25 Best Kelantan Food You Should Try

Kelantan has a unique food culture, with traditional dishes that reflect the state's Malay heritage. The food is known for its rich flavours, use of coconut milk, fish and traditional ingredients. From nasi kerabu to nasi dagang, Kelantan has a range of dishes worth trying. These 25 foods to try in Kelantan cover the best local dishes.

Rice Dishes

1. Nasi Kerabu

Nasi Kerabu is a traditional Kelantan dish, made with blue rice (coloured with butterfly pea flower), herbs, vegetables and fish. It is one of the most famous Kelantan dishes. The blue rice is distinctive, and the herbs give it a fresh flavour.

2. Nasi Dagang

Nasi Dagang is a traditional Kelantan dish, made with glutinous rice, fish curry and coconut milk. It is a popular breakfast dish. The rice is steamed with coconut milk, giving it a rich flavour.

3. Nasi Tumpang

Nasi Tumpang is a traditional Kelantan dish, made with rice shaped into a cone, filled with fish curry, vegetables and egg. It is a popular takeaway dish.

4. Nasi Berlauk

Nasi Berlauk is a rice dish served with a variety of side dishes, including fish, meat and vegetables. It is a popular breakfast and lunch dish.

5. Nasi Ulam

Nasi Ulam is a rice dish mixed with herbs and spices. It is a traditional Malay dish, popular in Kelantan.

Noodle Dishes

6. Laksam

Laksam is a traditional Kelantan noodle dish, made with flat rice noodles and fish broth. The broth is made with fish, coconut milk and spices. It is a popular local dish.

7. Laksa Kelantan

Laksa Kelantan is a noodle dish, made with rice noodles and fish broth. It is similar to laksam but with a different noodle. It is a popular local dish.

8. Mee Calong

Mee Calong is a noodle dish, popular in Kelantan. It is made with yellow noodles and a fish-based broth.

Meat Dishes

9. Ayam Percik

Ayam Percik is a grilled chicken dish, made with a spicy coconut sauce. The chicken is marinated and grilled, then served with a percik sauce. It is a popular Kelantan dish.

10. Solok Lada

Solok Lada is a dish made with green chillies stuffed with fish paste and cooked in coconut milk. It is a traditional Kelantan dish.

11. Daging Masak Lembak

Daging Masak Lembak is a beef dish cooked in coconut milk and spices. It is a traditional Kelantan dish.

12. Ikan Masak Lemak

Ikan Masak Lemak is a fish dish cooked in coconut milk and spices. It is a traditional Kelantan dish.

Snacks and Kuih

13. Akok

Akok is a traditional Kelantan dessert, made with eggs, coconut milk and sugar. It is a baked dessert, with a distinctive shape and texture. It is a popular local snack.

14. Kuih Tradisional Kelantan

Kelantan has a range of traditional kuih (snacks), including kuih lapis, kuih talam and other local varieties. They are popular snacks.

15. Kuih Telinga Keling

Kuih Telinga Keling is a traditional Kelantan snack, made with a crispy pastry. It is a popular snack.

16. Keropok

Keropok is a fish cracker, popular in Kelantan. It is made with fish and sago flour. It is a popular snack.

17. Keropok Lekor

Keropok Lekor is a fish sausage, popular in Kelantan. It is made with fish and sago flour, and is usually fried or steamed.

Desserts

18. Kuih Seri Muka

Kuih Seri Muka is a two-layered steamed cake, with a green top layer (pandan) and a white bottom layer (coconut). It is a popular dessert.

19. Kuih Bingka

Kuih Bingka is a baked cassava cake, made with cassava, coconut milk and sugar. It is a popular dessert.

20. Kuih Lapis

Kuih Lapis is a layered steamed cake, made with coconut milk and rice flour. It is a popular snack.

Traditional Drinks

21. Air Mawar

Air Mawar is a rose water drink, popular in Kelantan. It is a refreshing drink.

22. Air Sirap

Air Sirap is a rose syrup drink, popular in Kelantan. It is a refreshing drink.

23. Teh Tarik

Teh Tarik is a hot milk tea, popular in Malaysia. It is a popular drink in Kelantan.

Other Dishes

24. Roti Titab

Roti Titab is a traditional Kelantan dish, made with bread, egg and sugar. It is a popular breakfast dish.

25. Sup Tulang

Sup Tulang is a bone soup, popular in Kelantan. It is made with beef bones and spices.

Where to Try Kelantan Food

• Kota Bharu: The markets and food stalls in Kota Bharu are the best places to try Kelantan food. See our best food places in Kota Bharu guide.
• Pasar Siti Khadijah: The market has food stalls serving a range of local dishes. See our best markets and shopping places in Kota Bharu guide.
• Other towns: Local restaurants and stalls in Bachok, Tumpat and other towns serve traditional Kelantan dishes. See our places to visit in Kelantan guide.

Practical Tips

• Spice level: Kelantan food can be spicy. Ask about the spice level if you are sensitive to chilli.
• Halal: Most Malay restaurants in Kelantan are halal.
• Timing: Some dishes are only available at certain times. Ask locally for the best time to try specific dishes.
• Hygiene: Choose busy stalls and restaurants — they usually have a high turnover of food.
• Cash: Bring cash — some stalls may not accept cards.

FAQ

What food is Kelantan famous for?

Kelantan is famous for nasi kerabu, nasi dagang, laksam, ayam percik and akok. See our best food places in Kota Bharu guide.

What is nasi kerabu?

Nasi Kerabu is a traditional Kelantan dish, made with blue rice (coloured with butterfly pea flower), herbs, vegetables and fish. It is one of the most famous Kelantan dishes.

What is nasi dagang?

Nasi Dagang is a traditional Kelantan dish, made with glutinous rice, fish curry and coconut milk. It is a popular breakfast dish.

Is Kelantan food spicy?

Kelantan food can be spicy. Ask about the spice level if you are sensitive to chilli. See our best food in Kelantan guide.

Conclusion

Kelantan has a unique food culture, with traditional dishes that reflect the state's Malay heritage. For more ideas, see our best food places in Kota Bharu, places to visit in Kota Bharu and places to visit in Kelantan guides.