KEDAH

The state of Kedah spans approximately 9, 425 sq. km in the northern part of the Peninsular and together with Perlis, Perak and Kelantan, shares a common border with neighbouring Thailand. It is a fairly small state. Its population is about one million primarily Malay, though significant Chinese and Indian minorities can be seen. It is known as the “Rice Bowl of Malaysia” where its rice plains together with Perlis produce more than half of the country’s home grown rice supply. Its state capital is Alor Setar. Kedah’s early history can be traced from the prehistoric period to the archeological site of Bujang Valley, the early Maritime trade of India, Persia, Arabs to the written works of the early Chinese pilgrims and early Chinese records, the Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa or known as the Kedah Annals to the Al-Tarikh Salasilah Negeri Kedah. Kedah was also known as Kedaram, Kidaram, Kalagam and Kataha by the Tamils. It was known as Kalah or Kalaha by the Persians.

NICE PLACE TO VISIT IN KEDAH 

Langkawi 

The main island of Langkawi probably has the best beaches on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Langkawi Nice Foods

PADANG MATSIRAT RESTAURANT

Home to Langkawi International Airport, Padang Matsirat does not boast much in the way of good eateries; if truth be told it is a relatively-undeveloped beachside with only one or two good budget-friendly restaurants in its vicinity.

The roadside Malay restaurants – owned and run by villagers – are a dime a dozen but most people would not venture to eat at one unless it came highly recommended by locals. The ambiance is not necessarily desirable and Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah are located so close by that you’ll obviously head on over there instead.

BNZ Sempoy’y Nasi Campur

It may as hot as blue blazes in this stall but the tasty fare will more than make up for it. There’s such a wide variety of dishes to go with your rice – try the ayam masak lemak and the sambal grilled fish – that you’ll be hard-pressed to make a choice. Operated by a husband-and-wife team, the food here is exceptionally cheap and worth every cent.

Opening Hours: 11:00 – 14:30
Location: Stall 3, Gerai Mara, Padang Matsirat (opposite Masjid Padang Matsirat) 

Boom Boom Corner View Restaurant

Shaded by a bright red canopy and located at the junction of Jalan Pantai Tengah and Jalang Pantai Cenang, Boom Boom Corner is the place to sample some authentic Indian/Pakistani fare. Service is prompt and the interior is dimly lit by red lights. Specialties include roti bom, naan, tandoori chicken and briyani rice as well as the teh tarik.

Opening Hours: 18:00 – 22:30
Location: Jalan Pantai Tengah & Jalan Pantai Cenang (nearby Aseania Hotel)
Cuisine: Indian & Pakistani
Price Range: Affordable 

Fat Mum’s Seafood Restaurant

Known as one of the best Chinese restaurants in the Pantai Tengah area, Fat Mum’s has fresh seafood cooked in a variety of different ways; the best thing about the food here is the fact that it tastes delightfully home-cooked. The menu also includes a selection of Western cuisine; try the noodles-on-fire, the spicy garlic lobster and the butter prawns.

Opening Hours: 16:00 – 24:00
Address: 734, Jalan Teluk Baru, Kg Tasik Anak, Pantai Tengah
Cuisine: Chinese
Price Range: Budget 

Unkaizan Japanese Restaurant

If you’re in the mood for sake, then you should definitely pay a visit to Unkaizan. This premier Japanese restaurant smack dab in the centre of Pantai Tengah has live seafood you can select from large aquariums lining the walls, thus ensuring its freshness. The Japanese chefs will then cook the fish Japanese-style and take you on a culinary adventure; try the Sushi Gozen set and the salmon butter yaki.

Opening Hours: 18:00 – 23:00
Address: Lot 395 Jalan Telok Baru, Pantai Tengah
Tel: +604 955 4118
Cuisine: Japanese
Price Range: Expensive 

Chinese Kung Fu Restaurant

 Close by to Hoya's Cafe is The Eagle's Nest, found north along the way to Pantai Cenang. A small restaurant with a garden concept, this is a great place to unwind after a day of fun and sightseeing. With an intimate feel, there are very few things that are more pleasant than watching the stars appearing in the darkening sky as you enjoy your meal.

Opening Hours: 12:00 – 24:00
Location: Kampung Tasik Anak Besar, Mukim Kedawang
Cuisine: Chinese
Price Range: Affordable