The Place Opened since 1997, Restoran Aunty Lee is located in Ujong Pasir in Melaka and is a popular Peranakan restaurant in the UNESCO city. It started off as a one shop 10 tables restaurant away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy area, and has since expanded where it took over the neighbouring shop space as well. The interior and setting feels like a visit to someone’s house where it exudes a homely ambience.

The Food The kitchen is now helmed by Chef Anthony de Costa, a Malaccan of Eurasian heritage and seeks to serve the same simple and authentic Peranakan cuisine as the same spirits as Aunty Lee. The menu is extensive to say the least, where we managed to try some of our favourite Peranakan dishes.

One appetiser we always have is the Pie Tee (RM30), served with hot braised julienned turnips, condiments and homemade chilli sauce. I love the Pie Tee here! The crispy cone, along with the fresh ingredients and chilli sauce makes it such a delight to have. The presentation is also worth mentioning, where the ingredients are served in a heated pot over small fire. I am impressed.

For mains, we tried the Ayam Pong Teh (RM18/small), a classic Peranakan dish where the chicken is cooked in fermented soy bean. The chicken is very tender, though I enjoyed the sauce more, which goes very well with white rice.

The Ayam Buah Keluak (RM20/small) is another must order dish for us. The Indonesian black nuts are cooked with their homemade grounded chilli paste. The process of preparing Buah Keluak is quite a painstaking one. The nuts here have been covered in ash for a few months before it is soaked for a couple of days. The fermented flesh is then extracted, minced with prawns and stuffed back into the shell.

For something to share, go for the Otak-Otak! It is served in a big slab here where the fish paste is fresh with the right spiciness level for me.

As for desserts, we had high hopes of Aunty Lee’s Cendol (RM5.50) but found it lacklustre. The Gula Melaka component is too mild and the overall flavour lacks the aroma I was expecting.

Rants The location is quite off the touristy area of Melaka, though it is not a problem if you drive. The space is not big, so walk in requests might pose to be risky. There are no nearby restaurants if this is full house.

Will I Return Again? In most aspects, I left feeling very satisfied with my dining experience and the dishes I tried at Aunty Lee. The quality of the food is generally very good, and I will pick this over Nancy’s Kitchen if I only have time for one.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 3/5
Ambience: 3/5
Overall Experience: 4/5

Restoran Aunty Lee
385, Jalan Ujong Pasir, Taman Sinn, 75050 Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6-283 1009

Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 11.30am to 3pm; 6pm to 10pm
Closed on Tuesdays

Ranted by The Ranter