If there is one thing that Malaysia has in spades, it is natural beauty. And that is exactly what I was hoping for when I took off to Langkawi for a few days of rest. What I didn’t expect to find was a series of foodie hidden gems! From the get-go, Langkawi wasn’t just about scenic landscapes; it was about stumbling upon one foodie paradise after another, each one arguably more impressive than the last. As well as incredible food, each place on this list had a unique atmosphere, or gorgeous aesthetic. While most of these weren’t your typical or “traditional” Malaysian foods, it was all delicious. Some of the following places were recommended by a local friend, and some were found by happy accident. Missing from this list is the restaurant where I had an incredible banana-leaf Indian meal, but alas, its name escapes me, and Google Maps seems to have misplaced it too.
The following list is in no particular order, however, I did save the best for last.
Ngopi Pantai Coffee Bar
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ewYBvAvgg8h9zFTD6
This cute little cafe is right in the middle of one of my favourite beaches on Langkawi. Some of the surrounding hotels are under construction at the moment, so a few of the access roads are closed. This makes it a bit tricky to find, and is probably the reason that we basically had the whole beach to ourselves each time we visited. At Ngopi Pantai there is coffee and juice, as well as a handful of other chilled drinks. There is also a small selection of cakes (when I visited there were cheesecakes, danishes and cinnamon rolls). There is a cafe serving breakfast next door, and you can eat their food at Ngopi Pantai, however that I definitely DON’T recommend as it was the only disappointing meal I had in Langkawi. Come after breakfast for a coffee and post-breaky dessert, and a swim in the beautifully empty beach.
Red Tomato
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gsxeYtNtfms4meUEA
Red Tomato is an Italian inspired cafe, close to the tourist centre of Pantai Cenang. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We sat in the front courtyard, surrounded by plants, and with some cute cats curled up around our feet. The owner was lovely and the cafe makes its own focaccia bread which is definitely worth a try.
The Fat Frog
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SXmPadnRWKqrkGMMA
The Fat Frog was one of my happy-accidental finds, as I stumbled across it while searching for something on the map. It actually didn’t occur to me until after ordering that the entire menu was either vegetarian or vegan. The cafe is perched up on a hill, overlooking a golf course. They open for lunch and dinner each day (except Tuesday), but close for a few hours in between. We went for a late lunch and relaxed the afternoon away until they closed at 4pm. There also appears to be a wine bar connected, but it did not appear to be open when we were there. There is a nice selection of meals (which are amazing whether you are vegetarian or not) and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks as well as beer, wine and cocktails. They also have a variety of home made (and some vegan) cakes and desserts, which go perfectly with a coffee or tea while reclining on their lounge chairs on the balcony.
Smiling Buffalo Cafe
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eDnH5YckXkwZWAkr5
This gorgeous breakfast and lunch spot is in a bit of a strange spot, definitely one to grab/drive to. The place is deceptively large, with seating dotted all around the main building, in the stunning, plant filled yard. The atmosphere is super relaxing, and the food and coffee made it easy to want to stay here. A perfect spot for a laid back brunch.
Temonyong Night Market – Thursday
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BHoU6WPdfhfHS5fS7
Only open on Thursday nights (from 6-11pm), this market is a must visit. There is a huge array of food and lots of local specialties. The prices are very reasonable and whether you are after snacks or a full meal, you will find what you’re looking for. Come with an appetite.
Rainbow Langkawi (a bar behind the market) will also let you come in with food from the market, so grab a feast and take yourself to the bar for some drinks with your meal. The owner is very friendly.
Pizza Hills
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wAfw6kTqjCySDppS6
And finally, if there is anywhere on this list that you visit, make it Pizza Hills. I think I would actually return to Langkawi just to eat here again. They are only open for dinner (from 4pm) and booking is essential. This adorable little open plan kitchen and restaurant sits at the top of a very steep hill, quite frankly in the middle of nowhere. But that definitely just adds to its charm. Run by a small local team, this place serves one thing, but boy do they do it well. The woodfired pizza that they prepare (insanely quickly I might add) would make an Italian nonna proud. Their food is halal, and they can meet any allergy or dietary requests that you have. BUT – here’s the fun part, they don’t have any menus! You have a brief chat with the owner and tell them any dietary preferences, and then they bring you whatever they feel like making that day. First, we had a PHENOMENAL double cheese pizza (with some locally made cheese) on a tomato base, with rocket leaves, cherry tomatoes, hazelnuts and a big old slab of honeycomb for drizzling. The second pizza we had was smoked duck, with buffalo mozzarella, dollops of a Branston-pickle-type-thing and thinly sliced zucchini. They have a nice selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks too – we were told to just help ourselves from the fridges.
