As Singaporeans, we have an insatiable wanderlust in us that’s always looking for a potential getaway over the weekends or holiday. If you aspire to live like a local, some of the best ways to do so are by eating, immersing yourself in their culture, going on a road trip, and more. So, if you’re looking for a cure to your wanderlust and inner foodie, it’s time to consider the road less travelled.
Enter, Kota Bahru, a living heritage of Malaysia. Known for their colourful culture and superb local cuisine, these are some of the reasons why Kota Bahru should be your next travel destination! If you’re planning a road trip there without the hassle of making the drive down yourself, consider hiring a Singapore to Malaysia private transport. You’d be able to rest throughout the journey without compromising your road trip experience!
Continue reading as SGMYTRIPS features the top ten famous food in Kota Bahru. Don’t be fooled by these bite-sized features, because the meals will leave you wanting more.
Note: This list is strictly not in order. This article is accurate at the time of publication.
1. Nasi Kerabu with Ayam Percik – Yati Ayam Percik
As its name suggests, Yati Ayam Percik is famous among locals for its Ayam Percik and Nasi Kerabu.
Ayam Percik is chicken marinated in flavourful spices. As it’s chargrilled on a skewer, the marinate will then caramelise – forming a beautiful and vibrant dark brown colour. The chicken is generously doused in creamy white sauce that’ll leave you wanting more. It is highly recommended that you eat this dish with Nasi Kerabu on the side.
Additional Information:
Address: Jalan Long Yunus, 15200 Kota Bahru, Kelantan, Malaysia
Hours: Saturday thru Thursday, 10.30AM – 6.30PM l Friday 10.30AM-12.30PM, 2.30PM-6.30PM
Contact: +60 9-747 9867
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/Jiv4nV2u7pGySMrT6
2. Nasi Tumpang – Kedai Kopi White House
Nasi Tumpang might not be as common in Singapore, but it is among the few popular rice dishes that originated from Kelantan.
The rice, which is denser compared to the glutinous rice, is packed with different layers of dishes which is rolled into a shape of a cone with banana leaf. The rice is packed tightly with an omelette, beef or fish floss, fish or shrimp curry, sambal, and cucumbers. You can either eat it layer by layer or mix it all together!
Additional Information:
Address: 1329-L, Jalan Sultanah Zainab, 15050, Kota Bahru, Kelantan
Hours: Monday thru Sunday, 8.00AM – 1.00PM, 8.30PM – 12.30AM l Closed on Fridays
Contact: +60 9-748 4119
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/kHWRQPFmAubRiHgGA
3. Teh Tarik Madu – Warung Pak Mat Pulau Pisang
Something us Singaporeans and Malaysians have in common is our love for Teh Tarik. In this case, honey is used as a substitute for condensed milk.
What sets the Teh Tarik Madu apart from the good old Teh Tarik is that the bubbles formed will overflow the glass, making for a unique presentation. Perhaps, you might want to consider eating the foam first before drinking the drink; otherwise it’ll leave you with a foamy moustache! If you want, you could balance out the sweetness of the Teh Tarik Madu by indulging in a hearty bowl of Fish Head Soup.
Additional Information:
Address: Jalan Kuala Besar, 15350 Kota Bahru, Kelantan, Malaysia
Hours: Monday thru Sunday, 7.30AM – 4.30PM l Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: +60 13-919 8131
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/QuQKgwWctBHUBp4F9
4. Roti Tihab – Kopitiam Kita
Akin to our signature Singaporean breakfast, this is Kota Bahru’s version of the kaya toast and half-boiled eggs.
Roti Tihab is a thick toast, served with a dollop of kaya (which is a coconut and pandan jam) and a half-boiled egg on top. Before you eat, slice the egg yolk carefully as it oozes out onto the kaya that’ll leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Additional Information:
Address: Jalan Sri Cemerlang, Taman Desa Jasa, 15400 Kota Bharu, Kelantan Malaysia
Hours: Monday thru Sunday, 6.00AM – 2.00PM
Contact: +60 19-981 0888
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/gNKzuz1zAcFPY7966
5. Laksam – Restoran By-T Laksam
Laksam, originating from Kelantan and Terengganu, is among one of the many variations of Laksa.
It is similar to the Penang Assam Laksa, but the lime and tamarind are replaced with coconut milk! Doused in a generous serving of the creamy and rich broth, the thick rice flour noodles are topped off with a heaping medley of kerabu, beef floss, quail eggs and sambal.
Additional Information:
Address: Jalan Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kampung Belukar Lanjut Kumumin, 16100 Kota Bahru, Kelantan, Malaysia
Hours: Monday thru Sunday, 3.00PM – 10.30PM l Closed on Saturdays
Contact: +60 13-980 9343
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/E1UFr4RxuFw3KoNaA
6. Maggi Ketam – Alemy Maggi Ketam
Maggi is a staple food in almost every household. Maggi served with crabs? Maybe, not as common.
How fancy can maggi get? After having this warm bowl of maggi ketam in a clay pot, be warned that your average bowl of maggi might not satisfy your palate anymore. The maggi is served with a generous amount of curry-flavoured soup base, complemented with a huge serving of crab. If you’re starting to feel that telltale signs of hunger, then what are you waiting for? Add this dish to your “must-eat!” list!
Additional Information:
Address: Jalan Semerak, Pekan Cherang Ruku, Kelantan, Malaysia
Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 5.00PM – 2.00AM I Sunday 5.00PM-12.00AM
Contact: +60 12-952 4657
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/1UWZCDR2iMLCYDn18
Also Read: Top 10 Skudai Food You Must Check It Out
7. Nasi Kak Wok – Nasi Kak Wok (Original)
Don’t be fooled by its lacklustre presentation, because you’ll be sure to get a lot of bang for your buck.
Upon unwrapping the brown paper packaging, you’ll find a heap of fluffy, white rice served with huge chunks of chicken with the stew and some vegetables. Before the chicken is added into an aromatic stew, it is cut into cubes and fried in their signature seasoning.
Additional Information:
Address: 213, Jalan Masjid Lundang, Kampung Lundang, 15150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Hours: Monday thru Sunday, 07.30AM – 2.30PM I Closed on Saturdays
Contact: +60 19-203 9114
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/eJLcSnBWY8DyKbtw9
8. Kuih Muih – Siti Khadijah Market
Siti Khadijah Market, mostly run and operated by women, has a plethora of food, groceries, clothes, and more for you to choose from.
This market is considered as the most photographed location of Malaysia. As you feast your eyes upon the myriad of colours, be sure to keep a lookout for some Malaysian delicacies that are just as colourful. Here, you can find kuih peria, kuih koci, dodol, lompang, and the list goes on.
Additional Information:
Address: Jalan Buluh Kubu, 15000 Kota Bahru, Kelantan, Malaysia
Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday, 7.00AM – 6.00PM I Monday thru Sunday, 7.00AM – 7.00PM
Contact: +60 9-748 4477
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/c12HiQVnwrePB8dN9
9. Nasi Sup Ayam Bakar – Lido Corner
Located alongside the Kelantan River, the Nasi Sup Ayam Bakar is just what you need to unwind after a long day out.
This restaurant adopts a “self-serve” style so you won’t have to worry about waiting a long time for your food to be ready. They only have one item on their menu, which is a bowl of beef soup served alongside a plate of rice. You can also choose up to three side dishes: grilled chicken, grilled beef or fish curry.
Additional Information:
Address: 15200, Japan Post Office Lama, 15000 Kota Bahru, Kelantan, Malaysia
Hours: Monday thru Sunday, 11.30AM – 5.00PM I Closed on Fridays
Contact: +60 19-959 3622
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/AZcLFQom4p5dv5gWA
10. Nasi Ulam – Restoran Nasi Ulam Cikgu Kampung Kraftangan
If you’re craving for the “kampung” experience, this is the place to go!
Nasi ulam consists of steamed rice and salad on the side. Based on your preferences, it can be complemented with side dishes like fried chicken or fish. Ulam is like a salad, but it’s topped with sambal belacan, shrimp-based cincalok, or tempoyak. It follows the “self-serve” concept, so you’ll have to scoop your own food yourself.
Additional Information:
Address: Kampung Kraftangan, Jalan Hilir Kota, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15300 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Hours: Monday thru Sunday, 11.00AM – 5.00PM I Closed on Fridays
Contact: +60 19-961 6665
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/tzRaDBXMQjdVeqyc6
Conclusion
If you did not come via Singapore to Malaysia private transport, then don’t worry. You can still book for one directly for your trip back home. That’s one less thing off your plate!