I’ve previously written about some of my favourite places to eat in my hometown of Kuantan (you can read Pt.1 here: Mynn’s Top 10 Favourite Eats in Kuantan, Pahang). Those were the places that I must go to whenever I make a trip back home because the tastes just bring back so much nostalgia. Most of the restaurants that I wrote about in the first post have been around for a long long time. However, in this Pt.2 of more things to eat in Kuantan, I’ve decided to break down the restaurants/cafes into a few categories for a little more variety. Some are old establishments, some new, and some so popular that you’ll have to line up for ages.

The town (and about to be declared a city in 2020) of Kuantan is the largest one on the east coast of peninsula Malaysia. It faces the South China Sea and is the capital of the state of Pahang. I believe my hometown is famous for its coastal beaches and seafood; and I have recently come to love going back to surf in the nearby village of Cherating (read about my experience here: Surfing in Cherating). While there’s not much to explore in the city centre itself, Kuantan does have its fair share of pretty delicious eats. So here’s Pt.2 of my Kuantan food list!

Mynn’s Top 10 More Things to Eat in Kuantan
1. Pak Su Seafood Restaurant
2. Akob Patin House
3. Hai Peng Kopitiam Kuantan
4. Restoran Lin Chi Kang Taman Kuantan
5. Dapur Mama Original Nasi Kukus
6. Eda Yasin Nasi Minyak Warisan Tg. Api
7. Kula Cakes
8. 90 Degrees Cafe and Art
9. Lila Wadi Restaurant
10. La Casa Kuantan

**At the time of writing, we’re in the midst of Malaysia’s Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) due to the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic; and because we cannot fly out of the country at the moment, many Malaysians are planning holidays within the country. It’s an unprecedented time to be a travel blogger, so I’m taking the opportunity to write more about my beloved country. And while we’re on our “Cuti-Cuti Malaysia”, don’t forget to adhere to all the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place. Read more about my Malaysian travels here.

SEAFOOD

1. Pak Su Seafood Restaurant

Now, if you’re looking to dine on some delicious fresh seafood while facing the ocean — there’s no where better than at the Pak Su Seafood Restaurant along Beserah Beach. It’s a little further away from the city centre, and best reached if you have your own transport.

My family have been patrons of this seaside seafood place for years, and we come whenever we feel like eating the restaurant’s popular Stuffed Crabs (they cost RM8 per piece); and I love it because it’s basically the crab shell stuffed with lots of crab meat, and I get to enjoy spoonfuls of crab meat while avoiding the hassle of getting my hands dirty! The butter prawns and steamed fish dishes are pretty good too. Prices for seafood are pretty reasonable here, though service can be a wee bit slow. Most people however, come for the wonderful al fresco dining accompanied by the view of the South China Sea, the sound of the waves, and the lovely sea breeze.

Location: 4/1417, Jalan Beserah, Tanah Putih, 25150 Kuantan.
Operatings Hours: 11.30am-2.30pm & 5.30pm-12am, daily. Halal.
Contact: Facebook

2. Akob Patin House

One of the specialty dishes of Pahang that I love is the “Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak” — which is freshwater Patin (silver catfish) steamed in a fermented durian paste. Due to its durian base, you can smell the waft of tempoyak from afar. It is a delicious smell to me; but like all things ‘durian’, it really is an acquired taste. The dish hails from the smaller Pahang town of Temerloh, which is a frequent pit-stop to have this one-of-a-kind dish on my trips from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan. Patin Tempoyak is widely served in Kuantan too.

One of the most popular places to get it in Kuantan is the Akob Patin House; and they have three branches around the city. Other than their signature dish, the restaurant also has a variety of other Malay dishes to go with your meal. There are two kinds of patin served at the restaurant — the Patin Mas cost about RM20 a piece, and the Patin Buah ranges from RM30-RM35.

Location: Akob Patin House 1, A2 Lorong Haji Abdul Rahman 1, 25000 Kuantan.
Operatings Hours: 8.30am-6pm, closed Sundays.
Contact: Facebook

CHINESE

3. Hai Peng Kopitiam Kuantan

The famous Hai Peng Kopitiam is originally located in the town of Kemaman in Terengganu — about an hours or so drive from Kuantan. However, there is a branch here in Kuantan, and it is equally as good and pretty popular too.

The Hai Peng Kopitiam (coffee shop) is of course, well-known for its home-brewed coffee; and the Roti Kahwin (RM2.60), sliced toast spread with home-made kaya and margarine. Most people also come for their Nasi Lemak (RM8) that is served with delicious chicken drumstick curry, and the special Laksa Hai Peng (RM6) that I would describe as a mixture of assam laksa and curry noodles. The laksa makes me feel like I am eating assam laksa with its typical fish stock, shredded cucumber, onions and mint leaves; but with yellow noodles and a slight curry taste. Definitely a must-try if you’re in either town!

Location: Jalan Haji Abdul Aziz, 25000 Kuantan.
Operatings Hours: 9.00am-6.00pm Mondays to Fridays, 9.30am-5.00pm Sundays, closed Saturdays. Halal.

4. Restoran Lin Chi Kang Taman Kuantan

I wouldn’t say the Lin Chi Kang Taman Kuantan Restaurant is wildly popular or a definite Kuantan must-try, but I’ve decided to include it in my list because who doesn’t love something different? I just thought it pretty special that this small unassuming restaurant with only 3 small hawker stalls can attract quite a crowd.

People usually visit the restaurant for a bowl of the restaurant’s namesake bowl of Chinese dessert called the Lin Chi Kang (sweet lotus seed soup) for RM3; and the very unique Three-Colored Pan Mee (Chinese noodle dish) for RM6.50. The colors are derived from natural ingredients — red from the dragonfruit, orange from carrots, and green from spinach; and you can choose either the thicker or thinner noodles. It has got that traditional taste and the soup is packed with flavors, so I’d say it’s a pretty good bowl of Pan Mee. There’s also a curry noodle stall in the restaurant that is just as popular.

Location: A4392, Jalan Teluk Sisek, Taman Plaza, 25050 Kuantan.
Operatings Hours: 6.00-11.00pm, closed Sundays.

MALAY

5. Dapur Mama Original Nasi Kukus

I’ve always been a big fan of Nasi Kukus, which is basically steamed rice doused with spicy gravies. It is most commonly served with ayam berempah (fried chicken with spices), but you can also have it with any meat of your choice. Nasi Kukus is an east coast delicacy — and here in Kuantan, one of the best places to get a taste of this delicious meal is at Dapur Mama Original Nasi Kukus. The original restaurant is located in Kuantan’s Indera Mahkota township; though it has branched out with another two shops now — one in Kuantan town centre; and one in Bangi, Selangor.

It’s pretty easy to order your meal from the signboard menu — the Nasi Kukus here comes with either ayam berempah, ayam masak merah (chicken cooked in dried chillies red-sambal), ayam kampung (free-range friend chicken), or daging kerutuk (beef in coconut-based spicy curry). They are served as a set with prices from RM11.65 (with additional salted egg, curry pineapple and drinks); or ala-carte from RM9.00.

Location: 36, Jln IM 6/7, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan.
Operatings Hours: 10.00am-11.00pm, daily.
Contact: Instagram | Facebook

6. Eda Yasin Nasi Minyak Warisan Tg. Api

Here’s a breakfast place that’s very popular among the locals. The Eda Yasin Nasi Minyak Warisan Tanjung Api Restaurant is located within the fishing village of Tanjung Api. Not one for a filling rice breakfast all the time, we seldom visit. However, I have to admit that when we do, our appetite is always satiated and satisfied! The food is delicious, and if you love a good old plate of traditional Malay food; this is a great place to visit.

The restaurant is famous for its Nasi Minyak (oily rice); which is rice cooked with ghee and spices, and served with gulai ayam (a curry chicken dish). Other than that, they also serve other popular dishes like the Nasi Kerabu (blue-colored rice with a mixture of salads), Nasi Dagang (steamed coconut rice with curry fish), Nasi Pulut (yellow glutinous rice) and Laksam (rice noodle with thick fish-coconut gravy). You can pick and add in a variety of other dishes on display too. Prices per dish start from RM5.

Location: Jalan Tanjung Api, Kampung Tanjung Api, 25050 Kuantan.
Operatings Hours: 6.30am-2.00pm, closed Mondays.
Contact: Facebook

CAFE

7. Kula Cakes

The very first time I tried the wildly popular Mango Cheesecake from Kula Cakes was when my sister bought it to celebrate my birthday. My very first bite into this sweet, soft and fluffy cake solidified it as one of the best cheesecakes I’ve ever tasted (also due to the fact I love mango)! From then on, Kula Cakes has been a must-visit whenever I make a trip back to Kuantan — either to dine in, or for takeaway (pre-order online because the queue can get really long).

Opened in 2013, Kula Cakes’ dine-in area features a beautiful park-like concept with greeneries and murals on the walls. You can also savor many other variety of cakes like pavlova, red velvet cakes, carrot cakes and brownies. A piece of Mango Cheesecake costs RM8.40; but for takeaway, why not go big with the 1/2kg cake for RM60, or the 1kg for RM90!

Location: 96, Jalan Besar, 25000 Kuantan.
Operatings Hours: 11.00am-6.00pm, daily.
Contact: Instagram | Website

8. 90 Degrees Café & Art

Due to the cafe culture going around the country (and the world), many pretty cafes have been popping up around Kuantan too. I always find it fun going around and searching for such instagrammable spots — especially if they go along with decent food, coffee and cakes.

If there is one cafe that could warrant a visit in Kuantan, I’d go with the 90 Degrees Cafe and Art. It’s a lovely place to go for brunch (for the big breakfasts, pastas, pizzas and sorts); however, if you’re in for just coffee, tea and cakes — they have really good choices too! I ordered the waffles during my last visit to the cafe, and I have to say (even though I’m not a huge fan of waffles), they were surprisingly delicious. The cafe has a pretty rustic look with different wooden furnitures paired together. There’s also a small Art Gallery on the first floor.

Location: 882, Jalan Air Putih, Taman Imbi, 25300 Kuantan.
Operatings Hours: 10.00am-11.00pm, closed Tuesdays.
Contact: Instagram | Facebook

INTERNATIONAL

9. Lila Wadi Restaurant

If you’re looking to dine at an affordable yet cozy restaurant that serves international and local cuisine in Kuantan — Lila Wadi is it. The restaurant features an al-fresco dining area; housed in a converted bungalow lot along the road towards Kuantan’s main beach of Teluk Chempedak. It opens from evening to just before midnight (for dinner only); therefore you don’t have to worry about the Malaysian humid weather while enjoying your meal outdoors.

Lila Wadi’s food ranges from international dishes and pastas, to local fried rice and tomyam — and they even serve a pan bbq steamboat meal for 2. Food is commendable; plus you can also get a taste of Kula Cakes’ (point no.7 above) famous Mango Cheesecake here, as both are sister companies. And don’t forget to try the yummy Pandan Cooler drink too!

Location: Lorong Selamat 21, Taman Kerjasama, 25050 Kuantan.
Operatings Hours: 5.00-11.30pm, daily.
Contact: Website | Instagram

10. La Casa Kuantan

Looking for a fine-dining and family-friendly restaurant to impress someone on your trip to Kuantan? I thought I’d include the classy La Casa Kuantan on the list to make your search easier! Yet another restaurant housed in a converted bungalow lot on the way to Kuantan’s Teluk Chempedak Beach, La Casa features both an al-fresco and an indoor dining area. Warm and soft lighting provides a pretty romantic ambiance; and the restaurant is suitable for celebrations, family functions and small events.

The restaurant serves western cuisine like steaks, chicken and seafood; as well as Mediterranean-inspired dishes like tapas, pastas and pizzas. During my visit I ordered the slow-cooked beef ribs — and it was soft and tender, and absolutely yummy! And after your lovely meal at La Casa, you can continue the short drive up the road for a night walk along the beach for some refreshing sea breeze.

Location: A-1820, Jalan Teluk Cempedak, Taman Teluk Cempedak, 25050 Kuantan.
Operatings Hours: 6.00pm-12.00am, closed Mondays.
Contact: Website | Facebook

Find out about other places to eat in Kuantan here:- Mynn’s Top 10 Favourite Eats in Kuantan, Pahang.