Jonker Street Night Market (鸡场街夜市), or Jonker Walk Night Market, is perhaps the hottest event of Malacca, drawing in crowds from Singapore, Malaysians from other states as well as foreign tourists. The mainly-Chinese night market is held every weekend from Friday to Sunday, in the evenings after 6pm, along the full stretch of Jonker Street, which includes Jalan Hang Jebat and a trailing section of Jalan Tokong near the Jonker Walk Stage.
The start point of the night market is at the road intersection outside San Shu Gong products shop, or at one end of Tan Kim Seng Bridge that spans across Malacca River to the Dutch Square. In short, just go to the old town and you will see it.
Stalls will line both sides of the narrow Jonker Street. In spots where the road is wider, some stalls may form a third line in the middle of the road. During long weekends or festive seasons, the night market can be so crowded that it will take forever to walk through the street.
Most of the stalls in the night market are usually food and beverage related. There are stalls selling local produces, handicrafts, bags, clothings, toys, arts, etc. Stalls with light bites and beverages are abundant along the street while cooked food with fire and heavy smoke will be concentrated in some corners off the main road.
Shops along Jonker Walk, especially those selling local products, souvenirs, etc, may also be opened during the event. Some restaurants and cafes will be closed after their business hours and also since most visitors will probably be going for street food.
Most of the heavier food stalls, such as cooked food, grilled food, etc, are concentrated around the Jonker Walk Stage. There are tables and seats for dining and are always fully taken. Be there early at around 6pm when the night market is just opened to find seats and have dinner before strolling through the night market. Oh, seafood is one of the most sought-after street food to go for.
A new food street called "大力士美食街", or "Hang Kasturi Food Street", with its participating stalls will be setup along Jalan Hang Kasturi when the night market is held. Other than weekends, the food street may take place during eves or on public holidays too.
A key difference here is that ordering of food can be done through the staff with tablets while seated at the tables. But, as some stalls do not have helpers, diners will need to collect the food personally after placing their orders.
The far end of Jonker Street Night Market is at the Arch of Jonker Walk (鸡场街文化坊), that was erected in 2010.
Note that Melaka Old Town is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is in a smoke-free zone. No smoking is allowed regardless of whether the night market is ongoing or not.
Address:
Jonker Street, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
6am to midnight | Opens on Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings
* May open during long holidays too, except Chinese New Year.
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