Where to Eat in Kuantan Like a Local — you’re in the right place. As someone who’s spent plenty of weekends in this laid-back coastal city, I can confirm: Kuantan is a hidden gem for food lovers. From seafood grilled to perfection to cakes so good they could start a fan club, the local dining scene here is a blend of heritage, flavour, and chill vibes. Whether you’re here for a beach getaway or just passing through Pahang, this guide will show you exactly where to eat in Kuantan like a local and enjoy every bite.
NUM 1 : Teluk Cempedak Beach – Snacks by the Sea
If you ask any Kuantan local where to chill and snack, they’ll probably say Teluk Cempedak without even thinking. White sand, coconut trees, and the sound of waves — it’s free therapy. Early mornings are the best when the air is still cool and the cheeky monkeys aren’t fully awake yet. You’ll find local stalls selling ice cream, fried snacks, and cold drinks perfect for beach munching.
| Address | Teluk Cempedak, 25050 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia |
| Hours | Open 24 hours, free entry |
| External link: | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teluk_Cempedak |
NUM 2 : Ana Ikan Bakar Petai – Seafood + Petai = Heaven
If grilled seafood had a soulmate, it would be this place — a must-stop when deciding where to eat in Kuantan like a local. Choose your fish, watch them grill it over charcoal, and dunk into sambal petai that kicks with flavor. I once came in hoping for a light bite, and left feeling like I was on a culinary holiday worth every single mouthful from start to finish.
| Address | Jalan Tanjung Lumpur, Perkampungan Tanjung Lumpur, 26060 Kuantan, Pahang |
| Hours | Open 24 hours, free entry |
| External link: | https://restorannearme.my/restoran-ana-ikan-bakar-petai/ |
NUM 3 : Warung Pok Su & Mok Su – BBQ and Snack Paradise
This is the local warung that knows how to fry seafood like it’s performing in a kung fu movie—crunchy, juicy, and irresistible. If you’re still looking for where to eat in Kuantan like a local for an authentic kampung-style experience, this is it. Think otak-otak, fried crab, and satar that makes you devour everything in one go. Pro tip: come early before the crowd or risk waiting with growling stomachs.
| Address | Kampung Peramu, Tanjung Lumpur, Kuantan, Pahang 26060 |
| Hours | Daily 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM |
| External link: | https://www.yummyadvisor.my/kuantan/restaurant-warung-pok-su-mok-su-kuantan/ |
NUM 4 : Kula Cakes – Dessert That Deserves a Standing Ovation
If a cake could talk, Kula’s would say, “Eat me.” And if you ask dessert lovers where to eat in Kuantan like a local for sweets, this is their top answer. Their mango cheesecake and Nutella bomboloni made me want to write serenades—is that too much? Nah. It’s the kind of sweet that makes you pause and say, “Yeah, this is happiness.”
| Address | Kuantan (Check Kula Cakes on Instagram for exact locations) |
| Hours | Varies by location |
| External link: | https://www.fromkuantanwithlove.com/location |
NUM 5 : Houses & Cafés in Kuantan Town – Heritage Coffee Sips
In Kuantan town, old-school kopitiams serve coffee the way your grandparents loved it—strong, smooth, and paired with kaya toast. For coffee lovers wondering where to eat in Kuantan like a local in the morning, these heritage cafés are the answer. It’s not fancy, but it’s real, and sometimes you get a random chat with the uncle at the next table.
| Address | Around Jalan Beserah & Jalan Abdul Aziz area, Kuantan Town Center |
| Hours | VariTypically from 7 AM onwards |
| External link: | https://www.kuantour.com/listing/heritage-trails/ |
Whether you’re munching grilled fish by the sea, sipping coffee in a heritage kopitiam, or diving into mango cheesecake, knowing where to eat in Kuantan like a local means experiencing food with heart. If you’re continuing your journey up the coast, don’t miss my Where to Explore in Pahang Like a Local for even more seaside flavors and cultural gems. Bring an empty stomach and a curious mind—you’ll leave full in both ways.