During our recent trip to North Peninsula Malaysia, we didn’t just travel around to enjoy the beautiful scenery. We also ate our way through restaurants in Kedah and Perlis. From quiet coffee shops to bustling food courts, we tried local favorites that ranged from spicy Malay stews to smoky Chinese noodles. This blog post is an unfiltered record of the meals we enjoyed over eight days. Some were recommended, others we stumbled upon by chance. Some dishes were fantastic, while others were just okay.
If you’re planning a visit or just curious about northern Malaysian food, we hope this list of restaurants in Kedah and Perlis offers a little guidance and perhaps a few surprises.
Below is a list of places where we had our breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the trip.
List of Restaurants in Kedah and Perlis We Visited
Note: This is a long post! Click on the places below to be directed to the respective section. Please note that these restaurants are located in different towns in Kedah and Perlis. Kindly refer to the address provided at the end of each section.
- Noodles History 尹面之家
- Hai Tao Ki Food court 海头街美食中心
- Restoran Anjung Keli
- Restaurant Kak Su Laksa
- 新菜脯鱼 Restoran Chai Por Hu
- Ahmad Foo - Chicken Duck Rice Alor Setar
- Warung Tepi Sawah 2769
- Restoran Suri Masakan Melayu Asli
- D'aman Steamboat & Shellout
- Roti Canai Celaru
- Maleq Restaurant
- Jerai Nanyang 早点有你咖啡铺
- Ding Xiang Kopitiam 鼎香咖啡室
- La Taste Gurun
- Chen's Kopitiam 陈年往室
- 悠然茶餐室 Yon Ran Kopi Tiam
- Kawan's Kopitiam
- Restaurant Nine Eight Nine Eight (9898 飲食中心)
- Bonus: Mangga Harum Manis
- Watch our video!
1. Noodles History 尹面之家
We arrived at this small noodle house on the first day of our trip in Alor Setar around 4:00 p.m., and it was already packed with customers. It’s located in a residential area, taking up a corner shop lot with an open-air setup. There was no air conditioning, and it was pretty warm inside. At first glance, it may not seem like a particularly inviting place, but it is surprisingly packed with customers.
There were more than six staff members busily preparing noodles and cutting barbecue pork and chicken at the counter. We could instantly sense how well the business was doing. The workflow was surprisingly efficient, and although we only intended to have a small bite, the lady boss was courteous and friendly. She suggested we try all their signature dishes in small quantities.
The food was surprisingly good. She mentioned they only serve five items on the menu, focusing on serving the best item they have mastered.
The standout item that put them on the map is their wonton noodles, especially the version wrapped in paper. These paper-wrapped noodles are sold in much the same way as packets of nasi lemak. I suspect the reason behind this packaging is that the restaurant is pretty warm, which many customers likely prefer to avoid by ordering takeout instead of dining in.
Believe me, the paper-wrapped noodles still hold up well even after sitting for an entire day, as we had them at night in the hotel.
The noodles were springy and savory, yet light, somewhat reminiscent of Sarawak’s kolo mee.
The highlight, though, was the glass-shattered barbecue pork (玻璃叉烧). A third of it was fat that melted in the mouth, while the lean part remained juicy and tender.
The poached chicken was also tender, not overcooked, and drenched in a seasoned soy-based sauce.
They also served lettuce dressed with garlic oil and topped with crispy pork crackling (猪油渣). The crackling was crushing crisp and paired perfectly with the crunchy lettuce. Lastly, we also ordered a small bowl of wonton made with pork.
We can still get food with this standard at top-class restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, where it would cost a lot more. It was a pleasant surprise to find food of such high quality in an unassuming shop in Alor Setar.
Address: 1001B, Bee Bee Park, 05400 Alor Setar, Kedah. Phone: +6012 471 5419
2. Hai Tao Ki Food Court 海头街美食中心
Again, this is a very unpretentious food court. Only locals are aware of it, as it's pretty run-down. But the food is fantastic.
We ordered a unique dish called 炒鸳鸯, made by stir-frying rice vermicelli (米粉) and flat rice noodles (河粉) over intense heat, then served it with a thick, dark gravy that resembles the sauce used in Lor Mee (卤面). Traditionally, fried noodles and Lor Mee are two separate dishes, but here, they are combined into a perfect fusion. The ingredients are simple: pork, pork liver, cabbage, and bok choy, all combined with a rich, dark soy sauce-based gravy.
The highlight, though, was how the noodles were fried over intense charcoal heat. The smoke was so intense that it nearly engulfed the entire top of the wok, enveloping the noodles. The smoky aroma infused the noodles deeply, giving them a depth of flavor that is incomparable with any other noodles fried on a gas stove.
We also ordered a highly recommended Lor Mee from another stall. There was a long queue, and we had to wait more than 20 minutes. They also sell Keuy Teow Th'ng 粿条汤. Interestingly, they don’t cook in bulk. The chicken is only chopped in small batches, and once a batch is sold out, they begin preparing the next.
The price is very reasonable, only RM5 per bowl. We spoke to another customer in the queue, and he mentioned that it initially started at just RM3.50 way back in 2019.
We returned the following day to try other food stalls, having gained confidence in the quality after sampling all three noodle dishes the day before. This time, we ordered the Loh Bak (fried meat rolls), Char Kuey Teow, and fried oysters. They were all excellent and flavorful.
I must say, this is the best Chinese food court I’ve experienced across many places, without any bias. Of course, I'm speaking strictly from the perspective of taste rather than ambiance or other factors. Why?
First of all, every hawker here is a master in their specialty. Most of them are middle-aged or older Chinese folks, and I believe they’ve honed their craft to near-grandmaster levels. Besides, the prices are very reasonable, in fact, lower than I expected.
This place is definitely not targeted at tourists, and only locals seem to be aware of it. But I would highly recommend it to anyone because every single dish from every stall we tried was just so, so good.
Address.: Jalan Dato' Wan Mat Saman, Taman Pesisiran Tanjung Chali, 05050 Alor Setar, Kedah
3. Restoran Anjung Keli
What could be better than having a good lunch after sweating it out the whole morning outdoors? So we headed to Anjung Keli for lunch.
Anjung Keli is a large Malay restaurant in Kangar, Perlis. Naturally, it’s famous for its keli (a type of local catfish), but you’ll be surprised by the variety of choices available.
The ordering process begins with getting the rice from the staff. Then, we’re free to wander between three aisles of food, which consist of around a hundred different dishes! The selection was impressively wide. There were even six variations of sambal alone.
After choosing our dishes, we proceed to the counter to pay and then find a seat. There are three seating areas: one is outdoor, a center section is indoors with fans, and an air-conditioned section.
My wife ordered two keli fish, one barbecued and the other deep-fried, which were served with some vegetables. I ordered honey chicken, garlic chicken, and stir-fried veggies. We also ordered Sup Tulang (Malay-style beef soup).
All the dishes we had were delicious. What stood out most was how incredibly fresh everything was, which I had expected, judging by the constant flow of customers. I especially liked the Sup Tulang, as it tasted just like the one I make at home, except theirs had added potatoes.
This is the kind of place where the variety alone can satisfy anyone's taste buds. Price-wise, it's also quite reasonable. And to top it off, there’s a huge parking lot.
Address: Medan Sri Pulai,, Jalan Behor Pulai, 01000 Kangar, Perlis. Phone: 019-443 3384
4. Restaurant Kak Su Laksa
We had heard so much about how laksa in Perlis is different from other places, so we decided to try it ourselves. On the recommendation of some local boys at the Choley Kampung Warna Warni we visited, we headed to Restaurant Kak Su Laksa.
It was around 3:00 p.m., yet there were already more than 10 customers queuing in front of the restaurant. A staff member took our order right at the entrance and guided us to our seats. We waited for about 20 minutes while they prepared a fresh batch of laksa.
The broth and noodles are made in-house. When our laksa finally arrived, I found it just okay. The flavors were on the lighter side, and the broth was clearer and cleaner compared to the richer, more robust Penang laksa. I didn’t find a strong "wow" factor, but of course, taste is very subjective, and I’m sure many others would enjoy this subtler version.
Address: 97,Lorong Siakap 1, Jalan Kuala Perlis, 02000 Kuala Perlis, Perlis. Phone: 012-550 0365
5. 新菜脯鱼 Restoran Chai Por Hu
Alor Setar is famous for its preserved pickle called ‘Chai Por.’ According to some local recommendations, we came to this restaurant to give it a try.
It is indeed something very different from what we’ve had in Kuala Lumpur. The way they prepare it is by deep-frying garlic along with the preserved Chinese pickle (菜脯), then using it as the topping on traditional Chinese steamed fish. We ordered a white snapper, and the fish was very fresh. It was seasoned with some soy sauce and then topped generously with the fried garlic and preserved pickles.
The combination of the preserved pickle and fried garlic was very crispy. It was also added with chopped Bird’s Eye chili, giving it a mild spiciness. I believe they may have included some sugar to balance the overall flavor.
It was good, but the topping was just too much! So, I used the excess to mix with steamed rice and the vegetables we ordered.
Overall, it was a good dining experience. The place is very spacious, with many fans that kept it cool, even though there was no air conditioning. The owner was quite friendly and accommodating. The service was also very efficient and fast. It’s a place I would recommend to try this special fish dish in Kedah.
Address: 238A Medan Putra Seberang, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah. Phone: 012-562 2574
6. Ahmad Foo - Chicken Duck Rice Alor Setar
For dinner, we found a halal Chinese restaurant with a 4.5-star rating on Google.
So we went over to Ahmad Foo, a place that focuses primarily on Chinese-style braised duck but also incorporates some Malay cooking ingredients to create a unique fusion dish.
Since duck is their signature, we ordered a plate of Wonderful Duck, their specialty. It combines duck breast meat, scrambled eggs, and tofu, all braised in traditional Chinese-style seasoned soy sauce. What makes it different, though, is the addition of a raw chili paste on top, giving it a distinct and unexpected twist from what we typically find in a Chinese restaurant. It’s served with flavored rice that resembles Hainanese chicken rice.
Another dish we tried was the Duck Noodles, served in a generous amount of braising liquid and paired with flat rice noodles. Both dishes were quite good, and I found the fusion concept refreshing, which is precisely the kind of culinary creativity I enjoy.
I highly recommend giving this place a try. Whether you're a fan of duck, Chinese flavors, or Malay-style spices, this dish combines all the elements beautifully. It’s a harmonious marriage of Malay and Chinese cuisines, like love at first sight 🙂
The restaurant is open daily until 11 p.m. It's located at a corner shop lot, and they’ve also turned the side alley into an open-air dining space, which is nicely decorated and adds to the overall charm. They also have another branch in Sungai Petani.
Address: NO 127,Kompleks Alor Setar,Kancut Darul Aman Highway, 05100 Alor Setar, Kedah. Phone: 019-488 6705
7. Warung Tepi Sawah 2769
We had heard so much about this café in the middle of nowhere next to the paddy field, and it truly lives up to its reputation. The number of customers, the variety of food, and its scenic location, situated next to a paddy field, are the reasons why we include it in the list of restaurants in Kedah and Perlis that we must try.
It’s a two-story wooden house. Downstairs is a spacious, food court-style café, and upstairs is another seating area. The owner originally operated this place under the name Warung Tepi Sawah. As the business and customer base grew, they invited other food operators to join. Now, you can find a wide variety of food stalls here.
We tried some local dishes that are hard to find in Kuala Lumpur. Since we had already attempted moi sup earlier, we decided to go for Peknga. It resembles roti canai, but it’s a traditional Malay-style pancake made with flour and shredded coconut, served with gula ikan (a sweetened fish sauce).
What drew us here was a combination of things. First, the café is located right next to the paddy field, offering beautiful open views. Second, the variety of local food available allows us to sample a wide range of local dishes, snacks, and street food. I would say a visit to a café like this, set against the backdrop of the paddy fields, really lets us soak in the local café atmosphere.
The only downside was that, at the time of our visit, the paddy fields were neither in the planting nor the harvesting season. Still, there were swings and signs set up by the owner for photo opportunities. I can imagine how beautiful the scenery will be during harvest season.
Address: Kg Bohor Janggus, 01000 Kangar, Perlis. Phone: 011-1083 7769
8. Restoran Suri Masakan Melayu Asli
Attracted by its name, which means 'original' and 'authentic' Malay food, we made an impromptu decision to give it a try.
We parked our car by the roadside for convenience, as the large parking area next to the restaurant was already full. This front section of the restaurant alone can accommodate at least 100 people. As we walked further in, we found a much larger area with even more seating. At the far end is a massive food counter spread across three aisles.
This is a self-service restaurant. We took our rice and walked around to choose from the wide selection of dishes. The variety was impressive, with over 100 different options. After selecting our food, we had to pay at the counter before finding our seats. Everything here runs on a self-service basis.
It was very crowded, with at least 200 to 300 customers. Judging by the size of the crowd, I’m confident everything is freshly prepared. The prices are also very reasonable. I ordered six different types of dishes with rice, and my wife had two fish dishes, totaling only RM28.
The only downside was that it was pretty warm in the midday sun, as the dining area was not air-conditioned.
The food we ordered was moderately good and good value for money. If you’re looking to experience truly authentic Malay cooking, this is one place I’ve tried and can confidently recommend. It’s well worth including in the list of restaurants in Kedah and Perlis that you should visit.
Address: Jalan Kampung Pondok, Kampung Pondok, 01000 Kangar, Perlis. Phone: 017-577 9232
9. D'aman Steamboat & Shellout
We discovered a unique restaurant that serves a combination of steamboat and stir-fried seafood in a savory, spicy sauce, D’Aman Steamboat and Shellout, located in Alor Setar.
The front area is a spacious, open-air area with around 20 to 25 tables. The inner section features high ceilings with good ventilation. Despite the absence of air conditioning, the restaurant remained comfortable.
We met Chef Hakimi, who told us that the restaurant has been in operation for two years and is their only outlet. It opens daily from 5 p.m. onwards for dinner. He recommended that we try the Shellout (a mixed stir-fried seafood dish) and the steamboat.
The Shellout came as a generous mix of shrimp, mussels, crab, squid, and cockles. The sauce had a deep, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness and a moderately spicy kick. It was packed with dried shrimp, scallions, and purple onions. I eventually realized that the flavor closely resembled the Chinese Kam Heong sauce, though not the same.
The taste was incredibly bold and satisfying. Although they provided steamed rice, we skipped it since we also wanted to try the steamboat and didn’t want to overeat. The sauce was so delicious that I found myself licking my fingers without realizing it, no exaggeration! The extra sauce was also used to serve with the Thai-style deep-fried egg.
The steamboat offered a wide selection of meats, seafood, and vegetables. They even offered pastas with a variety of sauces, providing diners with more options and flexibility in how they combined their meal.
For the steamboat soup, we had a choice between clear soup and Thai-style tom yum. We opted for the clear soup, as the stir-fried seafood was already rich and spicy enough.
The price also included dessert, ice cream, and drinks, which added even more value to the meal.
Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience. I’m quite sure that if I ever return to this town, I’ll make it a point to come back to dine at this restaurant again.
Address: Kampung Lubok Peringgi, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah. Phone: 010-375 9100
10. Roti Canai Celaru
We had breakfast at a roadside stall selling roti canai in Alor Setar, but not the usual kind. It was Roti Canai Celaru.
What makes it different is the presentation and the combination of ingredients. Instead of the usual serving with dhal and curry, they place the roti canai on a plate and drench it in a curry sauce with sardines that have a slightly sweet taste, then top it with a sunny-side-up egg. The sauce is so generous that it completely submerges the roti canai.
The taste is okay, but it is something unique that we rarely come across in Kuala Lumpur.
Address: 28A, Lor Teknik, Taman Gunung Perak, 05400 Alor Setar, Kedah. Phone: 011-3510 1614
11. Maleq Restaurant
We departed from Alor Setar to Jerai Hill on day 5 of our trip. For lunch, we stopped at a small town called Gurun. Attracted by a 4.7-star rating on Google, we decided to give Maleq Restaurant a try.
It's a double shop lot with a black-and-white color scheme, not only on the signboard but also on walls, chairs, and tables. There isn't any air-conditioning, but there are fans, so it’s reasonably cool inside.
There’s a bit of a misconception, as Google mentions that it's a buffet restaurant. In reality, they no longer offer a buffet. Instead, like many other local eateries, we simply go to the food counter, select the dishes we want, pay at the counter, and then find a place to sit and eat.
The confusion about it being a buffet might come from the way the food is presented. The dishes are displayed in elegant containers, similar to those used in upscale hotel buffets, and the food is served on ceramic plates rather than plasticware.
What stood out most to me about this place, compared to the larger restaurants we visited over the past two days, is that the food here feels more like home-cooked meals. We can think that it was made by someone who truly puts heart and soul into cooking. This is quite different from the commercial feel of those big restaurants serving hundreds of customers. It gives a distinctly more personal and comforting experience.
The food quality was even better than some of the larger restaurants in Kedah and Perlis over the past few days. The food served is mostly local fare, such as beef curry, nasi kerabu, and Malay-style vegetables.
Address: No. 5A, 6A, Tingkat Bawah, 1, Jalan Jerai Maju 1, Taman Jerai Maju, 08300 Gurun, Kedah. Phone: 019-228 5632
12. Jerai Nanyang 早点有你咖啡铺
With a 4.5-star rating and an eye-catching Chinese name, we were eager to find out how good it really is and what it has to offer.
With little clue of what to expect, we were delighted to discover that this was no ordinary coffee house. It was set in a converted traditional Chinese village home located right in Kampung Baharu, Gurun.
Jerai Nanyang stands out prominently among the other village houses with its colorful paintwork and lively decorations.
With great anticipation and curiosity, we stepped into the village house-turned-café. The owners, two sisters, greeted us warmly, treating us as if we were old friends visiting their home, and led us to a table.
Although it has been converted into a café, the house still retains much of its original charm, with traditional decorations and many of the original furniture pieces from when the family lived here for three generations.
There’s a lovely story behind how it all began. The friendly owner enthusiastically told us how it all started in 2022. At that time, their father was critically ill. He reminded them to preserve the family house, as many homes in the village had been left to deteriorate, abandoned, and eventually collapse. The sisters decided to convert the house into a café, seeing it as a meaningful way to continue their family legacy. Their grandfather, a chef from 顺德 (Shunde), a region in China renowned for its cuisine, had laid the foundation for their deep connection to food.
With that mission in mind, they started the café as a way to preserve the house, which, if neglected, will be destroyed by termites like many others in the village. Since the primary goal was to maintain the family home, they only opened the café three days a week.
But it is precisely this noble intention that makes the cafe so cool. They treat it as their own home, and the food, ambiance, service, and atmosphere are infused with genuine warmth and pride. Customers feel like they’re returning home. Outsiders like us feel as though we've been personally invited into their house. There’s no hint of commercialism in the air, just a heartfelt hospitality.
We ordered duck soup noodles, chive pancakes, and toasted bread with homemade kaya. (The next morning, we returned for the chicken congee, which had sold out during our first visit.)
They also offered us a taste of their sambal tumis, which had won the Best Packaging and Best Product Award of Kampung Baharu.
Jerai Nanyang is a café with a heartfelt story, fantastic food, and outstanding yet unpretentious decor nestled in a quiet village. We highly recommend this hidden gem and look forward to returning.
Address: 61, Kampung Baru, Kampung Baharu, 08300 Gurun, Kedah. Phone: 012-443 2333
13. Ding Xiang Kopitiam 鼎香咖啡室
We stumbled upon this café while searching for lunch in Sungai Petani, which also has branches in Bukit Mertajam in addition to the one here.
There is a prominent note on the menu: the coffee and tea powders are used only once; never use any adulterated Milo; handmade pan mee and a superior broth simmered for six hours. With these claims, I thought it was worth trying.
The restaurant is bright and spacious, with marble tables that give it a more vintage kopitiam feel.
We ordered the pearl noodles as recommended by the order taker. It’s a type of short, slippery rice noodle that resembles lao shu fen (老鼠粉), served in a thick, starchy broth that tastes surprisingly similar to Chinese shark fin soup. It tastes even better when added with black vinegar. It comes with pork slices, Chinese mushrooms, and anchovy powder. The combination is both unique and well-balanced. The ‘shark fin-style’ taste makes this noodle so different from many we've tried at various restaurants.
The yam rice comes with chunks of yam and is topped with fried shallots. It's flavored mainly with a dark soy sauce-based seasoning. It’s served with a separate bowl of pork soup with a rich stock and salted vegetables. The pork is just cooked through. I opted for pork slices and meatballs, but the standard set also includes liver and intestine. A flavorful sambal sauce with dried shrimp is served on the side.
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Address: 62, Jalan Bakar Arang, Kawasan Perindustrian Bakar Arang, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah. Phone: 04-425 8876
14. La Taste Gurun
Not quite sure where to head for dinner in Gurun, we tried the restaurant right next to our hotel called La Taste. From the outside, it caught our attention with its contemporary design and inviting vibe. Inside, the restaurant is air-conditioned and comfortably laid out, with warm, cozy lighting that creates a relaxing atmosphere. They also offer a variety of desserts, cakes, and Italian-style coffee, which adds to the modern café feel.
As we settled in and browsed through the menu, we found a good mix of local and Western dishes. Since we had been indulging in local food for several days, we decided to try something different: Chicken Cordon Bleu and Chicken Fricassée.
To our delight, both dishes were very well-prepared. The flavors were satisfying, and the plating was thoughtful, something we don't expect in a small town. The chicken was juicy, the sauces were well-balanced, and the sides complemented the mains nicely.
I had a chat with the person in charge, and he mentioned that La Taste began as a small food stall on the street next to the market. Over time, it grew into a full-fledged restaurant, even expanding to another outlet by the waterfront in Sungai Petani.
If you're in Gurun and craving Western food, La Taste is a solid choice.
Address: No. 14, Kompleks Perniagaan, Jalan Gurun Jaya, Taman Gurun Jaya, 08300 Gurun, Kedah. Phone: 012-553 3400
15. Chen's Kopitiam 陈年往室
Chen's Kopitiam is situated in a residential area of Sungai Petani. The interior is bright and cheerful, decorated with a charming mix of dark green, red, and light yellow tones.
There’s no air conditioning, but the high ceiling with ceiling fans keeps the place pleasantly cool in the morning. When we stepped in, it was quiet and peaceful, with most customers quietly enjoying their breakfast in a relaxing ambiance.
The menu is unique. There are a few special items that caught our attention as we flipped through it.
The Tofufa (豆腐花) was smooth and delicate, served with a fragrant homemade palm sugar syrup. The toast was decent, though I found the kaya a bit too generous for my taste, so I scraped some off because it was a little too sweet for me.
What I appreciated was their use of ceramic plates and bowls, as well as sturdy marble-top tables and stools, which added a touch of classic charm reminiscent of old-school Chinese coffee shops.
One standout item was the tangyuan (汤圆), the glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame paste and served in local coffee. It was my first time trying this combination, and the nutty sesame flavor paired very well with the aroma and taste of the coffee.
While the pricing may be slightly higher than Sungai Petani's standard, I found it reasonable considering the overall package: quality food, a pleasant atmosphere, and friendly service.
Address: 22, Jalan Zamrud 2, Taman Pekan Baru, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah. Phone: 011-1873 5588
16. 悠然茶餐室 Yon Ran Kopi Tiam
We tried the very special Mantou (馒头) at You Ran Sungai Petani. It is sandwiched with a piece of crackly fried batter made of flour, dry shrimp, and pickled vegetables, served with a spread of special sauce inside.
The bun is very soft and slightly sweet. It has a great contrast with the fried filling inside, which is super crunchy and delicious. The taste of the savory sauce is also very flavorful. It is a great combination not commonly available in many places. The lady who operated the store informed us that it had been in operation here for over 20 years.
There is also another store selling Pan Mee, which uses handmade noodles. But the Mantou really stands out. It is a very unpretentious Chinese coffee shop, and you may easily miss it if you don't notice it. Be sure to try their Mantou when you're at Sungai Petani.
Address: C114, Lorong 10, Taman Sejati Indah, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah.
17. Kawan’s Kopitiam
On the last day of our trip, we had a simple brunch at Kawan’s Kopitiam. The food served is a variety of local favorites, including most Chinese and Malay dishes, making it a convenient one-stop spot to enjoy Halal local cuisine.
In terms of taste, the food was moderate compared to others we’ve tried over the past few days. However, it’s worth highlighting that this place offers a wide-ranging Halal menu, making it an excellent choice for those seeking such options.
We tried the cendol, which was average, but we also ordered the Sambal Ikan Bilis with Egg on Toast, a rather unique combination. It’s a decent café offering a diverse and inclusive menu.
Address: 66 & 67, Jalan N-City ⅙, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah. Phone: 012-237 9932
18. Restaurant Nine Eight Nine Eight (9898 飲食中心)
If you crave Chinese food, there are several food courts in Sungai Petani worth checking out. For lunch, we stopped at Restaurant Nine Eight Nine Eight. It has a variety of stalls, including curry noodles, Chinese stir-fry, Char Kuey Teow, Kuey Teow Th’ng, wonton noodles, Hokkien noodles, and Jawa noodles. There’s also a stall selling Dim Sum and traditional Malaysian breakfasts, such as toasted bread.
The selection is typical of what you’d expect from a food court or traditional Chinese kopitiam. Sometimes, after trying so many unfamiliar tastes while traveling, it's comforting to return to familiar flavors.
We ordered Lor Mee (the stall is more famous for its Curry Mee, but it was already sold out), Char Kuey Teow, and a stir-fried long bean dish with preserved vegetables.
The Char Kuey Teow was really good. It had a strong wok hei (wok aroma), and the flavor was spot on. The Lor Mee came in a thick, aromatic gravy and was topped with fried wontons, BBQ pork, fish cake, and braised soy egg. At only RM6, it was great value for money.
Address: 161, 162, Jalan Legenda 6, Lagenda Heights, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah. Phone: 016-558 3437
Bonus: Mangga Harum Manis
We were told that there is a special breed of mango in Perlis called Harum Manis. So, we were delighted to find it being sold right at the entrance of Warung Tepi Sawah 2769. The Malay gentleman selling Harum Manis mangoes mentioned that the mangoes were directly from his farm. I took his word that he was genuine, as he also showed us the box labeled with the Harum Manis branding. He had even displayed a banner explaining how to differentiate this species from others.
So why did we want to try this particular type of mango? It's because it is known to be extremely sweet and fragrant when fully ripe. The price was not cheap, as the one we bought cost RM16. When we asked the seller to cut it open for us, he graciously did so, but he warned us that it would taste even better if we let it ripen for one more day until the entire flesh turned to rich golden yellow.
He also explained why some Harum Manis mangoes have green skin while others appear yellow and how to distinguish this breed from other varieties. He told us that the secret behind growing this mango lies in the unique soil of Perlis. While others have attempted to reproduce this variety in other states, they haven’t succeeded because the soil quality elsewhere is simply not the same.
The availability of this mango is not year-round. Its primary season is from March to June. It takes about six months for the fruit to grow and fully ripen.
Conclusion
That wraps up our 8-day food journey across Kedah and Perlis. We’ve included 18 restaurants in Kedah and Perlis that we personally visited, with a mix of Malay, Chinese, and fusion cuisine. If you're planning a trip to this part of Malaysia, we hope this guide offers a helpful starting point.
Of course, there are many more food spots we didn’t get to try, and we know we’ve only scratched the surface. Still, we hope this list gives a small glimpse into the rich food culture of northern Malaysia. For now, I hope this list will be helpful to all the fellow food lovers reading this. Bon appétit!
🎞️ Watch our food trip shot in Kedah and Perlis
Please watch our video, shot in Kedah and Perlis, by clicking 👇👇 the image below.
Note: If you’re a food lover, here are a few articles featuring food from different parts of Malaysia. We hope you enjoy reading these food reviews!