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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Catherine

Malacca, Malaysia

USD
$85-$155 per person

Authentic Peranakan & Malay Cooking Class in Melaka

Host offerings
  • Apartment
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Catherine

Cat first learned to cook traditional Malay dishes from her late grandmother and mother. A fussy eater, she later joined cooking courses to further expand her knowledge and learn new cooking skills and techniques. She enjoys traveling and meeting new people, and often takes cooking classes wherever she travels to learn more about other cuisines and cultures. Cat is also passionate about baking and loves to bake her own breads and buns. She believes in eating healthy and only uses the freshest high-quality ingredients in her cooking. Home cooking classes has often been the highlight of her travels and Cat hopes to offer the same experience to travelers visiting Melaka!

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-6 guests) For your in-home dining experience in Melaka, join Cat in her simple yet tastefully decorated modern condo, located in a high-rise just outside the city center near the Portuguese Settlement. Cat serves Malaysian or Peranakan cuisine, which reflect a rich blend of Chinese and Malay culinary traditions specific to certain parts of Malaysia, including Melaka. Malay cuisine is typically spicy and savory, often prepared with sambal chili paste, shallots, and belacan (shrimp paste). Peranakan cooking is a rich mix of flavors - some dishes are mild, and spice levels can easily be adjusted to suit each traveler’s preference.

After a refreshing welcome drink, enjoy a home-cooked meal that may include dishes such as keropok and cucumber with sambal ikan bilis, otak-otak (steamed or grilled fish in banana leaf), pineapple kerabu, or jiu hu char. Main dishes may feature chicken pongteh with potatoes, tamarind prawns, or ikan chuan chuan, served with vegetable sides like okra sambal, pucuk paku masak lemak, or kangkong masak titek. End your authentic Peranakan dining experience in Melaka on a sweet note with traditional Malaysian desserts such as kuih ee (sticky glutinous rice balls in syrup) or ang ku kueh (sweet dumpling).

Cooking experience: (1-6 guests) Cat offers a hands-on cooking class in Melaka in her home kitchen, where you’ll cook side by side with her and learn traditional techniques. During this 1.5-hour Peranakan cooking class in Malacca, you’ll prepare both a main dish and a dessert, gaining insight into local ingredients and home-style Malaysian cooking. Help Cat chop, cook, and add the finishing touches to a traditional Malay meal with Peranakan influences. Dishes you might learn to cook include chicken pongteh with potatoes (chicken braised in fermented soybean paste), stir-fried tamarind prawns, or ikan chuan chuan (fish cooked in fermented bean paste), along with kuih, a classic Malaysian dessert. After the class, sit down together to enjoy the meal you helped prepare - making this authentic cooking class in Melaka a warm, cultural experience for travelers looking to connect through food.

Notes:
1. For groups of 5 or more, Catherina requires a 1-week cancellation notice; the standard 48-hour policy does not apply.
2. Please include your spice preference and any food allergies you might have when making your booking.

Languages spoken: English, Mandarin, Malay

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Welcome Drink: Blue Pea Flower & Pandan or Lemongrass Gula Melaka Drink
  • Appetizer: Keropok & Cucumber with Sambal Ikan Bilis (fish crackers with white bait sambal) or Otak Otak (ground fish wrapped in a leaf parcel and steamed or grilled) or Pineapple Kerabu (salad) or Jiu Hu Char (stir fried jicama with shredded cuttlefish)
  • Main: Chicken Pongteh with Potato (chicken in fermented soy bean) or Stir-fry Tamarind Prawns or Ikan Chuan Chuan (fish in fermented bean paste)
  • Vegetable Side: Spicy Okra Sambal or Pucuk Paku Masak Lemak (vegetables in coconut milk) or Kangkong Masak Titek (morning glory in fermented krill broth)
  • Dessert: Kuih Ee (sticky glutinous rice balls in syrup) or Ang Ku Kueh (sweet dumpling)
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

I can’t say enough great things about my experience with Cat. Not only is she an incredible host and cook, she has such an abundance of knowledge about local cuisine, traditions, and history and I really enjoyed our chat throughout the meal experience. I was so curious and asked so many questions about the ingredients, different cooking processes and techniques, in addition to about local customs and traditions related to the food and she was so passionate about sharing her knowledge with me, it was so refreshing and fun to see how much fun she was having as well. She is so warm and personable, and really made me feel comfortable and at ease at her home as soon as she greeted me. Cat went above and beyond and also took me on a market tour when I inquired if that was an offering. The market tour was one of the highlights of my experience and I highly recommend it to any other Traveling Spoon visitor. Cat is very accommodating and passionate about hosting and cooking and goes out of her way to tailor the experience to each guests interests/passions and i found that really extraordinary.

Natasha, Traveling Spoon Ambassador

Traveler reviews

5.0 (9)
I was invited to Catherine’s home in Melaka for an authentic Peranakan meal, and it was truly a special experience. Visiting a local in her home, sharing stories, and enjoying a home-cooked meal that I never found in restaurants made this unforgettable. Her home is just a 15-minute cab ride from Jonker Street, and it was refreshing to step away from the touristy area and visit a quiet residential neighborhood. It offered a glimpse into everyday local life in Melaka - one of the highlights of my trip! Catherine was incredibly kind, warm and thoughtful. She reached out before the experience to check my preferences, helped me with directions, and then served me the most delicious meal (best Laska I had on my entire trip!): Kerabu Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and Kuih. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Melaka, I highly recommend this experience. Catherine also offers a hands-on cooking class in her home in Melaka, where you will learn traditional Malay and Peranakan dishes - perfect for food lovers!
- neha January 22, 2026
A Must-Do Food Experience in Melaka with a Local! I was invited to Catherine’s home in Melaka for an authentic Peranakan meal, and it was truly a special experience. Visiting a local in her home, sharing stories, and enjoying a home-cooked meal that I never found in restaurants made this unforgettable. Her home is just a 15-minute cab ride from Jonker Street, and it was refreshing to step away from the touristy area and visit a quiet residential neighborhood. It offered a glimpse into everyday local life in Melaka - one of the highlights of my trip! Catherine was incredibly kind, warm and thoughtful. She reached out before the experience to check my preferences, helped me with directions, and then served me the most delicious meal (best Laska I had on my entire trip!): Kerabu Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and Kuih. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Melaka, I highly recommend this experience. Catherine also offers a hands-on cooking class in her home in Melaka, where you will learn traditional Malay and Peranakan dishes - perfect for food lovers!
- Neha January 22, 2026
Highly recommended! It was a wonderful opportunity to learn how to cook Peranakan cuisine and enjoy lunch with a local host, Cat. She was well-prepared, organized, attentive, and truly passionate about cooking. Needless to say, all the dishes she prepared were absolutely delicious. My favorite was the ‘Onde Onde’, a type of mochi coated in shredded coconut. If you ever get the chance to visit Melaka, don’t miss this experience!
- Sunshine26769370298 July 21, 2025
Warm, welcoming and knowledgeable. Our family with teens had such a fantastic time cooking with Katarina. She was incredibly welcoming from the moment we arrived—friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing her culinary heritage. The food was delicious and carefully explained by Katarina. We made up Malay spring rolls (popiah), a beautifully spiced chicken curry, and banana fritters. She added more to the menu, a rich beef rendang, and more. Even though we only did some of the hands-on cooking ourselves, it felt just right—relaxed, engaging, and never rushed. We learned so much about traditional techniques and ingredients, and Katarina was always happy to answer questions. Eating together was a real highlight. It felt like being welcomed into someone’s home rather than attending a class. Highly recommended for anyone who wants an authentic, personal introduction to Malaysian cooking.
- Liz July 07, 2025
Great host and delicious high quality food. We had a lovely time with our host Catherine! Due to our preferences she prepared a lunch with lots of seafood. The quality was very good and everything tasted delicious. Catherine answered all our questions about the food and how she prepared it. After the meal we had a really nice and informative conversation with her, she also gave us helpful travel-advice. It was a great experience and we totally recommend it!
- Lara S May 25, 2025
Beautiful and lovely host as well as an amazing cook…! Catherina is a wonderful cook and has great knowledge of the different cultures and their food. She is such a lovely and caring host. We prepared a very tasty chicken curry and learned a lot about local spices. The table was beautiful laid and we, my sister and I, had several delicious dishes Catherina prepared in her kitchen. All in all a great afternoon I can recommend to everyone.
- ageelux April 12, 2025
An amazing encounter with Peranakan cuisine! I absolutely enjoyed this cooking class! Cat was very welcoming and knowledgeable about Peranakan cuisine. I appreciate that she adjusted which dishes to cook based on my spice tolerance level (I am not so good with spicy food). I am looking forward to cooking nyonya dishes on my own at home. Highly recommend it :)
- Odyssey826858 February 25, 2025
The best cooking experience in Malacca. Catherina is the most wonderful chef and teacher and makes you feel so welcome in her home. She is so knowledgeable about Malaysian food and culture and we thought so enriched by this experience she was generous with her time her knowledge and the delicious food that she served to us. My only suggestion would be is arrive very very, very hungry because the food is delicious and plentiful. This is just the best experience that any visitor to Malacca could expect and we are so grateful to Katherine and the attention she gave me and my family I must do for Malacca. Thank you. Wendy, Luke, and Hannah.
- 863wendy January 14, 2025
Catherina is a good host , she provide a good services . And the food taste is good , the food quality is good also.
- 139RK139 December 03, 2019
Read More
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Catherine

$85-$155 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $99 $85 $85
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $155 $99 $99
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $99 $85 $85
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $155 $99 $99
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 1:00pm-3:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 1:00pm-4:00pm

Meet Catherine

Cat first learned to cook traditional Malay dishes from her late grandmother and mother. A fussy eater, she later joined cooking courses to further expand her knowledge and learn new cooking skills and techniques. She enjoys traveling and meeting new people, and often takes cooking classes wherever she travels to learn more about other cuisines and cultures. Cat is also passionate about baking and loves to bake her own breads and buns. She believes in eating healthy and only uses the freshest high-quality ingredients in her cooking. Home cooking classes has often been the highlight of her travels and Cat hopes to offer the same experience to travelers visiting Melaka!

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-6 guests) For your in-home dining experience in Melaka, join Cat in her simple yet tastefully decorated modern condo, located in a high-rise just outside the city center near the Portuguese Settlement. Cat serves Malaysian or Peranakan cuisine, which reflect a rich blend of Chinese and Malay culinary traditions specific to certain parts of Malaysia, including Melaka. Malay cuisine is typically spicy and savory, often prepared with sambal chili paste, shallots, and belacan (shrimp paste). Peranakan cooking is a rich mix of flavors - some dishes are mild, and spice levels can easily be adjusted to suit each traveler’s preference.

After a refreshing welcome drink, enjoy a home-cooked meal that may include dishes such as keropok and cucumber with sambal ikan bilis, otak-otak (steamed or grilled fish in banana leaf), pineapple kerabu, or jiu hu char. Main dishes may feature chicken pongteh with potatoes, tamarind prawns, or ikan chuan chuan, served with vegetable sides like okra sambal, pucuk paku masak lemak, or kangkong masak titek. End your authentic Peranakan dining experience in Melaka on a sweet note with traditional Malaysian desserts such as kuih ee (sticky glutinous rice balls in syrup) or ang ku kueh (sweet dumpling).

Cooking experience: (1-6 guests) Cat offers a hands-on cooking class in Melaka in her home kitchen, where you’ll cook side by side with her and learn traditional techniques. During this 1.5-hour Peranakan cooking class in Malacca, you’ll prepare both a main dish and a dessert, gaining insight into local ingredients and home-style Malaysian cooking. Help Cat chop, cook, and add the finishing touches to a traditional Malay meal with Peranakan influences. Dishes you might learn to cook include chicken pongteh with potatoes (chicken braised in fermented soybean paste), stir-fried tamarind prawns, or ikan chuan chuan (fish cooked in fermented bean paste), along with kuih, a classic Malaysian dessert. After the class, sit down together to enjoy the meal you helped prepare - making this authentic cooking class in Melaka a warm, cultural experience for travelers looking to connect through food.

Notes:
1. For groups of 5 or more, Catherina requires a 1-week cancellation notice; the standard 48-hour policy does not apply.
2. Please include your spice preference and any food allergies you might have when making your booking.

Languages spoken: English, Mandarin, Malay

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Welcome Drink: Blue Pea Flower & Pandan or Lemongrass Gula Melaka Drink
  • Appetizer: Keropok & Cucumber with Sambal Ikan Bilis (fish crackers with white bait sambal) or Otak Otak (ground fish wrapped in a leaf parcel and steamed or grilled) or Pineapple Kerabu (salad) or Jiu Hu Char (stir fried jicama with shredded cuttlefish)
  • Main: Chicken Pongteh with Potato (chicken in fermented soy bean) or Stir-fry Tamarind Prawns or Ikan Chuan Chuan (fish in fermented bean paste)
  • Vegetable Side: Spicy Okra Sambal or Pucuk Paku Masak Lemak (vegetables in coconut milk) or Kangkong Masak Titek (morning glory in fermented krill broth)
  • Dessert: Kuih Ee (sticky glutinous rice balls in syrup) or Ang Ku Kueh (sweet dumpling)
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

I can’t say enough great things about my experience with Cat. Not only is she an incredible host and cook, she has such an abundance of knowledge about local cuisine, traditions, and history and I really enjoyed our chat throughout the meal experience. I was so curious and asked so many questions about the ingredients, different cooking processes and techniques, in addition to about local customs and traditions related to the food and she was so passionate about sharing her knowledge with me, it was so refreshing and fun to see how much fun she was having as well. She is so warm and personable, and really made me feel comfortable and at ease at her home as soon as she greeted me. Cat went above and beyond and also took me on a market tour when I inquired if that was an offering. The market tour was one of the highlights of my experience and I highly recommend it to any other Traveling Spoon visitor. Cat is very accommodating and passionate about hosting and cooking and goes out of her way to tailor the experience to each guests interests/passions and i found that really extraordinary.

Natasha, Traveling Spoon Ambassador

Traveler reviews

5.0 (9)
I was invited to Catherine’s home in Melaka for an authentic Peranakan meal, and it was truly a special experience. Visiting a local in her home, sharing stories, and enjoying a home-cooked meal that I never found in restaurants made this unforgettable. Her home is just a 15-minute cab ride from Jonker Street, and it was refreshing to step away from the touristy area and visit a quiet residential neighborhood. It offered a glimpse into everyday local life in Melaka - one of the highlights of my trip! Catherine was incredibly kind, warm and thoughtful. She reached out before the experience to check my preferences, helped me with directions, and then served me the most delicious meal (best Laska I had on my entire trip!): Kerabu Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and Kuih. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Melaka, I highly recommend this experience. Catherine also offers a hands-on cooking class in her home in Melaka, where you will learn traditional Malay and Peranakan dishes - perfect for food lovers!
- neha January 22, 2026
A Must-Do Food Experience in Melaka with a Local! I was invited to Catherine’s home in Melaka for an authentic Peranakan meal, and it was truly a special experience. Visiting a local in her home, sharing stories, and enjoying a home-cooked meal that I never found in restaurants made this unforgettable. Her home is just a 15-minute cab ride from Jonker Street, and it was refreshing to step away from the touristy area and visit a quiet residential neighborhood. It offered a glimpse into everyday local life in Melaka - one of the highlights of my trip! Catherine was incredibly kind, warm and thoughtful. She reached out before the experience to check my preferences, helped me with directions, and then served me the most delicious meal (best Laska I had on my entire trip!): Kerabu Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and Kuih. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Melaka, I highly recommend this experience. Catherine also offers a hands-on cooking class in her home in Melaka, where you will learn traditional Malay and Peranakan dishes - perfect for food lovers!
- Neha January 22, 2026
Highly recommended! It was a wonderful opportunity to learn how to cook Peranakan cuisine and enjoy lunch with a local host, Cat. She was well-prepared, organized, attentive, and truly passionate about cooking. Needless to say, all the dishes she prepared were absolutely delicious. My favorite was the ‘Onde Onde’, a type of mochi coated in shredded coconut. If you ever get the chance to visit Melaka, don’t miss this experience!
- Sunshine26769370298 July 21, 2025
Warm, welcoming and knowledgeable. Our family with teens had such a fantastic time cooking with Katarina. She was incredibly welcoming from the moment we arrived—friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing her culinary heritage. The food was delicious and carefully explained by Katarina. We made up Malay spring rolls (popiah), a beautifully spiced chicken curry, and banana fritters. She added more to the menu, a rich beef rendang, and more. Even though we only did some of the hands-on cooking ourselves, it felt just right—relaxed, engaging, and never rushed. We learned so much about traditional techniques and ingredients, and Katarina was always happy to answer questions. Eating together was a real highlight. It felt like being welcomed into someone’s home rather than attending a class. Highly recommended for anyone who wants an authentic, personal introduction to Malaysian cooking.
- Liz July 07, 2025
Great host and delicious high quality food. We had a lovely time with our host Catherine! Due to our preferences she prepared a lunch with lots of seafood. The quality was very good and everything tasted delicious. Catherine answered all our questions about the food and how she prepared it. After the meal we had a really nice and informative conversation with her, she also gave us helpful travel-advice. It was a great experience and we totally recommend it!
- Lara S May 25, 2025
Beautiful and lovely host as well as an amazing cook…! Catherina is a wonderful cook and has great knowledge of the different cultures and their food. She is such a lovely and caring host. We prepared a very tasty chicken curry and learned a lot about local spices. The table was beautiful laid and we, my sister and I, had several delicious dishes Catherina prepared in her kitchen. All in all a great afternoon I can recommend to everyone.
- ageelux April 12, 2025
An amazing encounter with Peranakan cuisine! I absolutely enjoyed this cooking class! Cat was very welcoming and knowledgeable about Peranakan cuisine. I appreciate that she adjusted which dishes to cook based on my spice tolerance level (I am not so good with spicy food). I am looking forward to cooking nyonya dishes on my own at home. Highly recommend it :)
- Odyssey826858 February 25, 2025
The best cooking experience in Malacca. Catherina is the most wonderful chef and teacher and makes you feel so welcome in her home. She is so knowledgeable about Malaysian food and culture and we thought so enriched by this experience she was generous with her time her knowledge and the delicious food that she served to us. My only suggestion would be is arrive very very, very hungry because the food is delicious and plentiful. This is just the best experience that any visitor to Malacca could expect and we are so grateful to Katherine and the attention she gave me and my family I must do for Malacca. Thank you. Wendy, Luke, and Hannah.
- 863wendy January 14, 2025
Catherina is a good host , she provide a good services . And the food taste is good , the food quality is good also.
- 139RK139 December 03, 2019
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $99 $85 $85
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $155 $99 $99
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $99 $85 $85
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $155 $99 $99
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 1:00pm-3:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 1:00pm-4:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 3% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can’t make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host’s profile doesn’t work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host’s family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the “Notes” section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.