We just came back from Sitiawan last week after spending three nights there. During the trip, we not only explored the nearby places but also made a point to try as much Sitiawan food as possible. A few days ago, I shared an article about the places we visited, and this time I want to focus on the food and restaurants. If you’re wondering what to eat in Sitiawan, I hope this article will be helpful and give you some ideas to try for yourself.
Sitiawan is best known for its red wine and Mee Shua, but there’s much more to discover beyond these specialties. In this article, I’ll go through the restaurants and local food we tried. Some are well-known and others less so, but all are worth mentioning.
What to eat in Sitiawan: restaurants, bakeries, and biscuit stores
Click on the name of any restaurant or shop below to jump directly to its section.
- Seng Jee Chan Cafe 生记栈红糟屋
- Sitiawan Cheong Cia Gong Pian 曾家福州光餅
- Uncle Kim Kopitiam
- 李记包点 Lee JI Pau Shop
- Soga Restaurant 一家海鲜楼
- Dindings Teahouse 天定茶屋
- James Cendol
- Restaurant Jin Du Li (金都里)
- San Yew Chay Biscuit Shop 三友齋饼家
- Kampung Koh Noodle Store
- Looking Good Food Court 金恩小贩中心
1. Seng Jee Chan Cafe 生记栈红糟屋
We arrived at Sitiawan about lunchtime, so we headed to the famous Seng Jee Chan Cafe to try their specialty called red wine cuisine.
Even though it was before noon, there were already around ten customers lined up in front of the entrance waiting for seats. The restaurant is a wooden double-story house, in which the upstairs is not open for business. The ambiance made me feel like I was inside an old village house rather than a restaurant.
We met up with the owner, Mr. Lim (林先生). He told me that many of the Fuzhou people who arrived in Sitiawan from China are now in their third or fourth generation. His family came a bit later, and he himself is the second generation who was born here. The red wine cuisine is quite traditional in Fuzhou and was brought to Sitiawan. It is now his family business, with his two sons taking charge of the kitchen.
We ordered the Mian Xian with chicken, pork kidney, and deep-fried pork ribs, all with red wine as the main ingredient. The total cost was RM58 for everything.
The flavor is very unique, with the signature flavor and color of wine made with red yeast rice. The flavor is similar to red fermented beancurd (红腐乳), since both the color and flavor come from the red yeast.
It was an experience to discover a special taste, as this was my first time tasting a menu where nearly everything was cooked with red wine.
We also purchased two bottles of red yeast rice to use for our everyday cooking at home.
Address: 37, Kampung Sitiawan, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak
Phone: 018-976 3168
2. Sitiawan Cheong Cia Gong Pian 曾家福州光餅
We went to the famous Cheing Cia Gong Pian store and were surprised to see such a long queue so early in the morning. We expected to wait, but never imagined the line would already stretch from one end of the row of shops to the other end. After waiting in line for about half an hour, we were told the biscuits were sold out and had to wait another thirty minutes for the next batch to come fresh out of the oven.
They made the Gong Pian right in front of everyone, with nothing hidden from view. The bakers begin preparing in the early morning, and once one batch sells out, they continue making more so that the constant stream of customers can still get their share. Watching the process is part of the experience, and probably the main reason people are willing to queue up.
The making process starts with kneading the dough and preparing the filling, either with or without meat. Each piece is made by hand, then stuck onto the inner wall of a traditional oven. As the fire roars inside, the biscuits puff up, turning golden and crispy. When they are ready, the bakers use a long metal hook to skillfully fish them out one by one from the hot oven wall. Seeing the entire process adds to the anticipation as you wait for your turn.
The shop sells only two types of biscuits: one filled with pork and the other with just onion. Business is so brisk that each customer is limited to a quota, ensuring everyone in line has a fair chance to get some.
When the biscuits finally came out, they were irresistibly crisp, with a hollow center created by the intense heat of the oven. The taste was savory and fragrant, quite different from other versions of this pastry we’ve seen elsewhere, which tend to be sweet.
Was it worth the wait? We certainly enjoyed eating them fresh from the oven, but whether they’re worth standing in line for an hour is debatable. During our visit, we even met people who had driven in from other towns just to queue for these biscuits!
Address: 12, Lorong Tok Perdana, Taman Tok Perdana, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak.
Phone: 019-558 9288
3. Uncle Kim Kopitiam
For breakfast, we went to Uncle Lim Kopitiam, located right next to the Gong Pian shop we had visited the day before. From the outside, the shop looks rather unassuming, with no prominent signboard. But once you step inside, you’ll find a cozy setup with tables lined up on the left for customers. The cashier and drink counter are on the right, along with shelves of local biscuits neatly displayed for sale.
The café has no air-conditioning, but it feels airy with ceiling fans keeping the place comfortable. It carries a traditional ambiance rather than the polished, modern settings in newer cafés.. Prices are reasonable, and the drinks, especially the coffee and tea, are well-prepared and satisfying.
The menu mainly features different types of noodles and bread. We ordered a Fuzhou Lo Mee (福州卤面) and some toasted bread.
The Lo Mee stood out for its unique taste, as it included bamboo shoots and wood ear fungus, giving it a distinct flavor compared to the Lo Mee I’ve tried elsewhere. I would say it’s an acquired taste, but for me, part of the joy of traveling is trying new dishes wherever I go.
Address: 10, Lorong Tok Perdana, Taman Tok Perdana, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak
Phone: 012-441 8983
4. 李记包点 Lee JI Pau Shop
What amused us and caught us by surprise was how a shop that opened only half of its roller shutter, and without any signboard, could have such good business (only with an A4-size laminated sign stuck on the roller shutter that says “Lee Ji Pau Shop”). The constant flow of customers queuing up outside the shop said it all about how busy this place was.
They sell a variety of pillow pau (枕头包), which are gigantic in size compared to normal buns. Each has a different flavor and is folded into multiple layers before steaming. Most regular customers pre-order, so they get priority when they arrive. Since we did not pre-order, we had to wait for half an hour before it was our turn. We ordered one portion each of whatever flavors were available (as some had already sold out). The varieties included red bean paste, kaya, chocolate, kaya, and custard.
Since it is only for takeaway, we returned to our car and tried them out immediately. The texture was pillowy soft and very springy. When I squeezed the bun and released my hand, it almost bounced back to its original thickness.
This pillow pau is not available everywhere, so it is a must-try if you are in Sitiawan.
Address: 1177, Pekan Gurney, 32010 Sitiawan, Perak
Phone: 016-477 7198
5. Soga Restaurant 一家海鲜楼
Dinner was at Soga Restaurant, which was already packed with customers as early as 6:30 p.m. (Somehow, every eatery we tried on this trip was full, a proof that we had found the right places to eat 😀).
Soga is a family-style restaurant, with most of its round tables large enough to seat groups of ten. By the time we sat down, it was already full. Most of the diners were local families, and many of them were bringing along kids as well as the elderly, a clear sign that this is a beloved neighborhood spot. Luckily, we managed to secure a smaller table just right for the two of us.
We ordered some of the classic Fuzhou dishes: sweet and sour fish maw, Fuzhou fish ball soup, fried oyster omelette, and a mixed vegetable stir-fry.
The oyster with egg came out super crispy, while the sweet and sour fish maw soup is enriched with ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. The fish balls were springy, bouncy, and filled with a juicy surprise of minced pork inside. Biting into one felt almost like eating Xiao Long Bao, as the broth inside oozed out with each bite. The mixed vegetables with shrimp and pork slices were flavorful, though not actually a vegetarian dish.
The total cost of our meal came to RM74, which was quite reasonable, especially considering fish maw is expensive.
Overall, it was a satisfying dinner in a lively, family-centered atmosphere, a true local favorite rather than a tourist-heavy spot.
Address: Taman Arasu, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak
Phone: 05-691 5362
6. Dindings Teahouse 天定茶屋
After spending time under the scorching sun at Teluk Batik Beach, we returned to Sitiawan for lunch at Didings Teahouse. Finding it was an adventure in itself as it took us several rounds, even with GPS guidance, as the teahouse had no prominent signboard.
Instead, the entrance was almost entirely hidden behind a curtain of lush greenery, as if the teahouse were a sanctuary waiting to be discovered.
I pushed open the unmarked wooden door and was greeted by a gust of cool air and the nostalgic sight of an old-school television off to the side. After opening another heavy wooden door, the interior finally revealed itself.
Inside, the atmosphere was dim, with soft, warm lights glowing across the aged wooden furniture. The ambience was cozy and intimate, almost like stepping into someone’s old family home. The building itself still retained the structure and layout of a traditional house, likely preserved and handed down through generations.
Though the name highlights that it focuses on selling Chinese teas, most visitors come for the authentic Fuzhou cuisine.
We ordered three dishes: red wine fried chicken, stir-fried sweet potato leaves, and Fuzhou fish balls with rice. The food was decent, though not extraordinary. For me, the real star was the ambience. Mandarin pop songs from the 1960s floated softly in the background, while vinyl record covers, old pots, pans, and everyday items from decades past decorated the walls.
Dining at Didings Teahouse felt like being transported back in time. It is more than just a place to eat; it’s an immersive experience that connects the present generation to the stories, tastes, and living spaces of the past
Address: Jalan Lumut, 1, Taman Sitiawan 2, Taman Bunga Ros, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak
Phone: 016-545 5545
7. James Cendol
When it comes to what to eat in Sitiawan, it’s not just about the restaurants. The roadside stalls have plenty to discover too.
James Cendol is a famous cendol stall in Sitiawan that we heard about, so we wanted to check out how good it is. It is situated just in front of an Indian temple and opposite the hotel where we stayed.
The quality was quite okay, although I would have preferred more ingredients and less sweet. This is, of course, my personal preference, and I believe many customers are satisfied with it. The stall is operated by a husband-and-wife team, and when I was there, only the lady was around. Some customers even took their cendol straight from her worktable rather than waiting for her to bring it to their seats. I think she really needs a helper, as all the tables were full when we left.
Address: 5, Taman Bunga Ros, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak
Phone: 014-602 3015
8. Restaurant Jin Du Li (金都里)
For breakfast, we headed to Jin Du Li, a noodle restaurant that has been around for about 15 years and is famous for its fish head noodles. It was raining that morning, so the crowd was smaller than usual. Like many traditional Chinese coffee shops, there’s no air-conditioning, but with the fans running and the cool weather after the rain, it was actually very comfortable.
We decided to try two versions of their noodles. The first was their signature fish head noodles, with a mix of fresh fish and fried fish head pieces. The broth was rich, slightly creamy with milk, and very flavorful without being fishy. The soup noodles also came with tomatoes and salted vegetables, giving it that familiar Chinese-style touch.
The second bowl we tried was fish ball noodles without milk. The broth was quite similar, but the highlight here was the Fuzhou-style fish balls that are springy on the outside with a juicy minced pork filling inside. Overall, both noodles were satisfying and of good quality.
Address: 111, Jln Raja Omar, Taman Bunga Raya, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak
Phone: 016-550 6770
9. San Yew Chay Biscuit Shop 三友齋饼家
Next, we visited a traditional biscuit shop that specializes in vegetarian biscuits. Their signature item is the Fuzhou Red Bean Paste Biscuit (福州豆沙饼), but they also make a variety of other classics, such as almond biscuits.
What makes this shop stand out is that everything is freshly prepared on the spot. I managed to capture some photos and videos of the process, and it was fascinating to watch them making the biscuits with such skill and rhythm. They even graciously showed us how the almond biscuits were made, brushing each piece with an egg wash before placing them into the oven for a short while. Once partially baked, the biscuits were removed and pressed flat by hand, then returned to the oven to finish baking. Watching the entire process gave us a real appreciation for the effort and technique behind something that might otherwise seem so simple.
The owner was exceptionally friendly, offering samples and encouraging us to try the different varieties. Every biscuit we tasted was light, freshly baked, and wonderfully crispy.
The shop is spacious, clean, and neatly arranged, which made browsing an enjoyable experience. Beyond biscuits, they also bake mooncakes with unique flavors such as pandan and black sesame. In the end, we bought some biscuits and mooncakes to bring back to Kuala Lumpur, eager to share the flavors of Sitiawan with our friends and family.
Address: Lorong Belakang Kg Koh, Taman Rakyat, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak
Phone: 012-4645108
10. Kampung Koh Noodle Store
For lunch, we headed to Kampong Koh, where there’s a humble noodle house we had passed by the day before but was closed. This time, around noon, the shop was buzzing with customers. We parked by the roadside and walked in, catching the aroma of noodles being prepared right at the front of the store.
We ordered a few specialties to try. The first was something truly unique: 卤叻 (Loh Lak), a creative combination of laksa and Loh Mee. The flavors were exactly as the combination of both, which is spicy, tangy laksa notes mingling with the thick, savory broth of Loh Mee. It felt familiar yet unlike anything I had tried before, and we were delighted to discover that this fusion is a Sitiawan original.
The second dish was another Fuzhou specialty, 煮蛋燕 (Zhu Dan Yan). The egg noodles are made by spreading the batter onto a pan, pan-frying it until the surface is slightly charred, then cutting it into strips. The taste has some similarity to fried Kuey Teow. It is served in a clear, flavorful broth with pickled vegetables and springy Fuzhou fish balls. It was light yet tasty, with a distinctive flavor and texture on its own.
We also tried the 干盘面 (kampua noodles), a dry noodle dish quite similar to the dried wonton mee back in Kuala Lumpur. It was decent, though nothing extraordinary compared to the other two dishes.
Prices were very reasonable, as you’d expect from a roadside noodle shop without air-conditioning. Despite the heavy flow of customers, the staff remained cheerful and efficient, which made the whole experience even more pleasant.
Address: 142, 5, Kampung Baharu, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak
Phone: 010-233 2313
11. Looking Good Food Court 金恩小贩中心
Looking for a place with a wide variety of Chinese street food? Sitiawan has several options, and for dinner, we headed to Looking Good Food Court. The space is large and airy, well-lit, and comes with plenty of parking.
The layout is simple and organized: food stalls are lined up in two rows on the left and right, with the drink counter placed right at the center. We placed our order and made payment directly at each stall.
If you’ve already been sampling local specialties and are in the mood for something different, this is the spot. You can find almost everything here, from chicken rice and wonton noodles to Sarawak’s famous Kolo Mee. Since there were only two of us, we managed to try just a few dishes. While the taste was just average, the variety of options, clean environment, and bright, welcoming atmosphere made us happy to eat here.
The food court actually opens as early as 7 a.m. daily, so you can drop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Address: 66, Jalan Raja Omar, Taman Ilmu, Taman Bunga Raya, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak
Phone: 014-334 8298
🎞️ Watch our video: Food Hunt in Sitiawan
Please watch our video, shot at Sitiawan, by clicking 👇👇 on the image below.
That’s all about our food adventure in Sitiawan and the surrounding area. Which restaurants have you been to before, and which ones are your favorites? Were there things you didn’t enjoy as much? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, and I really appreciate your feedback.
If you’re planning a trip to Sitiawan, you may also want to check out my other article, where I wrote about the places worth visiting in Sitiawan.