A hidden restaurant I stumbled upon while traveling in Malacca, Restoran Bukittinggi! I went there with high expectations because the Google rating said 'Malaysian home cooking', but it turned out to be an Indonesian Padang cuisine specialty restaurant. However, thanks to that, I was able to have an unexpected culinary experience.

Restoran Bukittinggi's Authentic Padang Cuisine

The owner of the restaurant was Indonesian. I visited this restaurant early in the morning before going around the tourist attractions. It was my first time eating Indonesian home cooking, so it was pretty good. Also, there is a place in front of the restaurant that sells three kinds of Malaysian snacks, so you can experience both Indonesian and Malaysian food, so please take note.

When I first entered the restaurant, I could hear the sound of a Muslim radio and the friendly smile of the Indonesian owner greeted me. When I looked at the menu, the unfamiliar name 'Padang cuisine' caught my eye. I asked the owner out of curiosity, and he explained that it was a special food eaten in the western highlands of Sumatra. I was even more excited when he said it was one of the representative ethnic dishes of Indonesia.

Restoran Bukittinggi, Why do people line up to eat?

The Padang cuisine here had a really unique charm. All the dishes, including the various types of rendang (a curry mixed with coconut milk and spices), satay padang (spicy skewered meat), were mouthwatering. Especially for me who loves spicy food, it was like heaven. The spicy flavor filled my mouth and I felt like my stress was gone.

Padang cuisine is a special food eaten in the highlands of western Sumatra. This food is a representative national dish of Indonesia. Be careful because Padang cuisine is very spicy. Also, this restaurant sells various main dishes.

A generous table setting, my own customized meal

Here, you can choose the side dishes you like and eat them yourself. It feels like eating a meal made by your mom at home. I ordered fried fish, braised beef, and various kinds of vegetables that the owner recommended. I smiled when I saw the generous table setting. When you enter the restaurant, a friendly boy will greet you. If you visit during breakfast time, today's delicious side dishes are waiting for you. I ordered the fried fish, braised beef, and vegetables recommended by the owner. This is a restaurant where you can fill your plate with the side dishes you want to eat. I think the billing method is different depending on how many kinds you fill and the number of vegetables you fill, and I don't know how the price of vegetables is determined. I just filled as much as I wanted to eat. If you fill your plate with 3~4 kinds, you will pay about 20 ringgit.

A hidden Restoran Bukittinggi's, the reason why it is loved by locals in Malacca

While I was eating, customers kept coming in. Most of them were locals who were taking out, which made me realize how popular this restaurant is. Since it opens early in the morning, I could tell that it is loved by locals as well as tourists.

A must-visit restaurant during your trip to Malacca

It was the most memorable meal during my trip to Malacca. I fell in love with the charm of Indonesian Padang cuisine, and had a great time thanks to the friendly owner and delicious food. If you visit Melaka, I highly recommend you stop by. You won’t regret it!