Up in the northeast corner of Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan has a vibe all its own — especially when it comes to food. The local dishes pack a serious punch, with strong flavours that come from a mix of Malay, Thai, and a bit of Chinese influence. It’s not your typical Malaysian fare, and that’s exactly what makes it so interesting.
Having spent at least ten years of my life there, I would love to introduce you to 15 of the must-try gastronomic treasures of Kelantan, some of which were my childhood favorites.
Also read: Kota Bharu Travel Guide: Unveiling Malaysia’s Cultural Capital on the East Coast
1. Nasi Kerabu
Possibly the most famous Kelantanese dish, nasi kerabu is known for its distinctive blue-hued rice, which is achieved by using butterfly pea flowers during the cooking process. The rice is complemented with ‘kerabu’, a raw salad of fresh herbs and vegetables, such as finely shredded lemongrass, torch ginger flowers, bean sprouts, long beans, cucumber, and coconut.
It is typically served with a variety of side dishes, including salted egg, solok lada (stuffed green chili pepper), sambal (spicy chili paste), budu (fermented fish sauce), fish crackers, and your choice of protein.
BEST PLACES FOR NASI KERABU IN KELANTAN:
- Liniey Nasi Kerabu Tumis (Jalan Abdul Kadir Adabi). Opening hours: 6:30 am – 2:00 pm.
- Nasi Kerabu Panji (Jalan Hospital, Kampung Belukar). Opening hours: 6:00 am – 1:30 pm.
2. Nasi Dagang
A popular breakfast choice in the northeastern states of Malaysia, nasi dagang consists of a special wild rice that is light purplish brown in color and slightly glutinous. It is cooked in coconut milk and infused with aromatic spices such as ginger and shallots.
Nasi dagang is typically served with a side of gulai ikan tongkol, a spicy and tangy fish curry made from tuna or mackerel, as well as hard-boiled eggs, and pickled vegetables.
BEST PLACES FOR NASI DAGANG IN KELANTAN:
- Kak La Nasi Dagang (Jalan Pantai Cahaya Bulan). Opening hours: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm, closed on Tuesdays.
- Rohani Restoran (Jalan Long Yunus). Opening hours: 3:00 am – 2:00 pm.
3. Ayam Percik
Often served with nasi kerabu, ayam percik is juicy grilled (or roasted) chicken smothered in a rich, fragrant sauce. The sauce itself is a creamy, spicy-sweet mix of coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger, galangal, turmeric, shallots, garlic, and a tangy hit of tamarind juice.
The chicken gets marinated in this bold blend before hitting the grill, so you end up with tender, flavour-packed meat and a beautifully caramelized crust.
BEST PLACES FOR AYAM PERCIK IN KELANTAN:
- Yati Ayam Percik (Jalan Long Yunus). Opening hours: 12:30 pm – 5:40 pm (Mon – Thu), 2:30 pm – 5:40 pm (Fri), 11:30 am – 5:40 pm (Sat & Sun)
- Kak Jah Ayam Percik Bulatan Lemal (Pasir Mas). Opening hours: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, closed on Fridays & Saturdays.
4. Gulai Kawah
Gulai kawah is a curry cooked in a large, shallow brass or copper pot known as a “kawah,” which gives the dish its name.
The curry base is typically made with coconut milk, spices, and herbs such as lemongrass, turmeric, ginger, and chili peppers, and the common ingredients used include meat such as beef or goat, as well as vegetables like potatoes.
The dish is slow-cooked to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender meat and a thick, hearty curry. Gulai kawah is often served with steamed rice or traditional Malay breads such as roti canai or roti jala.
BEST PLACES FOR GULAI KAWAH IN KELANTAN:
- Zie Gulai Kawah Mumbang Nyor (Jalan Bachok). Opening hours: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm.
- Che Su Gulai Kawah (3426-A, D111, Bandar Kota Bharu). Opening hours: 6:00 am – 3:00 pm, closed on Fridays.
5. Nasi Tumpang
Nasi tumpang is a unique and visually appealing dish consisting of layers of rice, meat, and condiments, and wrapped in banana leaves.
The bottom layer usually consists of rice cooked with coconut milk, giving it a creamy texture and just a hint of sweetness. On top of the rice are layers of various fillings, such as shredded chicken, beef floss, fried fish, or spicy shrimp paste.
This portable meal was traditionally enjoyed by farmers and travelers as a convenient and nourishing option for long journeys. Today, it remains a beloved dish in Kelantanese cuisine.
BEST PLACES FOR NASI TUMPANG IN KELANTAN:
- Ayang Cafe (Jalan Masjid Langgar, Kampung Langgar). Opening hours: 6:30 am – 1:00 pm.
- Nasi Tumpang Pasir Hor (behind Sekolah Kebangsaan Pasir Hor, Kampung Pasir Hor). Opening hours: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm, closed on Fridays & Saturdays.
6. Nasi Air
While it’s often lumped together with rice porridge, nasi air is Kelantan’s own take — and it’s something else entirely.
Instead of the usual thick and gloopy texture of porridge, this one comes with fluffy white rice swimming in a light, savory broth — usually with beef or chicken. Then you’ve got crispy anchovies on top, a splash of pepper water for some heat, and a drizzle of garlic oil that brings everything together.
BEST PLACES FOR NASI AIR IN KELANTAN:
- D’Nyior Cino Nasi Air Lagenda (Jalan Abdul Kadir Adabi, Taman Kenangan). Opening hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
- Nasi Air Che Su (Pasir Puteh). Opening hours: 12:00 pm – 7:30 pm, closed on Fridays & Saturdays.
7. Roti Titab
Roti titab is a simple but satisfying combo: a thick slice of toasted bread slathered with butter, topped with a soft, jiggly poached egg in the middle and kaya (sweet coconut jam) in each corner.
You get crispy edges, a runny yolk, and that rich mix of butter and kaya in every bite. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and just a bit messy in the best way.
BEST PLACES FOR ROTI TITAB IN KELANTAN:
- Kopitiam Kita (Jalan Sri Cemerlang). Opening hours: 6:30 am – 2:30 pm.
- Pok Loh Milo Tunggeng (Jalan Kampung Dusun, Kampung Bahagia). Opening hours: 6:30 am – 4:00 pm, closed on Fridays.
8. Laksam
Laksam might not get as much attention as the famous Penang laksa, but it’s definitely still one of Malaysia’s must-try noodle dishes.
Instead of the bold, tangy punch of Penang laksa, laksam goes for something richer and creamier. The gravy is made with coconut milk and gets its flavor from herbs and spices like lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and dried shrimp — it’s more comforting than fiery.
It’s usually served with rolled rice noodles and topped with accompaniments like shredded cucumber, bean sprouts, long beans, hard-boiled egg, and fresh herbs.
BEST PLACES FOR LAKSAM IN KELANTAN:
- Ayang Cafe (Jalan Masjid Langgar, Kampung Langgar). Opening hours: 6:30 am – 1:00 pm.
- Kedai Laksam Telur Puyuh Best Kelar (Jalan Pasir Mas – Tanah Merah, Kampung Pengkalan Rambutan). Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, closed on Fridays.
9. Ketupat Sotong
Ketupat sotong brings together two familiar elements: ketupat (rice cakes) and sotong (squid). The squid is filled with sticky rice mixed with herbs, spices, and sometimes minced seafood or chicken, then simmered in a coconut milk gravy until everything’s soft, creamy, and flavorful.
This isn’t an everyday dish. You’ll mostly see ketupat sotong during festive seasons like Ramadan, Eid, weddings, or big family gatherings. It’s not something you can count on finding at just any stall or restaurant. Your best bet is to check out food bazaars or night markets — but even then, it’s a bit of a lucky draw.
BEST PLACE FOR KETUPAT SOTONG IN KELANTAN:
- Pasar Siti Khadijah (Jalan Buluh Kubu). Opening hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
10. Budu
One cannot call himself a true Kelantanese until he has developed an affinity for budu — a traditional condiment made from fermented anchovies or small fish that are salted and left to undergo a natural fermentation process for several months.
The result is a pungent and savory liquid with a distinctive umami flavor, often compared to fish sauce in other Asian cuisines. Budu is typically enjoyed as a dipping sauce, either on its own or mixed with chopped chili peppers, shallots, lime juice, and tempoyak (fermented durian paste) to enhance its taste.
It adds a depth of flavor to dishes such as grilled fish, rice, and vegetables, and should be available at any self-respecting Kelantanese restaurant.
11. Nasi Ulam
The term ‘nasi ulam’ may refer to different foods in different parts of the country, but in Kelantan it simply means white rice served with a bottomless serving of raw herbs and fresh vegetables. You can also pair it with other side dishes of your choice like meats, soups, and curries.
To take the flavors up a notch, people usually dip the vegetables in budu or tempoyak — two local sauces that are staples in Kelantanese cooking (see above).
BEST PLACES FOR NASI ULAM IN KELANTAN:
- Restoran Nasi Ulam Cikgu (Kampung Kraftangan, Jalan Hilir Kota). Opening hours: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm, closed on Fridays.
- D’Umi Nasi Ulam (Jalan Pasir Mas – Tanah Merah, Pasir Mas). Opening hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed on Fridays.
12. Eel Soup
Although not exclusive to Northeastern Malaysia, eel soup or ‘sup belut’ in the local language is quite popular in Kelantan as a hearty and nutritious meal.
This dish brings in a bit of Thai influence and uses eel as the main ingredient, simmered until tender in a flavorful broth made with herbs and spices like lemongrass, ginger, shallots, and turmeric. You’ll usually find vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes in the mix too, adding both texture and a bit of extra nutrition.
BEST PLACES FOR SUP BELUT IN KELANTAN:
- Sup Belut Tali Air (Jalan Bayam, Kampung Bayam). Opening hours: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am.
- Idi Sup Belut (Kampung Bharu). Opening hours: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, closed on Fridays & Saturdays.
13. Colek / Colek Buah
Colek is basically rojak, a Malaysian salad that combines an assortment of fresh vegetables and fritters with a generous drizzle of a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce. The ingredients typically include cucumbers, pineapples, jicama, bean sprouts, tofu, and seafood fritters, among others. Or you can have the fruity version (colek buah) with fruits like pineapple, guava, mango, water apple, and amra.
What truly sets Kelantanese colek apart is its unique sauce, made by blending ingredients like shrimp paste, tamarind, gula nisan (palm sugar), garlic, shallots, a dash of fish sauce, and chili, garnished with crushed peanuts and sesame seeds.
BEST PLACES FOR COLEK IN KELANTAN:
- Restoran Colek Bini 2 (Jalan Wakaf Che Yeh – Salor – Pasir Mas, Kampung Chabang 3). Opening hours: 1:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Abe Mat Colek Perut (Pekan Pasir Mas). Opening hours: Saturday – Thursday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Friday 3:00 pm -7:30 pm.
14. Etok Salai
Etok salai, a popular snack in Kelantan, consists of tiny freshwater clams that are sold conveniently wrapped in paper. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy it on the go, whether for a leisurely picnic on the beach, a casual hangout with friends at the roadside coffeeshop, or while watching TV at home — similar to grabbing a bag of peanuts or chips.
The clams are seasoned with salt and a sprinkle of spices, and slowly smoked, resulting in a smoky, savory flavor. Etok salai can typically be found in markets, hawker stalls, some seafood restaurants, and from street peddlers.
15. Kelantanese Desserts
Kelantan folks definitely have a sweet tooth, and it shows in their desserts. One local favorite is akok — a soft, eggy snack made with coconut milk, sugar, and flour, baked in small, round molds until it’s soft, caramelized, and just the right amount of sweet.
Then there’s puteri mandi (which literally means “bathing princess”). It’s made of glutinous rice balls flavored with pandan and served in a warm, sweet coconut milk sauce.
For something a bit flashier, try jala mas, made from egg yolks cooked into delicate golden threads, then rolled up like little scrolls and soaked in syrup. It looks fancy, but has been a staple in Kelantanese kuih trays for generations.
BEST PLACES FOR TRADITIONAL DESSERTS IN KELANTAN
- Pasar Siti Khadijah (Jalan Buluh Kubu). Opening hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm.
- Pasar Malam Wakaf Che Yeh (Jalan Kuala Krai, Wakaf Che Yeh). Opening hours: 6:00 pm – 1:00 am
Have you tried any of these delicacies in Kelantan? Which one is your favorite? Share your opinion in the comment section below.
