Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
1. Nasi Kerabu
A traditional blue-colored rice dish served with an array of flavorful side dishes such as boiled egg, fried chicken, and cucumber. Try it at Warung Nasi Kerabu Wan Jamali.
- Unique Ingredient: Blue rice is made from butterfly peas and offers a unique flavor.
- Historical Significance: Nasi Kerabu has been a Kelantanese staple for centuries.
- Flavorful Components: The variety of side dishes provides a symphony of flavors.
2. Ayam Percik
Grilled chicken marinated in coconut milk, spices, and ginger. Savor it at Restoran Zaiton.
- Creamy Taste: The coconut milk gives Ayam Percik a rich and creamy texture.
- Authentic Preparation: The chicken is grilled over charcoal for an authentic taste.
- Spicy Kick: Ayam Percik has a delightful kick of spice.
3. Kuih Lima Papas
Five-layered glutinous rice cake filled with coconut milk and pandan flavor. Find it at Pasar Siti Khadijah.
- Layered Texture: The five layers offer a unique mouthfeel.
- Coconut Flavor: The coconut milk infuses the Kuih Lima Papas with a tropical taste.
- Traditional Market Atmosphere: Pasar Siti Khadijah offers a lively and authentic shopping experience.
4. Dendeng Daging
Thin slices of dried beef seasoned with spices and coconut milk. Experience it at Warung Mak Nyah.
- Tender Texture: The tender slices melt in your mouth.
- Spicy Flavor: Dendeng Daging has a spicy and savory taste.
- Family-Run Business: Warung Mak Nyah is a family-run eatery that has been serving Dendeng Daging for generations.
5. Nasi Kuning
Yellow rice cooked in coconut milk, turmeric, and pandan leaf. Sample it at Restoran Warisan Kelantan.
- Buttery Taste: The coconut milk gives Nasi Kuning a buttery taste.
- Authentic Preparation: Nasi Kuning is traditionally cooked using bamboo steamers.
- Cultural Significance: Nasi Kuning is a symbol of Kelantanese cuisine and hospitality.
6. Ais Kepal Nyonya
Shaved ice dessert served with red beans, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup. Try it at Ais Kepal Nyonya.
- Smooth Texture: The smooth shaved ice melts instantly on your tongue.
- Refreshing Flavor: Ais Kepal Nyonya is an ideal refreshment in the hot Malaysian climate.
- Family-Run Business: Ais Kepal Nyonya is a beloved family-run eatery known for their delicious desserts.
7. Pengat Pisang
Banana pudding made with coconut milk and palm sugar served with peanuts. Find it at Warung Mak Wan.
- Tender Bananas: The ripe bananas are soft and tender.
- Coconut Flavor: The coconut milk infuses the pudding with a tropical taste.
- Family-Run Business: Warung Mak Wan is a family-run eatery that has been serving Pengat Pisang for years.
8. Ketupat Sotong
Rubbery rice cakes filled with squid served with a rich peanut sauce. Taste it at Warung Mak Chik.
- Tender Squid: The tender squid complements the rubbery rice cakes.
- Rich Peanut Sauce: The sauce adds a depth of flavor to Ketupat Sotong.
- Family-Run Business: Warung Mak Chik is a family-run eatery that specializes in seafood dishes.
9. Gulai Tembakau
Spicy and sour gourd curry made with tapioca leaves and beef. Sample it at Warung Mak Nyum.
- Unique Ingredient: Gulai Tembakau features the traditional Kelantanese ingredient, tapioca leaves.
- Spicy Flavor: The curry has a spicy and sour taste.
- Family-Run Business: Warung Mak Nyum is a family-run eatery that has been serving Gulai Tembakau for generations.
10. Nasi Impit
Compressed rice cakes served with a variety of side dishes such as fried fish and sambal. Try it at Warung Mak Udang.
- Unique Texture: The compressed texture gives Nasi Impit a distinct bite.
- Vegetarian Option: Nasi Impit is often served with vegetarian side dishes such as fried tofu and tempeh.
- Family-Run Business: Warung Mak Udang is a family-run eatery known for their Nasi Impit.
11. Laksam Kelantan
Flat rice noodles served with a rich fish curry and an array of side dishes such as boiled egg and fried chicken. Try it at Warung Mak Siti.
- Unique Noodle Texture: The flat noodles offer a different texture than traditional rice noodles.
- Rich Fish Curry: The curry has a rich and complex flavor.
- Family-Run Business: Warung Mak Siti is a family-run eatery that specializes in Laksam Kelantan.
12. Pengat Pisang Goreng
Deep-fried banana pudding served with peanuts. Taste it at Warung Mak Hajah.
- Crispy Texture: The deep-fried texture adds a crispiness to the banana pudding.
- Sweet and Savory: The peanuts add a savory contrast to the sweet banana pudding.
- Family-Run Business: Warung Mak Hajah is a family-run eatery that has been serving Pengat Pisang Goreng for years.
13. Kuih Ketan
Sticky rice cakes made from glutinous rice flour and filled with coconut milk. Find it at Pasar Siti Khadijah.
- Sticky Texture: The sticky texture of Kuih Ketan is unique.
- Tropical Flavor: Coconut milk infuses the cakes with a tropical taste.
- Traditional Market Atmosphere: Pasar Siti Khadijah offers a lively and authentic shopping experience.
14. Satay Kelantan
Grilled skewers of marinated meat served with a peanut sauce. Sample it at Satay Wan Jamali.
- Unique Marinade: Satay Kelantan is marinated in a blend of coconut milk and turmeric.
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: The peanut sauce has a delightful kick of spice.
- Famous Satay Seller: Satay Wan Jamali is a well-known satay seller in Kota Bharu.
15. Durian Desserts
Various desserts made from durian such as ice cream, cake, and pudding. Indulge in them at Durian House.
- Rich Flavor: Durian's unique flavor is amplified in these desserts.
- Exotic Experience: Trying durian desserts offers a truly exotic experience.
- Kelantan's Durian Capital: Kota Bharu is known as the durian capital of Malaysia.