Melacca The Historic State

Present-day Melaka reflects its tumultuous history - a multi-racial population of Malays, Indians, and Chinese call this historic city home. Most notably, Peranakan and Portuguese communities still thrive in Melaka, a reminder of the state's long experience with trading and colonization.

Melaka's founder, the ex-pirate Prince Parameswara, was said to be a descendant of Alexander the Great, but it's more likely that he was a Hindu political refugee from Sumatra.

According to legend, the Prince was resting one day under an Indian gooseberry tree (also known as a melaka). As he watched one of his hunting dogs trying to bring down a mouse deer, it occurred to him that the deer shared a similar plight to his own: alone, exiled in a foreign land and surrounded by enemies. The mouse deer then achieved the improbable and fought off the dog.

Parameswara decided that the place where he was sitting was a propitious one for the disadvantaged to triumph, so decided to build a house on the spot.

Malacca did indeed turn out to be a favorable place to found a town, due to its sheltered harbor, its abundant water supply and its prime location relative to the regional trade and monsoon wind patterns.

5/23/2013

Seafood at Portuguese Settlement! :)

Later in the evening, we proceeded to dinner at Portuguese Settlement over at Ujong Pasir, a short distance from town and it is just next to the Lisbon Hotel. 

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 102 : 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.

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. 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. For your information, every stall sells the SAME stuff, basically Portugues Grilled Fish, and typical seafood dishes. Talk about originality. 

 This is the menu of the foods that they have.The have lot's of delicious and variety of seafood! And the food there i can guarantee you the taste is first class! We all ordered a set where u can order whatever u want in the set such as prawns, fish, vegetables, crab, squid, eggs and many more. We were in a group of 5 people, and each of us must pay at least RM 25.00 including drinks. That was cheap!


 This dish is knows as 'Kangkung Garlic'. Kangkung is a type of vegetable and the taste is nice just like spinach!


 Walla! This is crab! Butter crab and this was so delicious! the massive taste felt like eating it again and again! With the perfect view of the sea u feel like this is the best moment of your life :)


 Next is fish. This was more to 'sambal' fish. The taste was not bad too. A little bit spicy but the taste is perfect. You should try it to know how the taste looks like! :)


And, butter prawns! This dish is too delicious! one of my favorite dish of the night. I couldn't stop eating it! Come to Portuguese Settlement and taste all the seafood they have here! It wont be a waste  for you as the foods here are all tasty and 'finger licking' foods! :D
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