20 Best Food to Try in Perlis

Perlis has a food culture influenced by its location in northern Malaysia, near the Thai border. The food includes traditional northern Malaysian dishes, seafood and local snacks. This guide covers the best food to try in Perlis.

Local Rice Dishes

1. Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is a traditional Malaysian dish, made with coconut rice, sambal, peanuts, anchovies and egg. It is a popular breakfast dish in Perlis.

2. Nasi Dagang

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

3. Nasi Kerabu

Nasi Kerabu is a traditional northern Malaysian dish, made with blue rice, herbs and fish. It is a popular local dish.

4. Nasi Kandar

Nasi Kandar is a northern Malaysian dish, made with rice and a variety of curries. It is a popular local dish.

Seafood

5. Kuala Perlis Seafood

Kuala Perlis is known for its seafood, including fish, prawns, crabs and squid. See our best food places in Kuala Perlis guide.

6. Grilled Fish

Grilled fish is a popular dish in Perlis, especially at Kuala Perlis. It is usually served with a spicy sauce.

7. Butter Prawns

Butter prawns are a popular seafood dish in Perlis. They are made with prawns, butter and curry leaves.

8. Chili Crab

Chili crab is a popular seafood dish in Perlis. It is made with crab, chili sauce and egg.

Northern Malaysian Dishes

9. Laksa Utara

Laksa Utara is a northern Malaysian noodle dish, made with rice noodles and a fish-based broth. It is a popular local dish.

10. Mee Udang

Mee Udang is a noodle dish made with prawns, popular in Perlis. It is a popular local dish.

11. Mee Calong

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

12. Kway Teow

Kway Teow is a noodle dish, popular in northern Malaysia. It is made with flat rice noodles.

Traditional Kuih

13. Kuih Tradisional

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

14. Kuih Lapis

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

15. Kuih Talam

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

Desserts

16. Cendol

Cendol is a cold dessert, made with coconut milk, green jelly and palm sugar. It is a popular dessert, especially in the heat.

17. Ais Kacang

Ais Kacang is a cold dessert, made with shaved ice, beans, jelly and syrup. It is a popular dessert.

18. Pengat

Pengat is a traditional dessert, made with coconut milk, banana and palm sugar. It is a popular local dessert.

Local Snacks

19. Keropok

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

20. Local Snacks

Perlis has a range of local snacks, including traditional Malay snacks and Thai-influenced snacks. They are popular souvenirs.

Where to Try Perlis Food

• Kangar: The markets and food stalls in Kangar are the best places to try Perlis food. See our best food places in Kangar guide.
• Kuala Perlis: Kuala Perlis is known for its seafood. See our best food places in Kuala Perlis guide.
• Padang Besar: Padang Besar has food stalls and restaurants serving local food. See our things to do in Padang Besar guide.

Practical Tips

• Spice level: Northern Malaysian food can be spicy. Ask about the spice level if you are sensitive to chilli.
• Halal: Most Malay restaurants in Perlis 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 Perlis famous for?

Perlis is famous for its seafood (especially at Kuala Perlis), traditional northern Malaysian dishes and local snacks. See our best food places in Kuala Perlis guide.

Where can I try seafood in Perlis?

Kuala Perlis is the best place to try seafood in Perlis. See our best food places in Kuala Perlis guide.

Is Perlis food spicy?

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

Conclusion

Perlis has a food culture influenced by its location in northern Malaysia. For more ideas, see our best food places in Kangar, best food places in Kuala Perlis and places to visit in Perlis guides.