Kelantan and Terengganu: 17 Best Places to Eat and Visit
Who says you need to travel far to find something new? A journey through Kelantan and Terengganu proves there’s still plenty to discover closer to home.
Some people travel for the views. Others travel for the food. For us, a good road trip needs a bit of both.
This time, together with Tourism Malaysia, Gaya Travel Magazine team members – including other travelling companions comprising selected content creators and influencers – are off to Kelantan to try local dishes, explore old streets, and several places we have been dying to visit. From a humble local warung (stall) known for its local popular beverage Milo Tunggeng to traditional kite-making and historical buildings, we have quite a list ahead of us.
But why only stop at Kelantan when Terengganu is en route home? We decide to make a few stops in Terengganu as well, mainly for more food, a little sightseeing, and some last-minute shopping.
So, if you’re thinking of heading to the East Coast, here are 17 places from this trip that you might want to add to your list.
Kelantan: Good Food, Local Culture, and a Little History
1. Pok Loh Milo Tunggeng
Milo Tunggeng. Even the name is enough to make you curious. As the name suggests, Milo refers to the Milo drink, which is then turned upside down, hence the word ‘tunggeng’ or ‘tonggeng’.
And yes, that’s exactly what this place is famous for.
But there’s more to Pok Loh Milo Tunggeng than its rich, chocolatey signature drink.
The café serves a wide range of East Coast dishes too, so there’s plenty to choose from if you’re coming with an empty stomach. The food here is enjoyable, and it’s one of those places where you might come for the Milo beverage but end up staying for a proper meal.
2. Kak Chik Nasi Berlauk
You can’t talk about food in Kelantan without mentioning nasi berlauk, which is a simple dish of rice served with curry and other sides, but the flavours are anything but boring.
Kak Chik Nasi Berlauk is one of the stops on our food list. If you’re new to Kelantanese food, nasi berlauk is a good place to start. Nothing too fancy, just a local favourite that has been the staple among Kelantanese food lovers for years.
3. Roti Tempayan Abe Noor
Roti tempayan (traditional clay oven bread) may be the star here, but there’s another dish you shouldn’t overlook, mee celup (Kelantanese-style noodle soup).
This noodle dish seems to be a favourite in Kelantan, and we notice it popping up quite often during our trip. So, if you’re stopping by Roti Tempayan Abe Noor, why not give both a try?
The roti tempayan, baked in a traditional clay oven, is worth discovering on its own. But having mee celup on the menu makes this place even more interesting, especially if you’re keen to explore what locals enjoy eating.
4. Lepark Kampung
With so many dishes on the menu, deciding what to eat at Lepark Kampung can take a while. But for us, nasi kerabu (blue rice with fresh herbs and vegetables) is an obvious choice. After all, WE ARE in KELANTAN!
This East Coast favourite is known for its blue-tinged rice, fresh herbs, and tasty sides. It’s the kind of meal that brings several flavours together on one plate.
Another dish that catches our attention is Pulut 4 Beradik, a traditional Kelantanese breakfast staple featuring glutinous rice served with four different toppings or accompaniments, which can be sweet or savoury.
If you enjoy trying local dishes, this is one place where you’ll probably want to arrive hungry.
5. Pasar Siti Khadijah
There’s no better place to see local life in action than at a local market.
And in Kota Bharu, Pasar Siti Khadijah is one of the most well-known.
Inside, you’ll find mostly women traders selling everything from fresh vegetables and traditional snacks to clothes, fabrics, and souvenirs. The market is also known for its unique layout and lively atmosphere.
Take your time walking around. You might come looking for one thing and leave with a bag full of others.
6. Street Art Kota Bharu
Who says Kota Bharu is all about traditional buildings and old markets?
The city also has its colourful side, with murals and street art adding life to some of its walls and streets.
It’s a fun place to walk around, take photographs and see a different side of Kota Bharu.
Sometimes, you don’t need a big attraction to make a place interesting. A colourful wall and a good photo angle are all that you need.
Colourful murals around Kota Bharu featuring the faces of local artists and celebrating Kelantan’s culture and heritage. Photo by Tunku Ilyana.
7. Muzium Diraja (Istana Batu)
If you’re curious about Kelantan’s royal history, Muzium Diraja is a good place to visit.
Also known as Istana Batu, the building was once a royal residence. It is now a museum displaying items linked to the Kelantanese royal family.
This site gives you the chance to learn a little about the state’s royal past while exploring one of its historical buildings, which is nonetheless stunning.
8. Gelanggang Seni
Kelantan is known for its traditional arts, and Gelanggang Seni is one of the places where visitors can learn more about them.
Depending on the schedule, you may get to see cultural activities and traditional performances. During our visit, we are feted to a traditional silat (Malay martial art) sparring show while accompanied by and entrancing real life traditional musical performance.
It is a nice reminder that Kelantanese culture isn’t just something you read about in books. Many of these traditions are still being kept alive today and you can still see them when you visit the state, especially Kota Bharu.
9. Muzium Perang (Bank Kerapu)
There’s another side to Kelantan’s history and you can discover some of it at Muzium Perang.
Also known as Bank Kerapu, the museum is housed in a former bank building and shares stories and displays related to the Second World War.
If you enjoy history, it’s an interesting stop that gives you a better idea of what Kelantan went through during that trying period.
10. Galeri Wau Pak Sapie & Sons
A trip to Kelantan wouldn’t feel quite right without seeing a traditional wau (kite).
At Galeri Wau Pak Sapie & Sons, it’s all about the art of making these beautiful kites.
The colours, patterns and tiny details show just how much skill goes into creating each one. What looks like a simple kite from afar is actually a piece of art that takes time and patience to make.
Even if you’re not usually interested in crafts, this is something worth seeing up close.
11. Laman Warisan Kampung Laut
If you enjoy old buildings and traditional Malay architecture, make some time for Laman Warisan Kampung Laut.
The area is known for its heritage buildings and traditional designs, giving visitors a look at how Malay architecture has been passed down through the years.
It is a lovely place to walk around, admire the buildings, and take photographs.
12. Beach Boy Street, Pantai Melawi
There’s more to Pantai Melawi than just the beach these days.
One of its newer attractions is Beach Boy Street, a creative project introduced by the students and management of Madrasah Al-Insaniyyah Wa-Tahfizul Quran in Bachok.
What makes this place interesting is its beach market, along with activities such as picnicking and horse riding. The coastal setting is lovely too, especially if you’re looking for somewhere to spend a relaxed afternoon.
A laid-back beachside spot at Beach Boy Street, Pantai Melawi, with rustic stalls, outdoor seating and sea views.Photo by Tunku Ilyana.
It’s nice to see a local initiative turning a stretch of beach into a place where people can gather, explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Terengganu: A Few More Stops Before Heading Home
We can end our trip in Kelantan and go straight home, but since Terengganu is on the way back, we thought, why not?
This means a few more places to visit and a few more meals to enjoy! That’s always a good reason to extend a road trip.
13. Pantai Seberang Takir
If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you might have come across photographs of Seberang Takir that look almost like they were taken in Japan.
A quick photo stop with the team at Pantai Seberang Takir, Terengganu, just before sunset. Photo by Tunku Ilyana.
The coastal road, surrounding buildings, and sea views have earned the area comparisons with Japanese seaside towns. Naturally, we were curious to see it for ourselves.
We stopped by the Pantai Seberang Takir signboard for a photograph and to enjoy the view. It’s easy to see why this spot has caught people’s attention online.
No passport needed for this little taste of Japan, but in Terengganu!
14. Kedai Sup Gearbox Pok Zaki
Good food tastes even better with a sea view, don’t you think?
That’s part of the charm of Kedai Sup Gearbox Pok Zaki. This humble seaside warung may be simple, but the view is something else. Here, you can enjoy traditional kampung-style dishes while feeling the gentle sea breeze.
As the name suggests, ‘gearbox soup’ (a Malaysian beef or mutton bone soup) is one of the highlights. But what makes this place even more enjoyable is the setting. There’s something about sitting by the sea, enjoying a good meal, and taking in the view that makes you want to stay a little longer.
15. Nyiur Café Pantai Sauh
Some cafés make an impression the moment you walk in. Nyiur Cafe is definitely one of them.
A relaxing seaside setting at Nyiur Cafe, surrounded by coconut trees and ocean views. Photo by Tunku Ilyana.
On our first visit, we immediately love how calm and beautifully designed the place feels. It has that relaxed, aesthetic atmosphere that makes you want to settle in and forget about the time for a while.
The food is delicious too, but one thing you shouldn’t miss is the cucur (local fritters), a popular choice among visitors.
It’s especially lovely for an afternoon tea break. A plate of freshly made cucur, something to drink, and a peaceful setting. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
16. Medan Ikan Bakar Kuala Ibai
Being this close to the coast, we couldn’t leave without making time for some seafood.
Medan Ikan Bakar Kuala Ibai is on our list for a grilled fish meal.
There’s something satisfying about enjoying ikan bakar (grilled fish) after a long day of travelling, especially when all you want is to sit down and enjoy your food without rushing.
17. Pasar Payang
And of course, one last stop before heading home: Pasar Payang, one of Kuala Terengganu’s best-known markets, with plenty of local products to browse. From batik and traditional fabrics to snacks and souvenirs, there’s a good mix of things to look at and bring home.
Another reason to stop by? Keropok lekor (minced or pounded local snack made from marine fish) of course! Terengganu is famous for this traditional snack, and you’ll find plenty of stalls selling it at the market. With so many options available, we certainly aren’t leaving empty-handed.
After all, a trip to Terengganu wouldn’t feel complete without bringing home some keropok lekor.
More Than Just a Quick Getaway
Initially, Kelantan is the main plan, but adding Terengganu to the journey turns out to be a good decision.
Between the local food, markets, historical sites, and a few stops by the coast, we experience quite a bit of both states.
Of course, 17 stops barely cover what Kelantan and Terengganu have to offer. There are still plenty of places we have not visited, and probably a few more dishes that we are yet to savour.
But for now, we are happy with the photos and selfies taken, finding new favourite food spots, and keropok lekor to enjoy back home. And we hope you will get to enjoy what we have listed earlier as much as we did. See you in Kelantan and Terengganu soon!
For more info on Kelantan and Terengganu, visit https://www.malaysia.travel/.
Gaya Travel Magazine team members extend their heartfelt gratitude to Tourism Malaysia, including Tourism Kelantan and Tourism Terengganu, for making the trip to both states possible, seamless, and enriching.
About The Author
A travel writer and content creator passionate about sharing stories from the road. I cover destinations, culture, and local experiences, turning journeys across Malaysia and beyond into narratives that inspire others to travel and see places from a different perspective.
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