Santai Langkawi — Restaurant in Langkawi Island

We dined at Santai Langkawi the evening of December 5, 2023. Picture of our Chicken Curry Noodles posted as proof.

We came after seeing all the positive reviews on Google, but after our experience, I am convinced that many of the reviews are absolute baloney, fakes, or friends. The food was just okay, and did not make up for the absolutely horrendous service. Let me explain our experience.

We were seated in the outdoor patio area. While we were directed promptly to check their menu via QR code, it took ages before the server came out to the patio to take our order. Okay fine, it can happen if they’re busy.

We ordered the following : chicken fried rice / nasi goreng, crispy chicken curry noodle, omelette, mango juice and a coke.

The food took over 30 minutes to arrive. The full cups of ice in our drinks were completely melted well before our food arrived. But, what’s worse is, two tables (seated AFTER we ordered) received their fried rice order before we did. The server, unapologetically, explained that because the table had a reservation, they got their food first. Even though we ordered well before they even sat down! Then, when i pointed this out, she pivoted and tried to explain how the table that came in after us, “pre-ordered” when we all clearly saw them pointing out their order to the server on their phone (QR code menu).

Next, the “crispy chicken curry noodles” did not have any crispy chicken and was just chunks of regular chicken. No explanation provided, but at this point I was too hungry to care. Just wanted to get our food, eat and get out.

Anyways, if this was the only “service” issue then I would not have even written this review. But, when I went to pay it was a whole another issue. Firstly, she gave me the wrong bill that had four or five more items than we ordered. I explained to her exactly what we ordered and she rang up a new bill. But again there was a mistake. She charged us for a Seafood Curry Noodle even though we had the Crispy Chicken Noodles (again with no crispiness). Even though I told her three times this was wrong, she tried to explain that in Malay that this was okay(?). It was not until I literally pulled up the menu to point exactly what we had and how the price differs that she called her manager to fix the bill problem. Not sure if it was a tourist scam, a mistake (can we call it a mistake when I explained her own menu to her many times?) or just plain incompetency, but this just added additional fuel to the sub-1-star-if-I-could service disaster from start to finish.

There were a bunch of bits and bobs that contributed negatively to the dining experience, but this review has gone on long enough. So, if you want to try mediocre food with terrible service, please do come by Santai Langkawi. Otherwise, I recommend going elsewhere.

3* for food, 2* for atmosphere and 1* star for service (negative if I could) = 2* total

Bonus pic: local cat resident to keep you company while you wait ages...

Absolutely Disgusting Experience – Avoid at All Costs

I rarely leave reviews, but this place deserves a warning label. The food was mediocre at best – bland, greasy, and clearly made with little care. Unfortunately, that was the least of our problems.

The restaurant itself was filthy. Tables were sticky, the floors hadn’t seen a mop in ages, and there was a noticeable stench lingering in the air. Basic food hygiene appeared completely ignored.

The staff were clumsy and sloppy, barely understood English, and seemed untrained. Orders were mixed up, drinks spilled, and no one seemed to care.

What truly crossed the line was the behavior of the male owner, who was obviously feminine and made everyone uncomfortable with his unprofessional and overly flirty attitude. He inappropriately touched my partner, and when we expressed our discomfort, he became rude, loud, and condescending, strutting around with an unbearable diva attitude.

To top it off, I ended up with food poisoning after the meal – a clear sign of just how poor their standards really are.

I do not recommend this restaurant to anyone. It was a disturbing and unpleasant experience from start to finish. Avoid it like the plague.

This place should be...

The owner of this place is amazing , he is kind and gave good recommendations from the menu, but the one lady that is serving the customers is outrageously rude, no sense of customer service in this person , overall the food was great but when we went to pay the lady said that their card machine is broken we only take cash or use QR to pay but as a foreigner the only option was cash, I asked her why didn’t you mention that your card machine is broken at the time or arrival she said it’s customers duty to ask and it’s not their manners to say it. How will customers know if their card machine is broken ? I asked if there is an ATM nearby she said it’s 20 mins away with no signs of wanting to help , had to take a grab two way and we came back and when we paid she had no remorse of apology , didn’t say sorry for the trouble but rather come with an attitude. Hope the owner sees this and train this person to do better or put up sign that your card machine is broken temporarily so customer can make arrangements....