Serving as the border to Thailand, Kedah lies up north of Malaysia. This charming state is significantly recognized as a home to the Jewel of Kedah–Langkawi–one of the most beautiful islands in the country.
This quaint state is also widely known as the rice bowl of Malaysia, or Negeri Jelapang Padi, as it is the largest rice producer for the country. Alongside its awesome attractions, Kedah’s cuisine is also exceptional and alluring for food lovers.
Check out these 10 unique dishes in Kedah that you must try!
Laksa Kedah
A popular dish in Kedah, laksa Kedah is a must-have whenever you come here. The dish consists of rice noodles in fish-based gravy with tangy asam flavour. It is garnished with cucumber and onions as well as fragranced herbs such as daun kesum. For laksa Kedah, it is served with variety of finely-sliced ulam, like daun selom, ulam raja and pucuk gajus.
Zakaria Laksa Teluk Kechai
Address: 250, Jalan Kuala Kedah, Kampung Klong Hoi, 06600 Alor Setar, Kedah
Contact: +604-762 1071
Opening Hours: Saturday – Thursday: 12.00 pm – 7.00 pm (Closed on Friday)
Fish curry is a common dish in Malaysia, which can be found almost anywhere. However, gulai temenung, or mackerel curry, is an all-time favourite Kedah’s dish. Since the fish is small, it is usually priced according to the quantity of fish. Served with hot white rice, sambal belacan and fresh ulam–a complete hearty meal to keep you satisfied.
Kak Yang Gulai Temenung
Address: Jalan Marina Harbour, Kuala Kedah, 06600 Alor Setar, Kedah
Contact: +6019-282 5922
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 8.15 am – 2.30 pm (Closed on Monday)
Nasi Lemak Royale
Here in Kedah, nasi lemak is given a royal treatment and a fun twist. Interestingly, nasi lemak Royale doesn’t look like the typical standard nasi lemak. Served in nasi kandar-style, this dish consists of yellow bright rice with the must-have kuah campur banjir, which is a mixed gravy of different scrumptious curries.
Nasi Lemak Royale
Address: 424/A, Lebuhraya Sultan Abdul Halim, 05300 Alor Setar, Kedah
Contact: +6012-409 6360
Opening Hours: Daily, 4.00 pm – 2.00 am
Kuey Teow
Fried kuey teow is a typical street food in Malaysia. This noodle dish consists of flat rice noodles along with other ingredients. Meanwhile in Kedah, you can have a plate of kuey teow loaded with cockles – kuey teow kerang. Or even better, top it off with sunny side up fried egg!
Iman Kuey Teow
Address: Susuran Talapia, Taman Pandan, Lebuhraya Sultanah Bahiyah, Taman Pandan, 05350 Alor Setar, Kedah
Contact: +6013-674 9320
Opening Hours: Daily, 7.00 pm – 1.00 am
Nasi Ayam
Nasi ayam or chicken rice is a common Hainanese dish. Interestingly, you must try Malay-style chicken rice right here in Kedah. Coined as the best nasi ayam in the city, it consists of buttery rice cooked with chicken broth and roasted chicken. Of course, it comes with special chili sambal to give it a kick.
Tat Nasi Ayam
Address: Kompleks Perniagaan Utama, Lebuhraya Sultanah Bahiyah, 05350 Alor Setar, Kedah
Contact: +6012-422 7940
Opening Hours: Daily, 10.00 am – 1.30 am
Nasi Ulam
Nasi ulam is a popular traditional dish in Kedah. Just like the name suggests, the rice is mixed with the shredded ulam and paired it with keladi masak asam as side dish. Unlike nasi kerabu from Kelantan, nasi ulam is white in colour.
Pak Din Nasi Ulam Sayur Keladi
Address: 13, Jalan Sarina 2, Taman Tunku Sarina, 06000 Jitra, Kedah
Contact: +6011-2193 1393
Opening Hours: Daily, 4.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Satay
Your food trip to Kedah will never be complete without trying this superbly tasty satay! A local favourite, well-seasoned and skewered meat grilled over burning hot charcoal that gives it smoky flavour. It comes with a variety of choices, including chicken, beef, lamb, and rabbit.
AT Satay Semeling
Address: 56, Jalan Raya Semeling, Kampung Mata Hari Naik, 08100 Bedong, Kedah
Contact: +6017-552 5701
Opening Hours: Daily, 3.00 pm – 12.00 am
Mee Udang Tsunami
Prawn noodle is a highly cherished dish in Kedah. One of the most sought-after Kedah’s noodle dishes, mee udang Tsunami is a special one. It comes with lusciously thick and sweet gravy, loaded with a generous portion of fresh prawns.
Selera Dataran Tsunami
Address: Kampung Kepala Jalan, 08500 Kota Kuala Kedah, Kedah
Contact: +6019-417 9897
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9.00 am – 11.00 pm (Closed on Monday)
Mee Rebus
Another scrumptious noodle dish that you must try in Kedah is mee rebus. This dish comprises of yellow noodles, served with thick, spicy potato-based gravy and garnished with hard-boiled egg and crunchy bean sprouts. What makes mee rebus Kedah-style different is that it is served with cucur udang or prawn fritters. Yum!
Zul Mee Rebus
Address: Jalan Anak Bukit, Titi Gajah, 06550 Alor Setar, Kedah
Opening Hours: Daily, 12.30 pm – 7.00 pm
Pekasam
Not many people know this classic dish, yet it is well-renown in Kedah. In fact, the production of pekasam is concentrated at the northern states, including Kedah as one of the main producers. Pekasam refers to fermented food, particularly fermented fish. You can buy a ready packed pekasam as a souvenir and have it at home.
Ikan Pekasam Utara
Address: Kampung Nangka, 08500 Kota Kuala Kedah, Kedah
Contact: +6017-535 7600
Opening Hours: Daily, 10.00 am – 10.00 pm
There you go; 10 unique and flavourful local dishes that you must try in Kedah. So where are you heading to for your next foodie trip? For more food-hunting guides and experiences, check out KKday now!
Featured image by YSK1 on Shutterstock
