Langkawi is a collection of islands in the Malaysian state of Kedah. It is a popular vacation destination – both for local Malaysians and international tourists. Langkawi is famous for its stunning beaches, island scenery, waterfalls, night markets and of course, incredible food experiences. It’s also a duty-free island making the experience super affordable. We’ve pulled together some of our favourite local food gems for you to check out – try them out as you go around Langkawi’s attractions, or pack them all into one day for an epic food tour (and if you’re travelling in the region, be sure to check out our one day food tour of Singapore for under $15 too). One tip – we recommend renting out a car or motorbike when you’re in Langkawi for total freedom to explore the island at your leisure, as transport options can be limited.
1. Hafiz Rojak
This food truck is located on Pantai Kok (“pantai” means beach), next to Datai Hotel. It is famous for its delicious laksa noodle soup and refreshing rojak – a crunchy fruit and vegetable salad with a sweet, sticky and slightly sour dressing, sprinkled with roasted peanuts. Pull up a plastic chair and enjoy your meal on the calm and relaxing beach. The food truck is located near the Langkawi cable car station, making it a great meal break before or after visiting this attraction.
Open 2pm to 7.30pm every day except Mondays
Address: Jalan Pantai Kok, 07000 Langkawi
Price: RM4-5 (US$1.00-1.20) per dish.
2. Kak Yan Nasi Campur
If you’re interested in trying authentic local food, this is the place for you. This restaurant is a popular place with locals, particularly around lunchtime. Kak Yan Nasi Campur is around 5km from the airport, or 12km from Cenang beach. Set under a large open tent is an expansive buffet with a wide variety of Malay dishes including seafood, curries, meat, vegetables and sambal chilli sauces. The ordering system is simple – grab a plate and some rice, go through the buffet and add food, then go to the cashier to pay. Once you pay, relax in the seating area and enjoy your authentic meal with the locals!
Open daily from 8am to 4pm
Address: Jalan Ulu Melaka, Kampung Padang Gaong, 07000 Langkawi
Price: Dependent on what’s on your plate, on average RM10 (US$2.40).
3. Nasi Dagang Pak Malau
This restaurant is around 10km from Cenang beach or 7km from the airport. The restaurant has a great selection of authentic curries including fish, beef and chicken (ayam kampung). Not only is the food delicious, the restaurant is surrounded by rice paddies and mountains providing a very scenic view. An added bonus, you can head out to one of the pavilions in the field for a truly serene and private experience.
Open every day 8am to 2pm except Tuesdays
Address: Jalan Makam Mahsuri, Kampung Mawar, 07000 Langkawi
Price: Ranges from RM10-14 (US$2.40-3.30) per curry or RM20 (US$4.70) for a set.
4. Ayer Hangat Night Market
Every night in Langkawi a night market will be happening somewhere. Some markets are more orientated towards tourists whereas others are popular with the locals. Ayer Hangat night market is geared towards locals and is situated away from the tourist crowd of Cenang Beach. The market has a wide selection of Malay food including fried rice, chicken satay, noodles, Nasi Kerabu (blue-coloured rice with fish or chicken), fried chicken, drinks and sweets. There is a section at the back with clothes and accessories, but the main focus is the food. Prices are very affordable ranging from RM2–RM8 per dish. There are not many places to sit but you can take the food away or eat as you browse around the market. This market is a great way to finish your day after relaxing at the nearby Tanjung Rhu beach.
Open on Friday nights
Address: Jalan Padang Gaong, 07000 Langkawi
Price: Target RM20 (US$4.70) for a feast across stalls.
5. Jom Ikan Bakar
This is another buffet style restaurant where you fill your plate from a range of delicious Malaysian dishes and the friendly staff will calculate the cost based on the food you select. The restaurant is best known for its ikan bakar – freshly grilled fish. We recommend arriving before lunch as popular dishes can sell out. This restaurant is located a few minutes drive from the airport so it’s a perfect stop off before you leave Langkawi.
Open 10am to 5pm daily
Address: Jalan Lapangan Terbang, 07000 Langkawi
Price: Dependent on what’s on your plate, average RM25 (US$5.90) per plate.
One final note…
The international travel situation is constantly evolving throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Malaysia has reopened for domestic travellers, and we can’t wait until they’re welcoming international travellers once again. We’re frequently researching the best options for travel once it’s safe again, so be sure to check out our articles on 5 places to travel to once borders reopen, and follow our blog and our social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) for the latest updates. Thanks for reading to the end, here’s to a Better Break soon!
A Better Break 
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