Discovering a Hidden Gem: Tong Sheng in Melaka
Buf, let me tell you about my little foodie adventure in Melaka. I first heard about Tong Sheng from my GrabCar driver. He swore this place was a must-visit for anyone craving zi char vibes. Naturally, I had to check it out myself.
The History of Tong Sheng
Before I even stepped in, I got curious about how Tong Sheng became such a foodie hotspot in Melaka. This place isn’t just popular for its delicious dishes it actually has a story behind it. Tong Sheng started as a humble zi char restaurant, founded by locals who wanted to bring unique flavors and comfort food to the heart of Melaka. Over time, they became famous for Cheesy Prawn Mee Hoon, which was a bold twist on the classic zi char style, and their Fresh Milk Crab, an indulgent seafood dish that quickly won over locals and visitors alike.
What makes Tong Sheng special is that, despite its popularity, they stayed true to quality and authentic flavors. The restaurant has grown steadily, gaining a loyal following of locals, Singaporeans, and tourists who want a taste of something both traditional and innovative. Even now, when you walk in, you can feel the blend of history, passion, and culinary creativity that has made Tong Sheng a must-visit spot in Melaka.
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What’s on the Menu at Tong Sheng
Let me tell you the menu at Tong Sheng is more than just your usual zi char. They’ve got classic local favorites with their own special twists, and a few signature dishes that everyone raves about.
Signature & Famous Dishes
- Cheesy Prawn Mee Hoon – The dish that made them famous. Creamy, cheesy sauce over soft rice vermicelli with fresh prawns. At first, it sounds weird… but trust me, it’s mind-blowingly delicious.
- Fresh Milk Crab – Sweet, creamy, and indulgent, cooked in a unique milk-based sauce. A must-try if you love seafood.
- Honey Pork Ribs – Tender meat with a thin, golden coating, coated evenly with sweet honey glaze.
- Sweet Vinegar Gui Hua Fish – Beautiful presentation, flavor leans sweet over sour, perfect for sharing.
- Hongkong Choy Sum – Simple stir-fried greens to balance the richness of other dishes.
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Other Popular Dishes
- Salted Egg Prawns – Crispy prawns coated in savory salted egg yolk sauce.
- Sambal Sotong – Squid cooked in spicy sambal, a classic local favorite.
- Butter Milk Chicken – Juicy chicken pieces in buttery, creamy sauce.
- Claypot Tofu or Eggplant – Comforting, home-style dishes with rich sauces.
What I love about their menu is that everything is shareable. You can order a few dishes for 2–4 people and have a feast of flavors from creamy, sweet, tangy, to savory. Plus, the presentation is always colorful and generous, making the experience even more enjoyable.
What I Ordered (and Loved!)
Here’s the spread I got, Buf:
1. Cheesy Prawn Mee Hoon (Size S)
At first, I was skeptical bihun (rice vermicelli) with cheese sauce? Weird, right? But once I took a bite… WOW. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced with the prawns. Not greasy at all. Honestly, it exceeded every expectation I had.
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2. Sweet Vinegar Gui Hua Fish
The presentation was gorgeous, and the flavor surprised me it leans sweet over sour, which gave the fish a delicate and comforting taste.
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3. Honey Pork Ribs (Size S)
Let me tell you, Buf, the ribs here are something else. Thick, juicy meat, thin layer of crisp coating, and every bite coated evenly in honey glaze. Forget the over-battered ribs you get elsewhere this is pure, tender goodness.
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4. Hongkong Choy Sum
Simple, green, fresh perfect to balance all the rich, creamy dishes.
This image is provided by Foodiez team
Little Details That Made It Memorable
What really stuck with me was how efficient and friendly the staff were, always making sure everything ran smoothly despite the bustling crowd. The long queue didn’t even feel frustrating; it added a sense of excitement, like I was about to discover a real hidden gem. Every dish that arrived at our table was a visual treat, vibrant, colorful, and generous in portion, making the meal feel even more special. I also noticed that most of the diners were locals and Singaporeans, which made the experience feel authentic, like I had stumbled upon a well-kept secret in Melaka. By the time I left, Buf, I was not only stuffed but also completely satisfied and already dreaming about my next visit.
Location & Tips for Visiting
- Address: Jalan Melaka Raya 6, Taman Melaka Raya
- 11.30am – 2.00pm (1.30 pm Last Order)
- 5:30 PM to 10 PM (09.30 pm Last Order) (can't reservation)
- Payment: Cash or PayNow only
- It’s closed on the first Monday of each month.
– Come early to beat the queue.
– Be prepared that some things (like wet tissues or welcome snacks) aren’t free.
– Bring a friend or two—the portions are perfect for sharing.
– Don’t be surprised by the total price because for some seafood and crab menus it is calculated per 100 grams.
Final Thoughts
Buf, if you’re in Melaka and want to try something unique, comforting, and totally delicious, Tong Sheng should be on your list. From cheesy prawns to honey-glazed ribs, every bite was a pleasant surprise. This place isn’t just a restaurant it’s an experience.
