Nasi Dagang Pak Malau — Restaurant in Kedah

I had high hopes for this place after reading a bunch of good reviews but man was I disappointed - it was probably one of THEE worst meal in my entire Langkawi vacation. I get why it's popular - it does have a pretty scenic view of the 'kampung' life, of paddy fields and Langkawi's mountains in the backdrop - but take that out of the equation, and what's left is food that is mediocre at best - and that's saying a lot.

We were looking forward to simple nasi dagang, and we knew that it's not fancy food but upon arrival, we were pretty horrified to see that not a single person from their kitchen staff was following any COVID protocols and this really put a dent on our experience here. No one was wearing a mask, and those who had a mask, had it under their chins. As we ordered our food, a few of them were standing next to each other chatting away, preparing the exposed food and drinks that's being served to customers. We did our best to give them the benefit of the doubt and focus on the food but that was disappointing too. Rice with a tiny portion of curry (we had the beef and fish ones), but we were told that they ran out of vegetables so we literally were served just rice and curry, got ourselves 2 teh O ais (unsweet iced teas), and managed to snag some of their remaining kuihs (one banana and one savory - cekodok pisang and some kind of cucur, was our guess). We stared at our order in disbelief - it was beyond depressing. There's simple decent food, and there's simple and amazingly tasty food. Unfortunately, this was neither. Food was bland, curry is no better than ones found at random roadside stalls or warungs anywhere in Malaysia. Completely not worth the drive or the visit during your Langkawi visit.

During our meal, we continued to witness instances of staff clearing tables and chatting with one another and with customers as if COVID did not exist in Langkawi at this time. Upon payment, our measly nasi dagang (or should I say, prison food of rice and curry), 2 teh O ais, and 2 kuihs ended up costing RM 26. You be the judge of that price. Perhaps this place should be called "Nasi Dagang Pak MAHAL". Disappointed, we decided that honest feedback while we were there was the best thing we could do and told/asked the cashier lady (who wasn't masked) that we were not happy with our meal but more importantly, if they realized that COVID was still a real thing and that they needed to follow the SOPs - all we got was a "ya" and a smile. The gal didn't even bother to put on her mask that was hanging on her chin as we spoke. At this point, we couldn't care less about this experience any longer and wanted nothing but to leave.

Look, it is my principle as a Google Guide to give credit where credit is due, and tell it like it is. I hate bashing small businesses but in this case, the only positive I could find is the scenery. It really made us rethink our choice of dining at this popular nasi dagang place and we questioned the overall cleanliness and hygiene. The lack of care for their customers during this pandemic is disappointing - not even the scenic views of paddy fields and their mediocre food could fix this horrible dining experience. Unfortunately, I would not and can not recommend this place to anyone unless you want to be ripped off by a tourist trap. We will not be...

This place serves good Terengganu style Nasi Dagang. You can choose between chicken or fish curry and add on fried chicken if you like. The food tastes like something your grandmother would cook for you. You can tell that the cook actually cooks from the heart. The ambiance of the place is definitely an added advantage. There are little huts where you can enjoy your meals while overlooking the paddy fields and hills. Other than Nasi dagang, they also serve a variety of Kuih. We had Apam Bakar and Pulut Panggang. They were excellent. It was my first time having apam bakar and I fell in love with it immediately. It had a chewy yet soft texture and in terms of taste, it had a hint of sourness from the yeast and tapai used in the batter. Nyums. The slightly salted freshly grated coconut on the side was a perfect match. The Pulut Panggang was excellent. Perfectly grilled glutinous rice, filled with a spicy coconut and dried shrimp filling - one of the best I've had. Having Pak Malau all dressed up was an attraction too. Nasi Dagang Pak Malau is a must try if you happen to be in Langkawi. The place opens at 8am. Go early. Another plus point: when you go order you drinks, look at the kitchen. It's really clean.

Price: RM10 per serving. I think the price is ok for the quality, taste and portion of food you are getting. Rice, small portion of cucumber & carrot pickle, chicken or fish. Apam bakar: RM2. The meal we had in the...

Pro: scenic view of paddy field wide selection of kuih muih fast service friendly owner

Con: Price for main dish (RM11-22) is more expensive than most local fare food is mediocre at best Long queue if you're not early Limited seating to accommodate stream of guests

I'll tell it to you straight, if you're coming here for the kampung & paddy field view and not for the food, you'll be fine. The food isn't terrible by any means but don't expect to have your socks blown off by how good it is. I went to this place at 8.00 am on the dot, and there was already a line forming in front of the restaurant but there were at least some empty tables for my friends to "chop dulu". By 9 am-ish, new customers were standing around with plates in their hands, waiting for an empty seat. So, don't expect to be able to lepak2 at the place bc other people also want to makan lah.

It is situated at a very quiet stretch of paddy fields with a mountain backdrop and it is very beautiful, no doubt. Though, I am from northern Penang so seeing paddy fields is nothing new.

Overall, nice vibes and view with mediocre food. Is it bad? Not necessarily and I was there as a tourist, so I'm...