It is a common assumption that both are homogenous; in fact only those well—informed are able to identify the differences between the Melaka Peranakan and Penang Peranakan. From language and attire to cuisine and ceremonies, the Peranakan community from Melaka differs quite significantly from their Penang brethren.
I won’t delve into details since that is better left to historians and experts.
Instead, my focus is on some of the best locations to savour delicious Nyonya food, particularly those within easy strolls of LRT and MRT stations.
Two restaurants that have been in the limelight in recent years are Lima Blas and Limapulo: Baba Can Cook!, each often mistaken for the other due to the similarity in their names. Another reason could be the fact that the proprietors of Limapulo: Baba Can Cook! were former partners at Lima Blas.
While Lima Blas has remained at its original spot in Jalan Mesui, Bukit Bintang (in addition to a newly opened branch at Sunway Velocity), Limapulo operates from Jalan Doraisamy. The former, however, recently went through a rebranding exercise and is now called Sedapnya. But loyal patrons still refer to it as Lima Blas.
Their ala carte dishes cost between RM12 and RM40 and are available for both lunch and dinner. Walking into both outlets, be prepared to be swept by nostalgia, with vintage Peranakan decorative pieces and antique kitchenware displayed on the walls and in the dining area.
However, a notable difference between Limapulo and Sedapnya is that the latter has a bar!
Over at Makan House, you’ll get the best of Malaccan Peranakan, Portuguese and Kelantanese favourites under one roof. Here, you can have your Nyonya laksa alongside nasi kerabu, nasi lemak and baked fish.
This is in addition to a buffet spread of flavourful Peranakan and Portuguese dishes to satisfy the taste buds of diners.
I opted for the ala-carte menu and thanks to a friend’s recommendation, managed to sample an off-the-menu dish — prawns muliu — which turned out to be my favourite!
Muliu is an elusive Portuguese dish. The version that we had was prawns and aubergines cooked in coconut milk and spices. It was creamy, slightly spicy and absolutely lip—smacking.
LRT/MRT: Bukit Bintang
Distance: 400 metres
Operating hours: Noon to midnight on weekdays (till 1am on Fridays and Saturdays). Closed on Sundays.117 Jalan SS2/6 , Petaling Jaya Malaysia.
LRT/MRT: Taman Bahagia