HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE
“CHICKEN JOE’S”
(Kuah)
One of the absolute best Hainanese Chicken restaurants on Langkawi, Chicken Joe’s offers a single piece of this succulent chicken with steamed rice, vegetable broth and a spicy secret sauce, plus lots of cilantro, for only RM6. If you are hungrier the price goes up to RM12 for a quarter chicken. The chicken is slow steamed, using a classic Hainanese recipe, in a way that infuses flavor and keeps it moist. It’s served at room temperature and the subtle match of flavors will keep you coming back time and again.
*Open: Daily 11:00am-2:00pm Tel: 011-1059 3238. *New location June 2023
Can read more HERE
MAKLANG CAFE
(Kuah)
Fancy a delicious bowl of Laksa? Now that Maklang Cafe is open, getting a bowl of Laksa can be a convenient quick bite or a quiet leisurely lunch within the peaceful ambiance of a Langkawi kampung. Not an easy feat considering the kampung is in ‘downtown’ Kuah, but owner-chef-ceramicist Radzi Ismail of ILHAM Ceramics has done it!
Maklang Cafe is located right next door to Ilham Ceramic Studio, where Radzi has spent the past 10 years perfecting his expertise in ceramics and pottery. In addition to him being just a really nice guy and talented artist, he has always had a side passion for cooking and food. Combined with a few family recipes, Maklang Cafe is sure to be another Radzi Ismail success!
*Open Saturday thru Wednesday 11:00am – 6:00pm. Tel: 013-599 4022
CHARLIE’S BAR & GRILL
ROYAL LANGKAWI YACHT CLUB
(Kuah)
With its long L-shaped bar Charlie’s is a favorite watering hole for both local and international sailors from ports far and wide. Charlie’s Place is about location, cold drinks and food. Often crowded during sailing events it can be a peaceful respite from Kuah Town most times. With its covered open-air deck overlooking busy Kuah Harbor it is the place to dine and enjoy the view. The menu offers a variety of Western and Malay dishes from Hamburgers and Sandwiches to Fish and Chips, to a traditional Malay Rendang.
*Open: Daily 8:30am – 11:00pm Tel: 04-966 4078. Can read more HERE
ART CAFE
(Kuah)
Art Cafe is located in the Central Banking District in Kuah. This corner shop is unique in Langkawi. The Art Café supports the local art community and the work of local artists adorns the walls creating an eclectic and creative atmosphere. The menu boasts a very inventive tapas selection, in addition to soups, salads and sandwiches created with a delicious twist. Breakfast is also served all day. A popular café where expats and locals meet to partake of their fresh coffee and catch up on daily events. Beer and wine are also available.
*Open: Daily 11:00am Tel: 04 961 1986 *New location: 54 Pandak Mayah 5 Kuah. Can read more HERE
FB CAFÉ NAPOLI PIZZA
(Ulu Melaka)
Despite the fact that over 300 Google reviews have been posted about FB Cafe Napoli Pizza, I had not heard about them through my usual channels. FB Café was word-of-mouth recommended to me by a local expat. Excellent pizza and calzone, very generous portions, cosy eclectic ambience, and lovely staff. Chef (owner) Fazli Baharom doesn’t cut corners either. He uses imported Italian ingredients, as well as fresh local produce. Even the Mozzarella comes from nearby 99 Island Cheese Buffalo Farm. A must try! Located on the main road in Ulu Melaka (near the Mosque), look for the FB Cafe Napoli Pizza sign next to the road.
*Open: Daily 5:00pm – 10:30pm Tel: 017-430 5921
PIA’S THE PADI
(Ulu Melaka)
Formerly known as Jimmy’s Cafe in Pantai Cenang, Pia’s the Padi is the new incarnation of the old favorite. This open-air dining venue is located in Ulu Melaka smack dab in the Padi Fields under the watchful gaze of Gunung Raya. The menu offers Western, Northern Indian, Malay and Chinese food all made with fresh ingredients by proprietor and chef Jimmy. Excellent food at reasonable prices Jimmy’s has a loyal following not only with locals, but international visitors alike. Beer and wine are also available.
*Open: Daily 12noon-11:00pm Tel: (01)2 493 3713 / (01)2 401 3374
SANDS RESTAURANT at TANJUNG RHU RESORT
(Tanjung Rhu Beach)
Sands Restaurant is Tanjung Rhu Resort’s one stop dining offering delicious Asian and International cuisine all day, starting with their extensive Bubbly Breakfast Buffet from 7:00am until 11:00am. The open-air restaurant is surrounded by tropical foliage and glimmering views of the sea, giving the spacious dining venue a relaxing ambiance. Lunch and dinner options are offered daily from noon to 11:00pm.
Sands’ breakfast buffet offers popular morning bites, which surprisingly includes Eggs Benedict! For the afternoon and evening crowds, the menu leans more towards Asian fusion, with Beef and Chicken Satay, Tanjung Rhu Kampung Fried Rice and Curry Samosas being especially big hits with patrons. Prefer to dine poolside? Sands Pool Bar offers poolside dining from 12:00noon until 8:00pm, including beverages of choice from the bar. *Open daily: 7:00am-11:00am / 12:00pm- 11:00pm Tel: +604 959 1033
SAFFRON SPORTS BAR at TANJUNG RHU RESORT
(Tanjung Rhu Beach)
Nothing beats a seaside pub after a long day at the beach, and Saffron delivers, with a Mexican decor twist. Saffron’s casual indoor-outdoor dining offers a front row seat sunset view, pool tables and a well-stocked bar. But what they are famous for is their pizzas. Wood-fired to perfection, with a tantalizing aroma wafting through the sea breeze. Perfect dining for the just of the beach crowd or those who prefer a no muss no fuss eating and drinking option. Trust me, margaritas taste a whole lot better with a sunset sea view.
Saffron’s pizzas are not only delicious, they are also affordable. From Margherita to good old fashioned Beef Pepperoni, the fresh ingredients are bursting with flavor. Generous portions too. Try their new Curry Mutton Pizza, it’s amazing! *Open daily 5:00pm- 12:00am. Tel: +604 959 1033
CHEF’S TABLE at TANJUNG RHU RESORT
(Tanjung Rhu Beach)
Chef’s Table is Tanjung Rhu Resort’s fine dining experience. The glass enclosed seaside restaurant is spacious, has an understated elegance, and offers a panoramic sunset view. And although it’s far from a pretentious eatery, the staff and cuisine will make this dining experience one to remember. It’s classy and the food is incredible. The restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine with a unique island twist. Using fresh local ingredients, the chef’s culinary creations will take you on a gastronomical experience you truly won’t forget. Dishes like Pan-seared Sea Bass, Parmesan Crusted Lamb Rack, Tanjung Rhu Ravioli, Lobster based Tomato Soup and Tuna Carpaccio are delicious.
Chef’s Table also offers 3-hour Private Beach BBQ Dinners and Private Beach Romantic Dinners, bringing their delectable cuisine and fine dining experience to your exclusive table on the beach. It’s elegant, romantic and a slice of dining paradise worthy of any special occasion or small gathering of friends. *Open Sunday through Friday 6:30pm- 11:00pm. Tel: +604 959 1033
SCARBOROUGH FISH & CHIPS
(Tanjung Rhu Beach)
Tucked into a small renovated building right on the beach in Pantai Tanjung Rhu, Scarboroughs has become an institution among locals over the years. Inspired by the owner’s years living in London, this is hands down the best traditional English Fish and Chips on the island. With a constant sea breeze, sand under your feet and cold beer, the charm is not only great food but, location, location, location. Scarborough’s also has a second location at Fisherman’s Wharf in Kuah right on the busy harbor to serve up Fish and Chips to hungry sailors.
*Open: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00am-9:00pm Tel: (01)2 352 2236. Can read more HERE