Eat Like A Local: Your Insider’s Guide to Terengganu’s Delicacies
Terengganu, Malaysia | Traditional Food | Culinary Travel
About Terengganu – Where Culture Meets Cuisine
Nestled along Malaysia’s east coast, Terengganu is a stunning state famed for its turquoise beaches, vibrant markets, and centuries-old traditions. But beyond the scenic charm lies a culinary treasure trove. With a cuisine heavily influenced by Malay, Thai, and coastal fishing traditions, Terengganu offers an exciting journey for food lovers eager to eat like a local in Terengganu.
Must-Try Traditional Terengganu Dishes
1. Nasi Dagang
A breakfast staple made with steamed glutinous rice and coconut milk, served with fish curry and pickled vegetables.
Where to eat: Mok Ngoh Nasi Dagang, Nasi Dagang Kak Pah (Bukit Besar)
2. Laksa Terengganu (Kuah Merah & Kuah Putih)
Thick rice noodles served with either a red or white fish-based coconut gravy.
Top picks: Laksang Tanjung, Mok Ngoh Nasi Dagang
3. Laksam
Flat rice noodles in a velvety white gravy of fish and coconut milk.
Try it at: Kak Midah Laksa & Laksam, Station 88 Food Court
4. Keropok Lekor
Terengganu’s famous fish sausage, chewy and best enjoyed fried with chilli sauce.
Must-visit: Keropok Lekor Bukit Tok Beng, Keropok Mak Adek (Kuala Nerus)
5. Ketupat Sotong
Steamed squid stuffed with glutinous rice in coconut milk.
Best places: Restoran Lempeng, Meknoor Nasik Dagang (Marang)
6. Sata
Fish, chilli, and herbs grilled in banana leaves—smoky and aromatic.
Eat here: Sata Kak Zah, Kampung Ladang Tok Pelam
7. Pulut Lepa
Fish-filled glutinous rice rolls grilled in banana leaf.
Popular spots: Kg Ladang, Kedai Kopi Kuala (Dungun)
8. Lompat Tikam
A pandan-green and white coconut milk pudding with gula Melaka syrup.
Where to go: Kedai Makan Wan Sabil, Bazaar Kuih Tradisional Gong Kapas
9. Mas Sejemput
Golden star-shaped egg snack made by pinching egg layers while hot.
Find it at: Pasar Batu 6, Kampung Budaya Terengganu
10. Jala Mas
Net-shaped dessert made from duck egg yolk and sugar syrup.
Try at: Pasar Batu 6, Kampung Budaya Terengganu
11. Bekang
Steamed rice flour cakes with savoury or sweet sauce.
Available at: Pasar Besar Chukai, Pok Weil Hujung Tanjung
12. Qasidah
Pandan-flavoured dough pastry topped with caramelised shallots.
13. Akok
Dense kuih made from egg, coconut milk, and palm sugar.
Recommended: Akok Tembaga, Kg Rhu Rendang
14. Tart Nangka
Jackfruit tarts filled with tropical fruit puree.
Try it at: Jelira Rasa Kita, Kuala Terengganu
15. Akok Berlauk
Savoury akok with shredded beef filling.
Where to go: Kedai Az Zahrah, Gerai Kuih Gong Kapas
16. Celup Tepung
Deep-fried seafood like squid and fish in crispy seasoned batter.
Don’t miss: Warung Pok Nong, Celup Tepung Wafiy
17. Pulut Nyior
Glutinous rice balls topped with grated coconut and paired with grilled fish.
Where to try: Kedai Pulut Ikan Bakar Takir, near Takir Beach
18. Kayu Keramat
Crispy fried bread sticks, enjoyed with coffee, curry, or butter.
Best served at: Kayu Keramat Kak Yah, Roti Binjai Legend
19. Dodol Palas
Sticky toffee-like sweet wrapped in fan palm leaves.
Try local: Pasar Payang, Dodol Daun Palas Zupoqqu
20. Nisan Nyor
Traditional palm sugar treat made from nira nectar and sugar.
Buy from: Pasar Payang, Gong Kapas Market
21. Tonyoh Ubi Kayu
Hot tapioca mash topped with grated coconut.
Where to eat: Anjung Selera (Besut), Mardi Manir
22. Rojak Kateh
Sour-spicy cow’s leg salad simmered in pepper vinegar.
Find it at: Rojak Kateh Madu Dapur Arang, Gong Kapas
Top Food Spot: Pasar Batu 6, Kuala Terengganu
If you’re short on time but want a true culinary snapshot of Terengganu, Pasar Batu 6 is your best bet. From sweet kuih to seafood snacks, you can sample many of Terengganu’s signature dishes in one place.
Other Things to Do in Terengganu
- Visit Crystal Mosque & Tengku Tengah Zaharah Floating Mosque
- Stroll through Pasar Payang for souvenirs and snacks
- Explore Terengganu State Museum—one of Southeast Asia’s largest
- Spend a day at Redang or Perhentian Islands
- Learn traditional crafts at Kampung Budaya Terengganu
Where to Stay in Terengganu
Luxury: Tanjong Jara Resort (Dungun)
Convenient: Duyong Marina & Resort, Raia Hotel Kuala Terengganu
Budget: Grand Puteri Hotel, Hotel Grand Continental Kuala Terengganu
How to Get to Terengganu
- By Air: Fly to Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) from KL, Penang, or Johor
- By Road: 6–7 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur
- By Bus: Long-distance buses to Terminal MBKT
- Island Access: Ferries from Merang Jetty (Redang) and Kuala Besut (Perhentian)
Final Thoughts
If you truly want to eat like a local in Terengganu, follow the flavours. From creamy laksa to smoky grilled fish snacks, every dish tells a story of tradition, geography, and love for food. Whether you’re at a busy market, quiet fishing village, or beachside warung—Terengganu serves authenticity on every plate.
