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Kedah Eats: 5 Must-Try Dishes for Singaporean Foodies 






Known as the rice bowl of Malaysia, Kedah's culinary identity is deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage. Influenced by Thai flavors due to its proximity to the border, Kedahan dishes offer a unique fusion of Malay and Thai culinary traditions.


From fragrant rice dishes to spicy curries, Kedah's cuisine is a celebration of hearty flavors and comforting aromas. Each dish, steeped in tradition, tells a story of generations past and is lovingly crafted to nourish both body and soul.


But Kedah's culinary offerings extend beyond mere sustenance; they are a testament to the region's cultural diversity and culinary prowess. With an array of spices and exotic herbs infusing every bite, Kedah's cuisine promises an unforgettable dining experience for food enthusiasts.


Curious to explore more of Kedah's culinary treasures? Continue reading our article to uncover the best eats in Kedah and embark on a culinary journey like no other!


  1. Laksa Kedah


(Source: New Straits Times


When in Kedah, you simply can't miss out on laksa Kedah, a beloved local delicacy that tantalizes the taste buds with its unique flavors. This dish features rice noodles bathed in a flavorful fish-based gravy infused with a tangy asam twist, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that are simply irresistible. 


Topped with crisp cucumber, onions, and aromatic herbs like daun kesum, laksa Kedah is a feast for the senses. 


To elevate the experience, it's served alongside an array of fresh ulam, including daun selom, ulam raja, and pucuk gajus, adding a delightful crunch and vibrant freshness to every bite.


Best spots to have Laksa Kedah in Kedah


  • Olala Laksa Cendol 


(Source: New Straits Times


Olala specializes in laksa and cendol, with their authentic laksa Kedah being a standout, priced at just SGD$1.14 per bowl. They also offer a wide variety of cendol options, boasting around 20 variations, including unique flavors like corn, banana, and durian.


Address: 19D, KM3, Jln Putra, Bandar Baru Mergong, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah

Opening Hours: 11:30-18:30 (Saturday-Thursday, closed on Friday)


  • Din Laksa Beras Teluk Kechai 



Locals often recommend Din Laksa for the best laksa in town! Their classic laksa Kedah features a lighter broth base, allowing the flavors of the vibrant coconut sambal to stand out. Don't miss out on their other specialties like ABC, satay, and sambal pulut, ensuring a delightful dining experience every time!


Address: 246 batu 4 1, 4, Jalan Kuala Kedah, Kampung Teluk Kechai, 06600 Alor Setar, Kedah 

Opening Hours: 12:30-19:00 (Saturday-Thursday) 14:30-19:00 (Friday)


  1. Gulai Temenung 


(Source: cookpad


Fish curry is a staple in Malaysia, but Kedah's gulai temenung, or mackerel curry, stands out as a favorite. This dish is priced by the quantity of fish, as the mackerel is small yet flavorful. 


Served with hot white rice, spicy sambal belacan, and fresh ulam, gulai temenung offers a complete and hearty meal that is sure to keep you satisfied. Its rich, aromatic flavors make it a must-try for anyone visiting Kedah.


Best spots to have Gulai Termenung in Kedah


  • Kak Yang Gulai Termenung 


(Source: yatiekitchen


Kak Yang Gulai Termenung is famous for letting customers bring their own seafood to be cooked. Located next to a fresh seafood market, this eatery offers limited but delicious cooking options: cooked with sambal (chili paste), cooked with coconut milk, cooked with turmeric, and cooked with curry.


The gulai termenung, with its rich, flavorful curry and fresh fish, is a standout. Prices are reasonable, averaging SGD$7.17per person including your own seafood. 


Address: Jalan Marina Harbour, 06600 Kuala Kedah, Kedah 

Opening Hours: 08:30-14:30 (Saturday-Thursday, closed on Friday) 


  • Gulai Ikan Termenung Haji Jamil 


(Source: cutecarry


Gulai Ikan Termenung Haji Jamil offers a great dining experience with friendly, helpful staff and a cozy dining area. Their signature dish, the gulai ikan termenung, features fresh fish in a savory, delicious curry. The menu also includes fried fish, battered fish, and soups.


Address: Kampung Tepi Laut, 06600 Kuala Kedah, Kedah

Opening Hours: 07:00-15:00 (Saturday-Thursday, closed on Friday)


  1. Nasi Ulam 


(Source: kuali


Nasi ulam is a beloved traditional dish in Kedah, known for its unique blend of flavors. This dish features rice mixed with finely shredded local herbs and is often served with keladi masak asam, a tangy yam side dish. 


Unlike the vibrant blue nasi kerabu from Kelantan, nasi ulam retains its natural white color, highlighting the freshness of the herbs.


Best spots to have Nasi Ulam in Kedah


  • Nasi Ulam & Nasi Lemuni - MAMI ROZI 


(Source: paklongdriver


Nasi Ulam & Nasi Lemuni - MAMI ROZI offers a nostalgic menu featuring the rare, signature dishes of Kedah. Their Nasi Ulam and Nasi Lemuni are authentic local favorites, known for their rich flavors and a hint of spiciness. This eatery is a must-visit for those seeking to experience the true taste of Kedahan cuisine.


Address: Nasi Ulam & Nasi Lemuni - Mami Rozi, Jalan Ria 4, Taman Ria, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday) 09:00-17:00 (Wednesday) 09:00-19:00 (Saturday and Sunday)


  • Ulam Kampung  


(Source: Ulam Kampung


Ulam Kampung is a cozy restaurant offering a welcoming environment and friendly staff. It's the perfect spot for a family meal, with food served in sets featuring dishes like spicy tamarind, cooked lemak, and fried turmeric. The prices are reasonable, making it an ideal choice for a delightful dining experience in a comfortable atmosphere.


Address: No 3 Sususran Mas Merah, Taman Mas, Maju, Titi Gajah, 06550 Alor Setar, Kedah

Opening Hours: 12:00-22:00 (Wednesday-Sunday, closed on Tuesday)


  1. Satay Semiling 


(Source: TripAdvisor


No food adventure in Kedah is complete without savoring the deliciously smoky flavors of satay! This local favorite features well-seasoned, skewered meat grilled to perfection over hot charcoal. 


In Kedah, you can enjoy a variety of satay, including chicken, beef, lamb, and even rabbit. Don't miss out on this must-try culinary delight!


Best spots to have Satay Semiling in Kedah


  • Satay At Semiling 


(Source: Satay At Semiling


Satay At Semiling is a must-visit for food lovers in Kedah. Renowned for its diverse range of satay, including chicken, beef, and mutton, the Satay At Semiling offers an array of other dishes like tomyam, kerabu (Thai-style mango salad), beef soup, and nasi lemak. 


For those craving Western cuisine, options like chicken chop are available. With reasonable prices, ample parking, and plenty of seating, Satay At Semiling provides a delightful dining experience.


Address: Lot 484 kampung pengkalan luar, Semeling, 08100 Bedong, Kedah

Opening Hours: 14:00-23:30 (Monday-Sunday)


  • Dataran At Satay Semiling 

 


Dataran At Satay Semiling offers a spacious dining area, perfect for family and friends to gather. Known for its affordable satay, you can enjoy chicken and beef satay at SGD$0.12 per stick and lamb at SGD$0.22The chicken satay is particularly juicy and succulent. Overall, it's a great spot for satay lovers. 


Address: Lot 10, Taman Desa Semeling, 08100 Bedong, Kedah

Opening Hours: 15:00-00:00 (Wednesday-Monday) 15:00-23:30 (Tuesday)


  1. Nasi Lemak Royale 


(Source: Carilocal


In Kedah, nasi lemak is given a royal makeover with a unique and delightful twist known as Nasi Lemak Royale. Unlike the traditional nasi lemak, this version features bright yellow rice, adding a vibrant visual appeal. 


What truly sets it apart is its nasi kandar-style presentation and the kuah campur banjir—a delicious mix of different flavorful curries that drench the rice in a rich, savory sauce. This combination elevates the classic dish into a royal feast, making it a must-try for any visitor to Kedah.


Best spots to have Nasi Lemak Royale in Kedah


  • Restoran SMR Nasi Lemak Royale 



Restoran SMR Nasi Lemak Royale offers a nostalgic dining experience, famed for its unique take on Nasi Lemak. The taste leans towards the sweeter side and is moderately spicy, but you'll find no sambal here.


The chicken options, both fried and masak merah, are fresh and juicy, though some might find them lacking in marinade. Despite this, the overall experience is highly enjoyable. Prices are comparable to those in Kuala Lumpur, with a meal including chicken, cabbage, and egg costing around SGD$2.87, excluding drinks. If you're a fan of Nasi Kandar, this place is a must-try!


Address: 10, Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, Alor Malai, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah

Opening Hours: 07:30-14:30 (Monday-Sunday)


  • Suzihasmi Nasi Lemak Royal



Suzihasmi Nasi Lemak Royal is a must-visit restaurant known for its delicious food and reasonable prices. The menu features Nasi Lemak wraps and Nasi Lemak served with a variety of side dishes. Additionally, the restaurant offers a selection of burgers, catering to diverse tastes. 


Whether you're craving traditional Malaysian flavors or something different, Suzihasmi Nasi Lemak Royal has something for everyone.


Address: A165, Jalan Mutiara 1, Taman Mutiara Indah, 08000 Sungai Petani, 

                 Kedah

Opening Hours: 17:00-01:00 (Sunday-Friday, closed on Saturday)



Tell us more about your food adventures!


Calling all you foodies! Have you experienced the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Kedah? Whether it’s the mouthwatering Laksa Kedah, the rich Gulai Temenung, the aromatic Nasi Ulam, or the unique Nasi Lemak Royale, we want to hear from you. 


Share your culinary adventures and favorite dishes from Kedah with us at gomalaysia@uee.com.sg. Join our community and subscribe to our blog to stay updated on the latest in travel. 


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