MELAKA AS A FOOD TOURISM DESTINATION IN MALAYSIA: DOMESTIC TOURIST EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Melaka was awarded as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 7 July 2008 due to 500 years of development and its role in trading and cultural exchange between Eastern and Western world countries in the Straits of Melaka. The rich history makes Melaka a multi-ethnic cultural heritage and historical tourist destination in Malaysia, mainly food. This study aims to identify the variety of local food in Melaka offered to tourists and review the experience of domestic tourists in Melaka, specifically in food eaten, eatery locations, and foods brought as souvenirs. A total of 297 respondent participated in this study, and a convenience sampling method was applied. The result showed that 65 different menus and drinks from Malay, Chinese, Indian, Baba-Nyonya, and Portuguese ethnic enjoyed by domestic tourists. Malay food is the primary choice of most respondents, while asam pedas (spicy sour) is the most favourite food among tourist. Most domestic tourists enjoy local food at restaurant and market/street food accessible around Melaka city. Dodol, a type of Malay sweets, was the most purchased food as a souvenir.