Jonker Street: The Street with Many Names

Jonker Street, Jonker Walk or Jalan Hang Jebat

Visitors might want to choose a name to call this street according to their mood! Located at the very heart of Melaka, Malaysia, they might prefer to use Jonker Street, which is what it is fondly remembered by. This narrow alley was once a wealthy street filled with rich colonial residents and today it has become a paradise for antique collectors. Featuring unique antique pieces that date as far back as the 17th century, it attracts bargain hunters looking for handmade Chinese porcelain, decorative brassware, cast iron beds, lamps, age old coins and genuine paper money that were used during early Melakan trade and commerce. Visitors can also find priceless Buddha statues and other one of a kind pieces that were made by locals during different Melakan eras.

Shopkeepers offer great deals to buyers. Indeed, Jonker Street is the best place to hunt for unusual finds and center pieces. Among the noted antique dealers are Abdul Company (which sells antique furniture, Chinese porcelain, brassware, cast-iron beds, and lamps from all over Malaysia); pioneers T.K. Kutty and Hj Abu Bakar. Popular second hand shops are also found at Nos 25, 26 and 55. Within these shops, you can find antiques dating back as far as 300 years and you may even come across some Victorian memorabilia.

Jonker Street is part of Melaka’s old Chinatown. This, aside from the fact that most of Jonker Street’s occupants are Chinese, appears to be the reason why this street is closely identified to Chinatown, and some people even mistakenly refer to this street with the latter. On the other hand, Jonker Walk is part of Jonker Street. This is the exact location of the Jonker Walk night market (a must-do when visiting Melaka!).

While Jonker Street is known worldwide for its rare and priceless finds, during weekends (around 6pm) the street is transformed into a busy, carnival like affair which tourists visiting Melaka eagerly look forward to! The Jonker Walk night market is a weekly affair for locals where they assemble stalls and display products to sell. The usual wares you can find on this side of the street reflect their cultural heritage with local and ethnic Melakan fare; you can take a little bit of Melaka home with you through the indigenous handicrafts and souvenirs, ornamental jewelry and wooden clogs. Prices tend go higher for non-locals, but some stalls encourage bargaining. For a bazaar type shopping spree while in Melaka, don’t miss the Jonker Walk night market!

Another thing that has made Jonker Street in Melaka famous is its food choices. This street is considered the most popular food and entertainment district in Melaka, Malaysia. Here you can find extensive food options from different cultures. One must try Baba Nyonya delicacies to complete his or her journey through Melaka! Jonker Street is full of shops and cafés that you’ll enjoy during the daytime, while food hawkers will beckon you at night. You can just imagine how busy Jonker Street is, anytime of the day, what with the wide variety of food and beverages that are offered. Ice cold desserts are among the most famous ones, and they come highly recommended for hungry travelers.

Other “must try” food trips are Melaka’s signature dishes, such as Chicken Rice Balls, Dim Sum, seaweed, candied fruits, Put Chai Ko, Hongkong’s Curry fish balls, Nyonya’s pineapple tarts, fried radish cake, Popiah, barbecue squid, fried carrot cake, Vadai and herbal eggs. This is only a portion of the extensive food list that you should try while passing through Jonker Street. Basically, Chicken Rice Balls are balled rice, served with sweet chili sauce and steamed chicken meat. One picky palate could never go wrong here.

If you have a craving for some nightlife, Jonker Street offers karaoke nights (where the entrance is free!) and you can sing your heart out in whatever language or dialect you like best between English, Mandarin, Hokkien and Hakka.

Although the residents of Jonker Street have made some improvements to their way of life and have adapted some modern methods, the area has never lost its cultural charm and tradition. This, in fact, is very visible in the Jonker Street architure; what with their buildings, houses and shops constructed with elaborate carvings and pillars, the Jonker Street area truly reflects the culture and heritage of Melaka, Malaysia.

"Jonker Street: The Street with Many Names: "