What are the best restaurants and cafes in Kuantan? These questions often cross my mind because I’ve never been there until recently. It’s almost embarrassing not to take the time to visit and explore Kuantan’s renowned food scene after living in Malaysia for decades!
Last month, we finally took our five-day trip to Kuantan. Along with exploring the must-see sights, we also made sure to visit some of the city’s most well-known restaurants and cafés, all recommended by our local friends.
The result surprised me. This mid-sized town on the East Coast is anything but lacking in unique foods and charming cafes. Follow along as I share our culinary journey through Kuantan.
Note: I know our list of restaurants and cafes in Kuantan isn’t exhaustive, as there are far more places we’d love to visit. Still, we’ve covered most of Kuantan's standout dishes, famous cafes, and must-try restaurants. Remember that the order is random; the first entry isn’t necessarily the best, and the last isn’t the worst.
Restaurants and Cafes in Kuantan- List of Places We Visited
Click the names of the restaurants and cafes in Kuantan below, which will bring you to the respective section.
- Golden Appam Corner
- Periuk Ali Russia
- Ms Elliot at Hock Bee
- 1940 Kopitiam
- Cendol Air Putih
- Kula Cakes
- Kuantan Pickers & Kedai Kopi
- Tjantek
- Warung Brekpes
- Restoran Sate Zul
- Restoran Thong Kuok
- Celup Tepung Hujung Tanjung
- Restoran Ana Ikan Bakar Petai
- Restoran Hoi Yin
- 888 Food Court
- Kemaman Kopitiam Original
1. Golden Appam Corner
The first restaurant in Kuantan we visited was Golden Appam Corner. You must see in person to fully appreciate why.
When we arrived around noon, we initially hesitated whether appam was the right choice for lunch, as it was a side dish or dessert. To our surprise, the menu was extensive, ranges the traditional sweet appam and many savory options.
The restaurant occupies two spacious shop lots and is fully air-conditioned. The owner explained that what sets his appam apart is the coconut mixture. Instead of regular coconut cream, they mix coconut water and freshly blended coconut flesh. This gives it a natural sweetness, eliminating the need for added sugar, yet still looks exactly like regular coconut cream.
We ordered three varieties: The traditional appam, which was soft and slightly sweet; the shredded roasted coconut flakes, which were toasty and nutty; and the unique Nasi lemak appam.
Following his suggestion, I poured the entire jug of the coconut mixture onto the center of the appam. This keeps the edges dry and crispy while the middle soaks up the rich, creamy flavor.
The appam was perfectly round, with a crisp edge and a soft, fluffy center. My favorite was the appam topped with roasted coconut flakes, which had a deeper flavor than the original.
The nasi lemak appam was the most unique dish. Instead of being served on banana leaves with rice, all the ingredients (sambal, anchovies, egg, and cucumber) were piled onto a crispy appam. Since the appam is made from fermented rice, it is surprisingly filling, and no rice is needed!
Another must-try is their teh tarik. At first glance, it looks like any ordinary milk tea, but it contains no added sugar. The sweetness comes naturally from a blend of eight tea leaves and two herbs.
Address; A257B, Jalan Air Putih, Taman Semabok, 25300 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: +60 10-662 6627
2. Periuk Ali Russia
One unique aspect of Kuantan is its long history, with many 1940s-era shophouses lining the main street, Jalan Besar. Among them stands Peruk Ali Russia, a café in Kuantan with one of the most distinctive interiors we’ve seen.
As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by motorcycles and racing memorabilia covering the walls. The staff explained that the owner, Ali, is a passionate motorbike enthusiast who spent years traveling across Russia. When he decided to open a café, he combined his name and passion, hence the quirky name.
Don’t expect Russian cuisine, though! The menu focuses on local East Coast dishes. Besides all things about motorbikes, there are some vintage photographs from the 1940s of the same area of the main street as in the past.
We ordered their signature nasi kerabu with beautiful blue rice, fish sambal, fresh vegetables, and keropok. Since we’d already eaten, we kept it light with a small portion and a cup of tea. The rice was flavorful, but the vibe, with a blend of nostalgia, passion, and warmth, truly stood out. Sometimes, a great meal isn’t just about taste; it’s about the ambiance, the people, and the stories behind the place. Peruk Ali Russia is one such cafe in Kuantan we highly recommend.
Address: No. 1A, Bangunan LKNP, Jalan Besar, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: +60 14-737 4144
3. Ms Elliot at Hock Bee
The journey of hunting for the best restaurants and cafes in Kuantan continues. After having nasi kerabu at Ali Russia, we crossed diagonally to the opposite side of the street to have coffee at Miss Elliot.
It is a coffee house with an intriguing contradiction. From the outside, the building doesn't hint at being a café at all. It looks like any other Chinese shop lot with a traditional design. There's no modern signage or trendy redesign of anything related to a café.
The magic happens when we push open the doors. We were greeted by a striking coffee station at the center, with tall ceilings and old designs resembling the last decade's grand building by the Chinese. The ambiance creates a fascinating cultural blend. My cappuccino suddenly felt like an unexpected guest in this space, supposedly belonging to a traditional Chinese merchant in the 1950s.
This is precisely the kind of unexpected experience we seek when traveling. Given the choice between this café and a predictable Starbucks, Miss Elliot wins in all aspects. A moment of delightful surprise when reality doesn't match expectations? That's the treasure we're always hunting for while we travel.
Address: 10, Jalan Besar, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: +60 18-389 0337
4. 1940 Kopitiam
Still feeling a bit peckish after our coffee, we crossed the road to 1940 Kopitian, which caught my eye by its nostalgic name that echoes the area's past. Most of the surrounding shophouses still bear their original construction dates from the 1940s on their facades, and this café is one of them.
We sat comfortably near the entrance, with ample space between the tables. Although not air-conditioned, it is pleasantly cool, with ceiling fans catching the morning breeze from the backyard. While we waited for our food, we took some time to explore the cafe's backyard. It has a charming back entrance that is well-maintained and has vintage appeal.
The café serves the classic Malaysian breakfast, such as local coffee and thick toast with kaya and nasi lemak.
They have another restaurant on the first floor called Di Atas ("Upstairs"), which serves lunch and dinner (It was closed during our morning visit).
Our late breakfast was the familiar trio: coffee, toast, and nasi lemak. The food quality was decent, but the atmosphere was the real draw. For travelers like us, it's not just about eating. It's about experiencing breakfast in this nostalgic café where time seems to move slower.
Address: 39, Jalan Besar, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
5. Cendol Air Putih
What could be more refreshing than a bowl of ice-cold cendol on a scorching Kuantan afternoon? We spotted Cendol Air Putih with 15-20 people queuing outside. Without hesitation, we parked and joined the line.
Despite the growing number of customers, the ordering system was efficient. First, we ordered and paid at the counter and were given a numbered ticket. After the 20-minute wait, our number was on the digital display. Then, we collected our cendol at the serving counter and proceeded to the air-conditioned dining area on the first floor.
The cendol was excellent, rivaling the best store in Kuala Lumpur that we use as the reference. But the true satisfaction came from the hunt. Something is thrilling about joining the queue, anticipating our turn while sharing our travel stories with others, and finally holding that cold bowl of cendol like a hard-won trophy.
Address: Jalan Air Putih, Taman Berserah, 25300 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: 016-933 3111
6. Kula Cakes
If you haven't tried Kula Cakes, you haven't truly experienced Kuantan's cafe culture! This legendary bakery's star attraction is its mango cheesecake, and trying to get a slice tested our patience.
The café buzzes with such demand that they've implemented a scan-and-order app system, yet crowds still spill out the door during peak hours.
When we arrived, a flock of eager customers was waiting outside, and the café already anticipated that with benches provided. After a 30-minute wait, we were ushered into their tiny, air-conditioned ordering room, where only two customer groups were allowed.
(After ordering and paying, we collected our cakes and pandan cooler and walked to the open-air dining area next door. )
When we sat down and dug in, we finally understood the hype. The cheesecake was not just for its velvety texture but for the generous fresh mango slices (not puree!) blanketing the surface. That first bite explained everything: this wasn't just dessert. It was quality ingredients executed perfectly by the professional.
Address: 96, Jalan Besar, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: 017-971 1396
7. Kuantan Pickers & Kedai Kopi
We were so amused and hooked on the specialty cafe at Jalan Besar (Main Street) that we returned the next morning to look for more unique cafes in Kuantan. This time, we were at Pickers.
Picker is a corner shop occupying two shop lots. While it is a cafe operated mainly by the Malay, I can see traces of Chinese influence: a big old Chinese sign right in front at the entrance and another at the back. It is not the signage of Pickers. Based on the meaning of the Chinese character, it was likely the signage of an old Chinese grocery store. (Later, the waitress told us that a Chinese businessman once owned the shop.)
There are also photos hanging on the wall, which are back and white photographs of the old Chinese owner, who seems wealthy. This kind of contradictory design when operating a modern cafe is quite widespread in this area. I am interested in exploring different ones as they all have different vibes.
They have a store In front of the shop selling traditional Malay desserts and packed rice. The waitress also showed us a hidden garden in the backyard.
We ordered their packed rice and toasted bun, everyday breakfast staples in Kuantan. Although the food quality was average, it was a joy just to sit there, watching people pass by while soaking in the old-style atmosphere.
Address: 22, Jalan Besar, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: 014-824 1102
8. Tjantek
Want to switch from local breakfast to something Western? You'll be surprised by the variety available in the Kuantan town center. After finishing our meal at Pickers, we strolled down the street to Tjantek, another charming cafe housed in a vintage shophouse that retained most of its original design and furniture.
Unlike other cafes, Tjantek specializes in Western-style breakfasts and artisanal coffee. We settled in with a frothy cafe latte and crispy golden pancakes, enjoying the nostalgia and soothing Malay tunes.
What immediately caught my attention were the overflowing shelves of architectural and interior design books in an antique wooden cupboard. The barista shared that the owner is an architect / interior designer, which explains the extensive collection of related books. There are also an assortment of artifacts displayed throughout the space. The cafe feels like stepping into someone's carefully preserved personal library,
Address: 46, Jalan Besar, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: 012-737 7866
9. Warung Brekpes
Our final cafe-hopping adventure in Kuantan town was at Warung Brekpes. We had passed by it earlier while it was bustling with breakfast crowds. But when we returned for lunch, the morning rush had faded, and they were transitioning between menus - breakfast service had ended, and lunch was not yet in full swing. Though the choices were limited during this changeover, we couldn't resist trying their beautifully presented nasi kerabu and set ubi purple pisang (purple sweet potato and banaba set), which caught our eye.
What struck me most was how this café broke away from the traditional shophouse aesthetic that others clung to. Instead, it embraced contemporary lighting and a sleek, modern vibe—the perfect finale to our Kuantan cafe-hopping exploration.
Address: No 17, Ground Floor, 25000, Jalan Mahkota, JALAN MAHKOTA, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: 010-289 6989
10. Restoran Sate Zul
Do you like satay? If yes, you shouldn't miss Restoran Sate Zul in Kuantan. They have several outlets across town - some open at night, while others only during the daytime. So we head to the outlet at Kampung Alor Akar for dinner.
Most of their satay varieties were already sold out when we arrived. The only options left were chicken and duck satay. Since I'd never tried duck satay, I ordered some along with the chicken. We also got their satay-marinated chicken wings as an extra item.
It is an open kitchen where we can watch the satay being grilled through the glass panel. The restaurant was brightly lit and very clean. As one of Kuantan's leading satay outlets, I had high expectations for Sate Zul.
The quality didn't disappoint me. The chicken pieces were quite large, and what impressed me most was that they didn't contain any fillers like chicken skin or fat - just solid, well-marinated chunks of meat. The grilling was perfect, too, not overdone or burnt. The satay was so flavorful that I could eat it without dipping into the sauce. I only used the peanut sauce for the nasi impit.
The duck satay was a bit tougher than the chicken, but I still enjoyed it because it was my first time trying it. Their satay sauce was delicious - rich, thick, and full of flavor.
Everything was so good that we considered coming back for another round. It's a worth-trying restaurant in Kuantan.
Address: A-2600, Lorong Alor Akar, Kampung Alor Akar, 25250 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: 012-933 4799
11. Restoran Thong Kuok 关丹东阁包点
Our exploration of restaurants and cafes in Kuantan shifts focus to other eateries outside the Kuantan city. This time, we found ourselves at an aging Chinese restaurant with a sun-bleached signboard. So why did we drive 20 minutes outside Kuantan's city center just to see this place?
Because we were told that this is an extraordinary restaurant specializing in Chinese pao, having done our research, we knew this wasn't your typical restaurant. It operates only on select days for limited hours. We called to confirm they'd be open today from noon until about 3 PM or until their precious pao sold out.
Our curiosity about their unusual business model was unveiled after speaking with the elderly Chinese auntie running the business. At over sixty years old, she single-handedly served customers and decided to have restricted hours for takeaway only. The shopfront is blocked off to customers; I suspect this is her way of maintaining a manageable workload.
Watching the steady stream of loyal customers, I pieced together her operation: she produces only what she can handle, opens when she chooses, and closes once her daily batch is gone. The worn but proud shopfront hints at busier days gone by, now scaled back to a comfortable pace. Yet the nonstop streams of patrons while we were there pointed clearly that it must have been a busy Dim Sum restaurant in the past.
Her signature pillow-shaped pao lives up to their name. It was cotton-soft and practically begged to be squeezed. The classic red bean paste (豆沙包) is the signature item, though I couldn't resist trying the blueberry version. When we said we were hungry, the auntie graciously agreed to slice a warm bun open. That first steamy bite confirmed why people make this pilgrimage - the pastry is perfectly springy and soft, with the molten filling resulting from decades of perfected pao-making techniques.
Address: B2110, Jalan Haji Ahmad, Taman Mirama, 25300 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: 012-886 9927
12. Celup Tepung Hujung Tanjung
Tanjung Lumpur is a charming fishing village. (I've written a separate guide about exploring this area - click here for more details about the village.) While the fishing boats and waterfront make for great sightseeing, what draws us is the spectacular Malay seafood. That's why we returned late afternoon to try the legendary Celup Tepung at Hujung Tanjung.
This open-air restaurant sits right along the jetty. We were there around 5:30 pm on purpose, so our stomachs still had room for dinner at the famous Malay Grill Fish spot nearby after having the celup tepung.
For those unfamiliar, Celup Tepung is an East Coast street food specialty where fresh seafood is served with deep-fried crispy floss made of rice and regular flour.
We ordered Kampong fish, which was exceptionally fresh (This is a fishing village, after all). Still, that crispy floss stole the show: impossibly light, perfectly seasoned with subtle spices, and not greasy despite being deep-fried. The textures and flavors created something extraordinary when paired with the hot, crunchy fish.
This isn't just any celup tepung. Hujung Tanjung serves what might be the best version along the East Coast. If you're visiting Kuantan, please add it to your itinerary for the restaurants and cafes in Kuantan.
Address: 26060 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: 013-988 2423
13. Restoran Ana Ikan Bakar Petai
After enjoying that incredible celup tepung, we went to Restoran Ana Ikan Bakar Petai, just a 3-5 minute drive in the same area.
Upon arrival, we faced a delicious dilemma. We found two restaurants bearing the same name at the exact location. Thankfully, a helpful local pointed out that the original restaurant was tucked slightly further from the main road and assured us it was the better choice. Following his advice, we entered the side lane and realized a huge restaurant was hidden inside.
The ordering process was slightly confusing at first. Still, we quickly learned the system by observing how the regular customers did it: By following them, we selected our seafood (we chose stingray and shrimp), then proceeded to the weighing station, where they calculated the price based on our picks.
We got permission from the staff to film their grilling process, where they wrapped our fish in multiple layers of banana leaves with a thick, inky-black sauce (a potent blend of sambal and spices) before placing it over roaring charcoal flames. The aroma alone was intoxicating.
The restaurant's popularity was undeniable as nearly every table was occupied by customers. Our stingray (pari fish in Malay) and shrimp arrived steaming hot, but the rich, complex gravy was the real deal. It is packed with the flavor of various Malay spices and generously portioned with plenty of leftovers. I happily enjoyed it with plain rice; it was so delicious that I needed nothing else to serve with it!
They provided two dipping sauces, but frankly, they were unnecessary. The gravy delivered such deep umami that it made any additional condiments irrelevant.
Address: Jalan Tanjung Lumpur, Perkampungan Tanjung Lumpur, 26060 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: 019-987 8155
14. Restoran Hoi Yin
On the last day of our visit to Kuantan, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort in Teluk Cempedak. Before checking out in the morning, we walked over to Hoi Yin, a halal Chinese coffee shop, for breakfast.
It was wonderful to see people of different races enjoying Chinese food together. According to the shopkeeper, they have been operating for decades, and this is their only outlet. They serve various noodles, with curry noodles as the main item. We also ordered soup bee hoon and had some tea and coffee.
While this place is famous and receives many positive reviews online, I found the food decent but not exceptional. Still, it’s a nice spot to enjoy a meal in Teluk Cempedak, especially since there aren’t many other Chinese halal coffee shops in the area.
Address: 31, Jalan Telok Cempedak, 25050 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: 012-921 3732
15. 888 Food Court
The final eatery is the list of restaurants and cafes in Kuantanis 888 Food Court. If you're okay with non-halal food, this Chinese food court serves nearly every Malaysian street food. We tried a few stalls and found the food was moderately good, so we returned the next day for lunch.
The food court has a large parking lot that accepts Touch ‘n Go payment, making it very convenient for travelers like us.
We ordered various dishes from different stalls, including curry noodles, loh mee, and yong tau foo. As mentioned, we returned the next day and tried their chicken rice. Overall, the food quality was quite good, and the place was clean. If you’re looking for a Chinese street food hub, this is an ideal spot to dine at any time of day.
Address: Jln Teluk Sisek, Taman Plaza, 25250 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: 5131922
16. Kemaman Kopitiam Original
On our final day in Kuantan, we stopped for lunch at Kemaman Kopitiam Original before returning to Kuala Lumpur. Unlike the other cafes we visited, it is a chain outlet. The contemporary design was comfortable, and although it doesn't have air conditioning, the open, airy layout creates a pleasant atmosphere.
Since we weren't hungry, we opted for their curry chicken rice and some buns. The food was decent - what you'd expect from a reliable chain, but with distinct East Coast flavors. If I had to compare it to Kuala Lumpur's cafe chain outlets, I'd say it's like an East Coast version of Old Town or Oriental Kopitiam.
For travelers who are short on time to visit all the restaurants and cafes in Kuantan but want to sample Kuantan's local flavors, this kopitiam is ideal. Their extensive menu covers nearly all the must-try local dishes in one convenient stop.
Address: 40/1, Lorong Tun Ismail 12, Sri Dagangan-2, Bussiness Centre, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: 09-513 3698
Conclusion
So, the above are all the restaurants and cafes in Kuantan we visited that are worth mentioning. While this isn't an exhaustive list, I believe it will serve as a helpful guide for planning your food tour itinerary in Kuantan.
If you love this article, please also read our article Top 9 Things to Do in Kuantan.
🎞️ Watch our food trip shot at Kuantan
Please watch where we ate in Kuantan by clicking 👇👇 the image below.
