The distinct cuisine of Kelantan can astound you with how different it is from typical Malaysian fare. Kelantanese cuisine is frequently described as a fusion of rich, sweet, and creamy flavours, owing to the heavy use of coconut milk and sugar in their dishes. Meanwhile, fish is cooked abundantly here, most likely due to its reliance on the fishing industry. Local favourites such as somtam and tomyam reflect Kelantan's historical ties with Thailand, with which it shares a border.

Here's the lowdown on which Kelantanese dishes to seek out when visiting the state. Prepare to taste the best flavours in Kota Bharu at popular restaurants such as Restoran Nasi Ulam Cikgu, Kopitiam Kita, and Warisan Nasi Kukus!

Note: All the restaurants listed in this list serve halal food.

Read also: Easy 4-ingredient Cek Mek Molek Recipe

Table of Content

1. Restoran Nasi Ulam Cikgu Kampung Kraftangan
2. Kopitiam Kita
3. Lieniey Nasi Kerabu Tumis
4. Warung Pak Mat Pulau Pisang
5. Sun Two Restaurant
6. Kedai Kopi White House
7. Warisan Nasi Kukus

Best Restaurants in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Best Restaurants in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Restoran Nasi Ulam Cikgu Kampung Kraftangan

It's an Ulam lover's paradise, serving traditional Kelantanese food with various raw herbs and the ever-popular 'budu' which is a delicious anchovy sauce. On a sunny day, it could get a little hot as there is no air conditioning.

Restoran Nasi Ulam Cikgu is perfect if you enjoy having lunch in a kampung setting at an affordable price. The golden omelette is finger-licking good, and so are the ayam percik, catfish, and quail. The Nasi Ulam variety is excellent, and the sambal belacan is out of this world! The location is centrally located in town, just a short walk away from Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah.

Address: Kampung Kraftangan, Jalan Hilir Kota, 15300 Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Opening hours: 10.30am–5.00pm

Contact number: +6019-961 6665

Restoran Nasi Ulam Cikgu in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Kopitiam Kita

Roti Titab is a popular Kelantan bread dish, prepared using the traditional way by grilling over hot coals. Exceptionally delicious, it comprises of bread, a half-boiled egg, and kaya. They also serve a variety of local breakfast dishes, the majority of which are rice-based such as Nasi Lemak and Nasi Ayam. The store is never empty and over the weekend, it will be somewhat crowded and parking will be limited.

Address: 4357-A Taman Desa Jaya Jalan Pengkalan Chepa 15400 Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Opening hours: 6.30am - 2.30pm (Closed on Wednesday)

Contact number: +6019-981 0888

Kopitiam Kita in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Lieniey Nasi Kerabu Tumis

Both locals and visitors are willing to line up to have taste of Liniey's Nasi Kerabu. The Golok-style kerabu rice is famous here, which is served with deliciously juicy and tender grilled chicken or beef. There are also other interesting side dishes to pick from, such as Kerabu Sare which is a unique seaweed salad. A rule of thumb is to go straight for the ultimate combo of Nasi Kerabu Golok, Kambing Bakar, and Kerabu Sare.

Address: Jalan Abdul Kadir Adabi, 15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Opening hours: 7.30am–2.00pm

Contact number: +6013-950 3539

Lieniey Nasi Kerabu Tumis in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Warung Pak Mat Pulau Pisang

The irresistible signature fish head soup is a favourite here. The weight of the fish head determines its price - smaller size is currently priced between RM50 and RM85, while a larger portion is between RM85 and RM130. You must also order the Teh Beng Madu Float, which is the perfect ice-cold drink on a hot day.

Address: Medan Ikan Bakar Kedai Buloh, Jalan Kuala Besar 15350 Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Opening hours: +6011-2933 4563

Contact number: 7.30am–4.30pm

Warung Pak Mat Pulau Pisang in Kota Bharu

Warung Pak Mat Pulau Pisang, Kelantan

Sun Two Restaurant

This Chinese-themed restaurant gives the impression of dining in the downtown of Beijing. It is air-conditioned and spread across two lots, so there is plenty of room for big families and gatherings. The food here is simple yet delicious, particularly the Nasi Goreng Usa and Nasi Goreng Belacan. Other must-try choices are the Nyonya style steamed fish, Hainanese-style noodles and chicken rice.

Address: 782-A, Jalan Temenggong, Kelantan, 15000 Kota Bharu

Opening hours: 12pm–10pm

Contact number: +609-746 2225

Sun Two Restaurant in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Kedai Kopi White House

Located opposite the State Mosque, Kedai Kopi White House is one of the most popular breakfast spots in Kota Bharu. The Hainanese-owned coffeeshop opened in 1935, but moved to its current location in 1980. Siow Boon Suan, the current owner, is the son-in-law of the original founder. Drop by for the best cuppas and kaya toasts in Kota Bharu - anytime of the day!

Address: 1329-L Jalan Sultanah Zainab, 15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

Opening hours: 6.30am - 1.00am (Closed on Friday)

Contact number: +6012-838 8919

Kedai Kopi White House in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Warisan Nasi Kukus

Ready to taste one of the best Nasi Kukus in Kota Bharu? If you like your food hot and spicy, this is the place to go. At Warisan Nasi Kukus, there are numerous dishes to choose from such as the fragrant and juicy ayam berempah, telur tumis and tangy acar.

Address: 2, Jln Kebun Sultan, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15300 Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Opening hours: 5pm-10pm

Contact number: +6019-968 7878

Warisan Nasi Kukus in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

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