If trudging around Melaka’s Chinatown has you in the mood for coffee and a snack, Calanthe Art Cafe is a good option. They’re also open for lunch if you need something heavier. Calanthe’s main point of distinction is their claim to carry coffees from each of Malaysia’s 13 states. The café is quite casual, with seating inside or out on the street.

Melakan Style Coffee
Local Coffee with sweet milk foam

Calanthe has an international food menu that makes it a good place for lunch. From the extensive coffee menu I select the local coffee topped with sweet milk foam. The coffee is rich and full bodied, while the milk foam is very thick and creamy. It goes down very well.

Sago with Ice Cream
Sugar overload: Sago with palm sugar syrup and ice cream.

Calanthe had an afternoon ‘tea’ time special on cheesecake and coffee, but in the end I decided that a ‘local’ dessert would be a better option. Melaka is somewhat famous for sago, so I decide on the sago with palm sugar syrup and ice cream. When it was served, I rather wished I was with someone to share it with, it was so big. The sago was good, although I prefer it warm, like it’s often served in Thailand. The palm sugar gave it a nice bit of molasses.

Calanthe Art Cafe has two locations. One in Chinatown off Jonker Walk, and the other in the Mega Mall near the A’famosa fort. Check the Calanthe Art Cafe web site for more information.

Posted by michael under Restaurants
Tags: • •
[3] Comments