What Food To Try in Langkawi and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Langkawi for 2024.
National currency: Malaysian Ringgit, symbol — RM (international currency code MYR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Langkawi cafes and restaurants
$2.9
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.94
$24.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $24.46
$3.7
Combo Meal
Starting from $2.94
What to Try in Langkawi
Must-try Dishes
Roti Canai - Flaky flatbread served with dhal (lentil curry). This popular breakfast item is crisp on the outside and soft inside, often enjoyed with a side of spicy sambal.Nasi Kandar - Rice served with various curries and side dishes. Locals usually have this hearty meal for lunch, selecting their favorite curries, and it's a common point for family gatherings.
Laksa - Spicy noodle soup with coconut milk and shrimp. You’ll often find this comforting dish in the evening at night markets, usually slurped up with a side of crunchy prawn crackers.
Kerabu Prawns - Spicy salad with shrimp, herbs, and lime. This fresh local specialty is typically served on special occasions and showcases the vibrant flavors of Langkawi’s fresh ingredients.
Char Kway Teow - Stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, egg, and Chinese sausage. A common street food, it's often enjoyed as a late night snack alongside a refreshing drink, though some locals prefer it for dinner.
Gulai Ikan - Fish Curry - Rich coconut milk curry using fresh catch of the day, enhanced with aromatic herbs. Usually enjoyed during special events, it’s a must during festive seasons, when the fish is at its freshest.
Nasi Ulam - Herb rice salad with vegetables and customary dressing. This seasonal dish highlights local produce, best savored in the early evening when the ingredients are at peak flavor.
Ayam Penyet - Smashed fried chicken with chili sambal and rice. You’ll typically see this dish shared among friends for lunch, especially perfect after a hot day exploring Langkawi.
Desserts & Drinks
Teh Tarik - (pulled tea) - This is a frothy, strong cup of black tea blended with condensed milk, then 'pulled' to create a creamy texture. You can find locals enjoying it at roadside stalls, especially in the morning as an energizing start to the day.Sirap Bandung - (rose syrup drink) - A refreshing drink made from sweetened rose syrup, milk, and often some ice. Popular on sweltering afternoons, it can be found at markets and local cafes, especially after a spicy meal—it’s the perfect way to cool down!
Langkawi Ale - (local beer) - A light and crisp lager brewed just for the island, it makes for a great companion while relaxing by the beach. Locals often enjoy it during evening gatherings, particularly during weekends—it has a hint of tropical flavors that echo the island’s vibe.
Keria - (sweet potato doughnut) - These fluffy, ring-shaped pastries are made from sweet potato and fried until golden brown, often rolled in sugar. They are commonly sold at night markets and are a favorite snack anytime; they pair well with a hot cup of tea.
Ice Kacang - (shaved ice dessert) - A colorful mountain of shaved ice topped with syrup, red beans, sweet corn, and evaporated milk makes this a delightful treat on hot days. You’ll see it enjoyed at local hawker stalls, especially during festivals—each vendor puts their personal twist on it.
Food and Groceries in Langkawi
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.04 |
| Oranges | $2.2 |
| Potatoes | $0.98 |
| Apples | $2.2 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.65 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.73 |
| Imported Beer | $0.98 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $12.23 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $2.61 |
| Rice | $0.86 |
| Local Cheese | $61.15 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Sitting in a bustling food court in Kuah one evening, I noticed families sharing pots of steaming seafood and rice while children played nearby, enjoying the freedom of the open-air space. This is a typical scene in Langkawi, where communal eating is the norm, emphasizing connection over formality.
Langkawi's meal times lean towards the tropical rhythm, with breakfast served around 8-10 AM, lunch from 12-2 PM, and dinner typically enjoyed around 7-9 PM. This pattern echoes through the island, with eateries bustling at these hours. Just yesterday, I paid 15 MYR for Nasi Kandar at a popular spot in Cenang, while the same meal can creep up to 25 MYR in upscale restaurants. As for payment methods, cash is still king here. Many street vendors and local diners prefer cash transactions, while more established places may accept cards.
A common mistake among tourists is over-tipping; locals generally round up their bill instead of following a strict percentage. Instead, if the service is excellent, a few RM will suffice.
Walking through the streets of Cenang, you'll see lively dining areas filled with a mix of locals and tourists, especially during dinner hours. It’s also worth noting that the area around Pantai Tengah tends to be more expensive, reflecting its tourist-centric nature. For instance, you might pay 20 MYR for a simple bowl of laksa in Cenang, while in Kuah, the same dish might cost only 10 MYR.
If you’re planning to sample the night markets, make your way there early, around 6 PM, to avoid the rush. These markets offer an array of foods at all price points, typically ranging from 5 to 30 MYR depending on the dish. It’s a local custom to share plates, so don’t hesitate to order a variety and pass them around, creating a more memorable dining experience with friends or family.
Oh, and before I forget, weekends attract larger crowds at eateries, particularly in the aforementioned areas, so reserving a spot at popular restaurants is advisable to secure a table.
As Langkawi’s dining scene evolves, there's an increasing focus on sustainability, with more farm-to-table concepts popping up, reflecting a shift in the local food culture that embraces organic ingredients while preserving traditional flavors. This is certainly a trend to watch in the coming years.
Langkawi's meal times lean towards the tropical rhythm, with breakfast served around 8-10 AM, lunch from 12-2 PM, and dinner typically enjoyed around 7-9 PM. This pattern echoes through the island, with eateries bustling at these hours. Just yesterday, I paid 15 MYR for Nasi Kandar at a popular spot in Cenang, while the same meal can creep up to 25 MYR in upscale restaurants. As for payment methods, cash is still king here. Many street vendors and local diners prefer cash transactions, while more established places may accept cards.
A common mistake among tourists is over-tipping; locals generally round up their bill instead of following a strict percentage. Instead, if the service is excellent, a few RM will suffice.
Walking through the streets of Cenang, you'll see lively dining areas filled with a mix of locals and tourists, especially during dinner hours. It’s also worth noting that the area around Pantai Tengah tends to be more expensive, reflecting its tourist-centric nature. For instance, you might pay 20 MYR for a simple bowl of laksa in Cenang, while in Kuah, the same dish might cost only 10 MYR.
If you’re planning to sample the night markets, make your way there early, around 6 PM, to avoid the rush. These markets offer an array of foods at all price points, typically ranging from 5 to 30 MYR depending on the dish. It’s a local custom to share plates, so don’t hesitate to order a variety and pass them around, creating a more memorable dining experience with friends or family.
Oh, and before I forget, weekends attract larger crowds at eateries, particularly in the aforementioned areas, so reserving a spot at popular restaurants is advisable to secure a table.
As Langkawi’s dining scene evolves, there's an increasing focus on sustainability, with more farm-to-table concepts popping up, reflecting a shift in the local food culture that embraces organic ingredients while preserving traditional flavors. This is certainly a trend to watch in the coming years.