Restaurants in Baling may surprise Malaysia’s food hunters. The food is diverse, above average delicious, and typically comes with old school charm. A charm that is rapidly being replaced in many Malaysia locations by trendy, designer cafes and the like. Give me an old school traditional Malaysian restaurant any day. Sun-bleached table clothes, mismatched chairs and shelves lined with an assortment of collectables, shows me that a restaurant has been around awhile, and likely will be around for more years to come.
Why? Maybe because they are popular and too busy feeding customers to be pouring over interior design books? Or maybe they are just being themselves, with no need to ‘fancy’ things up to attract a particular clientele. I like that honest approach.
And I can truly state that I haven’t had any bad meals in this remote Kedah district. In fact I was across the board wowed during my recent visit to Baling, because this foreign visitor found her favorite local foods here in abundance. I also love restaurants with a story to tell. So, who are these fabulous not-to-be-missed Baling Restaurants? Let me introduce them!
M IDAMAN CAFE
M Idaman Cafe has something for everyone, but it was the roti canai and eggs that caught my eye! I think it’s called Roti Sarang Burung (bird nest roti), but I’m not 100-percent sure. At any rate, sunny side up eggs and roti prepared like this is not so common to find, so this was a real treat. Add some tasty curry sauce and it’s definitely a breakfast of champions!
M Idaman also offers a nasi kandar style buffet as well as good old fashioned nasi lemak. They are only open in the mornings so be sure to get their bright and early, because this popular cafe opens at 6:30am and sells out fast. M Idaman Cafe is located in Kampung Dalam Wang, Baling and is open Tuesdays thru Sundays 6:30am until 11:30am. Great service and delicious food.
M Idaman Café: Kampung Dalam Wang, Baling, Kedah
Open: Tuesday thru Sunday 6:30am to 11:30am/ Tel: 013-520 1286
KEDAI KAK MAH
Tucked quietly in the Ulu Legong Hot Spring food court, Kedai Kak Mah is surrounded by similar competitors also vying for attention, but Kedai Kak Mah won me over immediately with their presentation. Food at Kedai Kak Mah is ‘pretty’ and decorated with garnishes and chili flowerets. Little touches like that indicate that the kitchen takes pride in their culinary efforts, which usually translates to good food as well.
The beef and chicken dishes are made with quality cuts of meat and select vegetables, giving the dishes a tasty, fresh flavor. If you find it’s not spicy enough for you then add some of their delicious fresh Sambal to add some extra kick. For me it was all perfect.
Kedai Kak Mah: Food court Ulu Legong Hot Spring, Baling, Kedah
Tel: 013-807 7592
WARUNG MAT NOI ROTI BAKAR
Where’s the best place to eat after you’ve conquered Gunung Baling Mountain? Warung Mat Noi Roti Bakar! Located a short hobbling distance across the street from the Gunung Baling base, Warung Mat Noi’s offers delicious Western and Malaysian breakfasts with intrepid travelers, fitness and nature buffs in mind. They even break down their menu into nutritional facts and calories, which may (or may not) influence your menu choices. I ordered the guilt-free poached eggs on toast, which was made to perfection.
An obvious local favorite, Warung Mat Noi is especially famous among bikers and hikers, which their eclectic decor reflects. Not quite in the biker, hiker or fitness buff category? No problem! Warung Mat Noi will treat you like you’ve been coming there for years, and you’ll be an instant regular. Just pull up a chair and be inspired by the vibe, because it’s a very cool little restaurant.
Warung Mat Noi Roti Bakar: Gunung Baling, Baling, Kedah
Open: Friday thru Wednesday 7:30am to 12:30pm/ Tel: 013-483 3217
MAK LANG NASI KUKUS
Mak Lang Nasi Kukus is the quintessential Malaysian dining experience. Although it is housed in a newly refurbished kampung style house, they proudly reveal their Baling roots through ambiance, cuisine and good old fashioned Malaysian hospitality. Family heirlooms and keepsakes are prominently displayed; decorating, as well as sharing a story.
As I’m still a bit new to Malaysian style group dining, I was careful to wipe my plate clean of my Ayam Berempah before I realized there were more courses to come. The servings at Mak Lang Nasi Kukus are generous and very filling, but there is always room for Laksa! These folks truly know how to cook. This restaurant should definitely be at the top of your must visit list.
Mak Lang Nasi Kukus: K10 Jalan Baling, Kampung Terabak, Baling, Kedah
Open daily: 8:00am until 10:30pm/ Tel: 013-968 1458
The Warong Santai Santai
Even though Warong Santai Santai isn’t in Baling, it warrants being added due to proximation of Baling travels. It’s also a great stop for those enroute to or from Baling via Sungai Petani. Have some wait time at the Sungai Petani Train Station? Warong Santai Santai is just a short GRAB taxi ride away.
Why all the hoo-ha you ask? Because Warong Santai Santai is amazing! You will think you’ve died and gone to foodie heaven when you taste their food. In addition to a very diverse buffet, they also have loads of Nasi Goreng and noodle dishes to select from. There is also a Cendol and ABC stall at the entrance! Nothing beats the heat better than a huge traditional ABC on a hot day. ABC is similar to the ‘Snow Cones’ of my childhood, but Malaysia definitely raises the bar on sweet icy creations. If you’ve never had Cendol or ABC, it’s a must try!
The Warong Santai Santai: 1B Lorong Teja 1, Taman Keladi, Sungai Petani, Kedah
Tel: 018-940 9682/ 014-255 0997
Here’s a map, to help you find your way.
My participation in this media trip to Baling, Kedah was arranged and sponsored by QTT Group PLT , Global Travel Sdn Bhd (KOLA), and KembaRojak. Special thanks also go to local sponsors; Majlis Daerah Baling, APM Baling, the good folks at Gua Sireh and Malim Gunung.
Did I make you hungry? I hope so! Although I was a sponsored guest, my non-Malaysian taste buds honestly found the above mentioned eateries and their food to be exceptional. And I think you will too. If you aren’t quite sure what to order, just ask for a recommendation. You won’t be disappointed. Bon Appetit!
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