey.  

3. Nadeje Mille Crepe 

Before Lady M invaded our shores, Nadeje was the to-go place for mille crepe. They pride themselves for using quality ingredients to make their crepes/cakes, which probably explains the ridiculously long queues for both dine-in and takeaway.

4. St Paul's Church

 

Catch a glimpse of St. Paul's Church, the oldest church building in Malaysia built in 1521. Located at the summit of St. Paul's Hill, this roofless church was originally a simple chapel before it became a burial ground.

5. Shop at the Malls

Escape the scorching sun and head to the malls instead. Shop at either the iconic Mahkota Parade, which was recently refurbished to embrace a younger crowd or Dataran Paulawan, home to some of the most exciting entertainment, such as the cinema, skating rink or archery. 

Psst .... detailed posts will be linked once completed, stay tuned!  

 ******
Read our Malacca adventures here:

❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: The Journey & Jonker Walk
❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: St Paul's Church and A' Famosa Fort 
❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: Nadeje Mille Crepe and Jonker 88 
❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: Christ Church and Heading Home 

Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: The Journey & Jonker Walk

The first family self-drive trip to Malacca started at dawn. While majority of Singapore was still sleeping comfortably in their beds, we had to tear our sleepy bodies away from the bed to prepare for the long day/drive ahead. After a quick stop-over at PIL's place to sort out the logistics, we made our way to Woodlands Custom and arrived at 5AM. Crossing the custom was a breeze and we cleared it within an hour. We drove straight for Muar, with the occasional stops for toilet break. After spending half a day in Muar to visit the relatives, we headed to Malacca. I relied on my trusty iPhone map for navigation and brought us safely to Malacca. 

Once again, we stayed at Courtyard @ Heeren for its excellent location and breakfast spread. I felt totally at home the moment I stepped in through the front doors.

  

We stayed next door to PIL on the ground floor while BIL took the family room on the 2nd floor. The corridors on the first floor is littered with antiques. I felt ancient as I sat on the chair opposite our room. There is even a real well in the middle, left behind from olden days.

We booked the superior room which comes equipped with LCD TV (I spent the night watching K-concert on cable), basic toiletries and complimentary coffee/tea/mineral water.

Courtyard @ Heeren
91 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock,
75200, Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +606 281 0088  

We made our way to Jonker Walk. Every Friday-Sunday from 6PM onwards, the street is blocked from traffic and turned into a night market. We walked aimlessly while keeping a lookout for yummy food to fill the tummies. Even though people normally come here for food, there are a lot of tourist attractions along the street too *mental note to visit at least a couple during my next visit*

This was also Leecher's first visit to Malacca, so we are taking this as momento to celebrate this special occasion. 

First stop: Taste Better, famously known for their delicious custard durian puffs. The best way to enjoy it is to put the whole puff into your mouth; which is pretty easy since they are known as one-bite puffs. Besides puffs, there is also soft serve ice cream in durian, cempedak and dragon fruit.

Leecher distributed the puffs while I was snapping pictures. He conveniently took the last puff and put it inside his mouth w/o sharing with me! He tried to justify his action saying the instructions on the box said 一口一粒. 

Taste Better @ Melaka Unesco 
Jonker Street 96
Opens daily

I led the way to the food street for dinner. As usual, it was crowded and it wasn't easy getting a table to accommodate a big group. The boys were in charge of ordering food and came back with curry fishballs, stingray, lala, fried kway teow, curry noodles etc. The rojak was such a disappointment - it was full of random fruits with a pathetic chunk of you tiao. Garlic oyster was the hit of the day!

Doing touristy stuff with the niece before we ended the night :) Stay tuned for the rest of our journey! 

 ******
Read our Malacca adventures here:

❤ Malacca 2015: 5 things to do in Malacca

❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: St Paul's Church and A' Famosa Fort
❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: Nadeje Mille Crepe and Jonker 88 
❤ Family Self-Drive Trip to Malacca: Christ Church and Heading Home