Padang Pahlawan Malay Hawker Stalls, Melaka

A novel method for soaking in the local way of life is to sit at a typical hawker center like this one with the other everyday patrons and enjoy local culinary favorites. Half open-air and half covered, seating arrangements are basic; then again, this is a naturally scenic spot that needs no decoration. Overlooking the expansive Padang Pahlawan, the gleaming Hotel Equatorial towers over it, and in the distance you can just about see the ruins of St. Paul's Church. About a dozen stalls congregate here, serving the gamut of Malaysian hawker fare, like ikan bakar, satay and nasi goreng.