The diverse ethnic influences have shaped Langkawi's culinary tradition, creating a sumptuous melting pot of Malay, Indian, Chinese and Thai dishes, often spicy and aromatic with Asian herbs. The island's emergence as an international tourist magnet has encouraged entrepreneurs to invest in a string of restaurants serving fine western food. With fresh ingredients from the sea readily available, seafood restaurants are plentiful.   

Bon Ton At The Beach

Bon Ton is one of the few places on the island where you can find the interesting Nyonya cuisine-a style of cooking unique to the Chinese community that settled in the Straits Settlements of Malacca and Penang. It is a blend of Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines. Apart from Nyonya food, popular Western cuisine is also served. The red and white wine collection is impressive.

Kelong Sri Melayu

For an exotic dining experience, nothing is more romantic than dining above the water. Only this restaurant can offer such a timeless moment. Catching your own fish and letting the chef do the rest will definitely add a little sizzle to your meal. You can be sure that your dinner is absolutely fresh. Otherwise, choose from the a la carte menu of western and local dishes.

Orkid Ria Seafood Restaurant

If you drive along Pantai Cenang in the evening, you cannot miss this brightly lit eatery. A stone's throw from Pelangi Resort, the place fills up at sundown. The fast and attentive service and the tasty, reasonably priced dishes must be why the crowd keeps coming back. An extensive menu combines Chinese, Malaysian and Thai-style cooking.

Boom Boom Corner

If you want to sample some authentic Indian food while you are in Langkawi just look out for this place at the junction of Jalan Pantai Tengah and Pantai Cenang. Simple yet attractive, the place has bright red-coloured bulbs that definitely catch one's attention. On the menu you will find a delicious Indian/Pakistani buffet. Specialties are the roti bom, naan, tandoori chicken and biriani rice.

Pavillion (The)

Fans of outdoor dining and Thai cuisine will consider this place a godsend. This rustic style, open-air restaurant sits in an elevated position facing a rainforest. Nothing can be more enchanting than wining and dining with the music of wild birds in the air. The menu features the best in Thai cuisine, with tom yam kung (a Thai soup), pandan chicken, kerabu and other Thai delights certain to tantalise the taste buds. Be sure to make a reservation if you are not a hotel guest. It can be a long drive back to the city if you arrive without one.

 Medan Selera Nelayan

This not-to-be-missed eatery for seafood lovers is slightly tricky to find, being tucked away in the mangrove swamp next to the fisherman's jetty-slightly away from the main road. The menu features only the freshest catch.