Malaysian
Malay
D Bayam Restaurant
2178 A& B, Jalan Bayam, Kg Khatib Ali, Kota Bharu (09 732 9780/ dbayamrestaurant.tripod.com).
This self-service restaurant offers more than the usual authentic nasi kerabu. There are many dishes here that you won’t find elsewhere, such as singge tulang, a Kelantanese traditional soup made with slowly simmered mutton bone stock accompanied by plenty of flavourful herbs and spices.
Halal. 10am–11pm. Closed on Mondays.
Restoran Nasi Ulam Kampung Kraftangan Kampung Kraftangan, Jalan Hilir Kota, Kota Bharu.
As its name implies, this restaurant is famous for its nasi ulam. It’s located within the premises of the Handicraft Museum so you can take a leisurely tour of the museum to admire traditional handicrafts such as batik and songket and then sit down for the quintessentially Malay meal of fluffy white rice and fresh greens – the closest thing to a salad in this part of Malaysia.
Halal.
Yati Ayam Percik 847 Jalan Long Yunus, Kota Bharu (09 747 9867).
Succulent and tender ayam percik is synonymous with Kelantan cooking, and Yati Ayam Percik has some of the best in town. Apart from this signature dish, Yati offers numerous side dishes such as nasi kerabu, daging bakar, chicken curry and a tangy sambal sotong. Generous helpings of white rice are compulsory accompaniments to fully savour these dishes. Halal. Free parking. Disabled friendly. Sat–Thur, 1pm–10.30pm. Friday, 2.30pm–10.30pm. $
Zawanie Nasi Kukus Lot 2643F Jalan Sultanah Zainab Kampung Sireh, Kota Bharu.
Nasi kukus is a popular Kelantanese speciality, for which Zawanie Nasi Kukus can take credit. The nasi kukus here comes with a wide selection of delicious side dishes, including grilled honey chicken, special curry gravy and spicy sambal. The servings are large, so come with an empty stomach to do the food justice.
Halal. Available only during lunch. $
Star Anise Cafe