I read good things about Nasi Dagang Pak Malau in Langkawi, so we checked it out for ourselves. Some people claim Pak Malau is “very touristy”, but I honestly don’t mind so long as the food is good.
When it comes to nasi dagang, I noticed the texture of the rice and spiciness of the curry varies from east to west, north to south. So I reckon it boils down to personal preference. I enjoyed Nasi Dagang Pak Malau – the rice is fragrant and not overly sticky, and the curries are rich and moderately sweet, and packs a good kick.
Popular spot for tourists in Langkawi
Definitely not east coast style (stickier rice and sweeter curries) but still, tasty in its own right. If you’re from Kelantan and Terengganu, you might find the rice grains a bit foreign. In Malay terms, they call it “tak kena dengan tekak”.
We arrived slightly past 11am so these were all they had left. We snagged everything.
We got there slightly past 11am and managed to snag the last few portions of nasi dagang with gulai ikan tongkol and daging kerutup. Perhaps it’s safer to get to Nasi Dagang Pak Malau before 11am to avoid disappointment.
Pondok seats are also available if you want to eat outdoors
Nasi dagang daging kerutup
One highlight at Nasi Dagang Pak Malau is the view – the restaurant is located next to a paddy field so it gives off kampung vibes plus the background makes for nice photos if that’s your thing.
Gulai ikan tongkol
I liked both the ikan tongkol and daging kerutup; the latter is spicy, sweet and rich in flavour. It’s quite similar to the ones I’ve eaten in Kelantan but Pak Malau is more generous with the kuah, which I appreciate.
Our little girls enjoyed this, curry and all.
Drinks are super sweet (read: potong kaki) so it’s best to ask for “kurang kurang” manis or drink good old H2O if possible. The caramel flan dessert is also very sweet so I suggest skipping this unless you really like your sugar.
You can opt to add a portion of sambal ikan bilis and keropok to your nasi dagang at Pak Malau
Caramel flan (RM4 if I’m not mistaken)
Both the nasi dagang daging kerutup and gulai ikan tongkol are RM11 each, which I feel is a tad pricey considering the modest portion. That said, the food is enjoyable and the vibe is good. Take as many photos, enjoy the view and (try to) ignore the price.
Nasi Dagang Pak Malau is located next to a paddy field so the view is nice
Great lighting too
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Ambiance: 7.5/10
Price: 5.5/10
Food: 6.5/10 (halal)
Verdict: I wouldn’t say it’s the best nasi dagang I’ve eaten but it is certainly good nasi dagang. Get there early.
Do you have a food recommendation? Tell us!
Nasi Dagang Pak Malau
186, Jalan Makam Mahsuri,
Kampung Makam Mahsuri,
07000 Langkawi.
Tel: 012-271 1977
Business hours: 8am till 2pm