Ol' Skool Makan #19: Ikan Bakar Muara Sg Duyung, Melaka -- Where Fresh Seafood Meets Old Legends



The last time we hit this legendary spot was way back in Ramadan 2011 -- our second consecutive year berbuka here, because once you get hooked, you’re hooked. But securing a seat? That’s a whole different adventure. Since they don’t take phone bookings, you literally have to show up by 5.30pm, claim your table, pick your seafood, and then only can you go “jalan-jalan” to kill time before Maghrib. Classic Melaka chaos, but worth it every time.

And we didn’t hold back. Chili mussels, garlic butter prawns, pahat goreng cili padi, black pepper crabs, deep-fried squid, plus a couple of beautifully grilled fish -- the full battalion. Everything was fresh, flavour-packed, and cooked with confidence. They never skimp on spices, and the balance is always spot on. Best part? Instead of plain rice, they serve rich, fragrant nasi lemak. Trust me: two packets is the bare minimum.




We also downed a couple of jugs of tebu ais, the perfect sweet, icy finisher after all that seafood glory.


And why is this place called Duyung? According to Hikayat Hang Tuah, Hang Tuah’s parents -- Hang Mahmud and Dang Merduwati -- fled Palembang during the Majapahit attack and made their way to Melaka. While resting at the mouth of a river, they spotted a fish that resembled a mermaid. Inspired by that sight, Hang Mahmud named the village Kampung Duyung -- the very place where Hang Tuah was later born.


Old legends, fresh seafood, timeless vibes. Just how we like it.


About Ol' Skool Makan

Ol' Skool Makan is my little tribute to Malaysia’s timeless eateries -- the ones that fed us before hashtags, food apps, and fancy plating. It’s about real food, real people, and memories that still smell like sambal and kopi-O.


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Dapatkan buku 'Kisah Hidup & Budaya Pop Anak Gen-X' di SINI

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