In the straits of Malacca, there is a saying: "think of Nyonya cakes, think of Baba Charlie". Little did I know what was Baba Charlie prior to this tour visit, and little did I expect that such a treasure was hidden in a quiet alley along Lorong Tengkera Pantai 2C.
Established on 1988, Baba Charlie (now 3rd gen) was a door-to-door business which sold nyonya popiah and less than five types of nyonya cakes. Businesses grew and soon, Baba Charlie has made its name in the night markets (pasar malam). It was not long before it became a household name, catering their traditional delicacies to major hotels, restaurants, private functions and parties.
If there is a "Best Ondeh-ondeh Award", I did vote for this. The additional crunch of the sesame was definitely a plus point. It was almost a dream come true when my teeth sank into these love kuihs. And trust me when I say this: it was totally foodgasmic.
The staff there, whom most of them are relatives to Baba Charlie himself, welcomed us with big smiles and warm hearts. For those who are interested in the fine art of nyonya kuih-making, the kitchen has an open concept.
Authentic nyonya kuihs were home-made using their traditional recipe. The cakes are produced daily to ensure its quality and freshness. Rephrasing the words of Adrian Lee, Baba Charlie's son, nyonya cakes are not just simply delicacies, the process behind every kuih is the essence of the nyonya and baba spirit, encapsulating the long-forgotten perenakan culture.
If you are heading to Malacca, don't ever forget to include Baba Charlie in your itinerary, because it is well-worth it. Look out for signs leading to this hidden gem, it holds a prominent red exterior.
Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake
Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am to 4pm
Closed on Thursdays.
Jalan Tengkera
75200 Malacca, Malaysia