With stunning beaches and waterfalls, Kelantan is a haven for nature lovers and does justice to its reputation as the “blissful abode”. The beautiful state is also known as the cradle of Malay culture, as it is home to many skilled batik and songket weavers.
When it comes to food, one may automatically think of nasi dagang and nasi kerabu. Yet, there are many other hidden gems here that you might not even have heard of!
Here are three spots that reflect Kelantan’s unique and diverse food scene.
Akok Belahat: a taste of traditional Kelantan
Akok is a popular kuih in the east coast of peninsula Malaysia. In the district of Jeli, Akok Belahat has been winning over many hearts with its soft and fragrant offerings.
Rohani Mohd Zain founded the business in the 1990s using a recipe inherited from her aunt. Among the ingredients are sugar, palm sugar, flour, eggs, and coconut milk.
The akok is baked over a traditional stove with charcoal, which lends a lovely smoky taste to the kuih.
Early on, Rohani would only sell akok during Ramadan but, due to popular demand, she began selling them throughout the year. Today, the 57-year-old sells at least 1,000 pieces of kuih akok daily.
Address: 98, Kampung Belahat, 17600, Jeli Kelantan
Business hours: 9am-4pm daily (closed on Fridays from 1-2.30pm)
Contact: 011-1080 8831
Pizza Jangok Mek Ani: a taste of Italy in Kelantan
Amidst the variety of traditional eateries in Tanah Merah, Pizza Jangok Mek Ani stands out with its western offering – and a classic Italian favourite, to boot!
Choose from about 10 pizza types such as seafood, chicken, beef, meatball, and tomyam seafood. Each pizza is made with a generous toppings and, of course, cheese, resulting in scrumptious, gooey goodness.
The business was founded in 2016 by former religious-studies teacher Noraini Ahmad, who always had a passion for cooking and food, particularly pizza.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, the 37-year-old shared that she started out with three types of pizzas, and would even give them out for free to gain feedback.
It wasn’t long before business took off and today, she makes up to 1,400 pizzas daily.
Address: Lot 14462 (3), Kampung Chedok, 17500 Tanah Merah, Kelantan
Business hours: 10am-10pm (closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: 019-548 4208
Po-Land Grape Machang: sweet fruits of success
You would not think that growing grapes in a tropical country like Malaysia was possible, but Po-Land Grape Machang is breaking this assumption. Here, you can find over 50 varieties of grapes such as Jupiter, Dixon, and Black Ozark!
Nur Taufiq Yusof founded Kebun Anggur Machang in early 2021 with just three varieties. He battled his fair share of challenges such as pests, excessive rain, and – of course – naysayers, but remained persistent.
Today, the former full-time photographer and designer is reaping the literal fruits of success as the farm, said to be the first of its kind in Kelantan, draws visitors as far as Singapore and Brunei.
Here, visitors can enjoy grapes fresh from the vine – certainly a unique experience. And you might be surprised to learn that despite the farm’s yield, the grapes are not for sale… instead, visitors are welcome to simply drop by to sample the produce for free!
So how does Nur Taufiq support himself then? He sells saplings and fertiliser that he makes himself, and offers classes to those who would like to learn about grape planting.
While the 33-year-old hopes to sell his grapes in the near future, for now, he is content for tourists to experience the novelty of a Kelantanese vineyard.
Address: Kampung Batu 31, 18500 Machang, Kelantan
Contact: 016-760 9403
Business hours: 9am-5.30pm daily (8.30am-12pm on Fridays)