Welcome to Kelantan – A Cultural and Culinary Treasure
Tucked away on the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan is a captivating destination known as the Cradle of Malay Culture. Its vibrant heritage, charming dialect, artistic traditions, and uniquely sweet cuisine make it unlike any other Malaysian state.
If you’re a traveller with a love for authentic local food and cultural discovery, Kelantan is a must-visit destination. This guide not only highlights 18 unique dishes you must try in Kelantan, but also offers insight into what to see, do, eat, and where to stay during your visit.
18 Unique Dishes You Must Try in Kelantan
1. Nasi Kerabu
Blue-tinted rice infused with butterfly pea flower, paired with ulam, salted egg, and crispy crackers.
Try at: Liniey Nasi Kerabu Tumis, Nasi Kerabu Panji, D’Bayam Nasi Kerabu
2. Nasi Ulam
Fragrant rice with chopped herbs and greens, usually eaten with sambal and budu.
Try at: Restoran Nasi Ulam Kg Kraftangan, Restoran Cili Hijau
3. Nasi Dagang
Coconut milk-infused rice with tuna curry and fried coconut flakes.
Try at: Kak Laa Nasi Dagang, Nasi Dagang Rayo Basmathi
4. Nasi Tumpang
Banana leaf-wrapped rice layers with serunding, prawns, and omelette – a farmers’ on-the-go meal.
Try at: Kedai Kopi White House, Abe Mat Kedai Kopi
5. Nasi Air
A comforting rice soup served with meat, anchovies, and herbs.
Try at: Nasi Air Lagenda D Nyior Cino, Kak Chik Nasi Air
6. Ayam Percik
Grilled chicken basted with a sweet coconut milk gravy.
Try at: Yati Ayam Percik, Kak Jah Ayam Percik
7. Gulai Kawah
Beef curry slow-cooked in a massive wok – rich and spiced to perfection.
Try at: Che Su Gulai Kawah, Gulai Kawah Kak Mah Abg Lah
8. Laksam
Thick rolled noodles served in creamy fish-based coconut gravy.
Try at: Laksam Special By-T, Pasar Siti Khadijah
9. Maggi Ketam
Instant noodles elevated with fresh crab and tom yum broth.
Try at: D’syaz Cafe Maggi Ketam, Alemi Maggi Ketam
10. Mee Celup
Beef noodle soup topped with bean sprouts, crispy garlic oil and herbs.
Try at: Aus Mee Celup, Mee Celup Kak Ani Lado Goreng
11. Sup Belut (Eel Soup)
Eel simmered in a spicy broth flavoured with lemongrass and ginger.
Try at: Sup Belut Tali Air, Diee Tom Yam Pantai Sri Tujuh
12. Colek Buah
Fresh fruits dipped in a spicy-sweet belacan and palm sugar sauce.
Try at: Colek Sahabat, Colek Pak Yusof, Colek Bismillah
13. Kuih Akok
Sweet, eggy cakes made from coconut milk and palm sugar, baked over charcoal.
Try at: Pok Wael Akok Salor, Akok Padang Enggang
14. Kuih Tahi Itik
A palace dessert made from duck egg whites and sugar – don’t mind the name!
Try at: Kueh Nik Yae, Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah
15. Kuih Jala Mas
Golden strands of duck egg yolk cooked in syrup – rich and lacy.
Try at: Kak Yam Kuih Segera, Kueh Nik Yae
16. Lompat Tikam
Layered pandan custard, glutinous rice, and coconut milk – served chilled.
Try at: Pasar Berek 12, Restoran Warisan Rasa
17. Kuih Topi
Hat-shaped fried cakes made from sugar and flour – crispy and addictive.
Try at: Pasar Siti Khadijah, Cucur RM1 Jalan Bayam
18. Ketupat Manis
Sweet sticky rice wrapped in palas leaves – usually served during festivals.
Try at: Pasar Siti Khadijah, Adik Manis Kubang Kerian
Top Attractions in Kelantan
| Attraction | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Pasar Siti Khadijah | Iconic women-run market for food and crafts |
| Pantai Cahaya Bulan | Scenic beach with street food stalls |
| Wat Photivihan | Home to one of Southeast Asia’s largest reclining Buddhas |
| Istana Jahar | Royal palace museum showcasing Malay heritage |
| Kampung Kraftangan | Craft village for batik, songket, and silverware |
Things to Do in Kelantan
- Stroll through Wakaf Che Yeh Night Market
- Watch cultural performances like Wayang Kulit and Dikir Barat
- Try batik painting workshops in Kota Bharu
- Take a day trip to Gunung Stong Waterfall and Jungle Trails
How to Get to Kelantan
By Air:
Fly into Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) from major cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang.
By Train:
Take the scenic Jungle Railway (KTM) to Wakaf Bharu Station, the closest to Kota Bharu.
By Bus:
Buses from KL, Penang, or Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu Bus Terminal.
By Car:
Self-drive from Kuala Lumpur via the East Coast Expressway (LPT2) for a scenic road trip.
Where to Stay in Kelantan
| Hotel | Why Stay? |
|---|---|
| Hotel Perdana Kota Bharu | 5-star luxury near city attractions |
| Crystal Lodge | Mid-range hotel close to Pasar Siti Khadijah |
| Pasir Belanda Resort | Traditional riverside stay with nature charm |
| Holiday Villa Kota Bharu | Great for families and longer stays |
Top Food Areas in Kelantan
- Kota Bharu City Centre – Street food, nasi kerabu stalls, local desserts
- Pantai Cahaya Bulan – Seafood snacks and Maggie Ketam stalls
- Wakaf Che Yeh – Food + night market shopping
- Pasar Siti Khadijah – Breakfast kuih, nasi dagang, akok, and colek buah
Final Thoughts
Kelantan is more than just a destination – it’s a delicious journey through Malay tradition, Thai influence, and heartwarming hospitality. From the moment you taste your first bite of nasi kerabu to your final kuih akok before leaving, you’ll carry Kelantan’s culinary spirit with you.
Plan your next food trail through Kelantan — the hidden gastronomic gem of Malaysia.
