Ole Sayang is one of the most established nyonya restaurants in Malacca.

It is our “must-go” eatery whenever we visit the Malaysian state. However, the restaurant is always grossly overcrowded during meal hours and the service is really poor. After countless times to Ole Sayang – we finally found out how to have a peaceful meal there which i will share below.

First things first. Yes, the food in Ole Sayang is heavenly good!

[From Top Left, Clockwise] Otak Otak, Assam Jenak, Sambal Sotong & Itik Tim (Salted Vegetable and Duck Soup) – These are our all-time favourites in Ole Sayang. All of them tasted fresh, simple & home-cooked.

[LEFT] Kang Kong Goreng Cili (Sambal Kang Kong) – Nothing special.
[RIGHT] Beef Goreng Lada (Black Pepper Beef) – The beef was very oily and over-tenderized. A big NO-NO.

We will avoid all meat dishes in Ole Sayang next time. We tried the chicken dishes in previous visits and they tasted mediocre at best. Please do not waste your calories on them.

Chendol Kachang – Sweet ending to a great meal.

Now, let me share the necessary information you need to ‘survive’ dining in Ole Sayang–

1) Ordering (Menu above) – This is probably the most stressful part. The restaurant allows you to order only ONCE at the start of the meal. According to the staff there, you will mess up the orders in the kitchen if you make a re-order. We tested the system several times and no, there was no exception to this rule so far. TIP: Always order more

Do note that the tasty keropok they served right at the start of the meal (sometimes they might forget to serve as well :)) is available in takeaway packaging ($4 each).

2) Time to Visit – This is a photo of the crowd taken at 6.05pm and the opening time is….. 6pm. Do go either very early (1130am for lunch, 6pm for dinner) or very late (2pm for lunch, 830pm for dinner) to avoid the queues. It is very common to share tables with others during peak hours especially if you have a small group of 2-3 people.

3) Service – Non-existent. Might be better during non-peak hours.

In conclusion, go during non-peak hours, order everything possible right at the start and have zero expectations abt the service. This is the formula to an enjoyable meal in Ole Sayang! 🙂

Ole Sayang
Tel: 016-642 7413
Opening Hours: Lunch 11.30am-2.30pm, Dinner 6.00pm-9.30pm (Closed on Wednesday)
Add: 198 & 199 Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka
Spend: $15 per pax