Seafood @ Portuguese Settlement, Melaka

Here's something on Melaka .... again. Continuation from tea break at Nadeje, and popiah with lard & Chee Cheong Fun at Newton, we took a break from all the stuffing. Later in the evening, we proceeded to dinner at Portuguese Settlement over at Ujong Pasir, a short distance from town.

The revamped Portuguese Settlement seafood stalls over at Ujong Pasir, Melaka

Few years ago, the place looked different, with the stalls all arranged in another manner. Naturally, to get the best view while dining, everyone would patronize the furthest stall, right by the sea, hence affecting the other stalls' business. And of course, Choosing-A-Restaurant 101 : Pick the stall with the MOST customers still rang true.

But this time around, the whole stretch of stalls have relocated to the newly-built court, facing the sea, with paved walkway, and al fresco dining area as well as lighted ones. No prize for guessing which is the preferred choice.

We picked stall number 4 (there are 10!), with the name "88 Sea Front Restaurant" as it was the most crowded that evening

Some have commented that the Malay seafood and 'ikan bakar' (grilled fish) over at Umbai area (way further than this) are better. Even my aunt (who visits Melaka about a gazillion times per year - she's a tour guide, btw) recommended the 'ikan bakar' over at Umbai. But there's always another visit, right?

Steamed Lala (clams) with Garlic and Chilli Padi, Kangkung (water convolvulus) stir-fried with Belacan (fermented shrimp paste?) and Batter-fried Squids

Parking's a breeze, as a spacious area is allocated. But RM1 per entry. Peanuts, right? Once alighting from your vehicle, brace yourself with the ahem, "Promotion & Publicity" activities thanks to the stiff competition among the stalls there. FYI, every stall sells the SAME stuff, basically Portugues Grilled Fish, and typical seafood dishes. Talk about originality.

I decided not to order the grilled fish this time around, as previous experience revealed the bland, tasteless, and lacklustre Ikan Bakar was not something up my alley. Fortunately my dining companions agreed to this autocratic choice.

The wait was relentless. The sheer number of tourists eating there, plus the slower than ideal cooking pace, prolonged our torture to a good 45 mins. Yup, either sip your coconut juice or beer, fiddle your thumbs, or take a nap.

But the wait was worthy, as the seafood was fresh, succulent, and CHEAP! The meal costed each of us about RM15+ only, plus rice and drinks. Affordable, considering this being a tourists' haunt, after all.

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year .... Portuguese style?

The 2008 National-level Christmas Open House was held here, with the PM gracing the event. The decorations around the place were fascinating, with colourful lights on display, in every house, and hovering above the roads. A feeling of warmth, spirit of neighbourhood and festivity was definitely in the air, with residents from every household sitting in their porch chatting, relaxing, and children playing with firecrackers.

(P/S : Kinda got me thinking .... How long has it been since I talked to MY neighbour? Hmm ... )

Location : Stall No 4 (88 Sea Front Restaurant) @ Portuguese Settlement, Ujong Pasir, 75050 Melaka. Got MAP! Lazy to read map? OK, the area's easy to go. From Dataran Pahlawan Megamall on Jalan Merdeka, use Jalan Parameswara towards Ujong Pasir. The signboards in Melaka are good, btw. When you're on Jalan Ujong Pasir, look for a sign on your right, indicating Portuguese Settlement. Not too obvious though. There's a coffee shop named Ming Huat on your left, directly opposite the entrance to the Portuguese settlement.