FANCY A TASTE OF TERENGGANU?

Terengganu offers an array of delectable culinary delights. As in other states, rice is the staple food. The cuisine displays a strong influence of Thai, Chinese and Indian cuisines. The food is reasonably priced and visitors have a wide range of delicious food to try out. Because of the state close to the sea, seafood plays a main role in its culinary scene. Fresh ingredients are said to give Terengganu's food its lip-smacking taste and distinct fragrance. 

The uniqueness of its traditional food are distinctively sought and remains a part of Terengganu's identity. Let's try the authentic local favourite food in Terengganu which are :

• NASI DAGANG

If you visit Terengganu, head on over to the stalls or restaurant that selling nasi dagang. A mix pf white and brown glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk infused with blended onions, garlic and spices such as the fenugreek. The dish is complemented with a side of fish curry and pickled vegetables. The aromatic rice literally means travellers or trader's rice, as it was often taken along by traders who traveled far.

• SATAR

This interesting dish consists of succulent boneless fish marinated in spices. Satar is wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over a flaming charcoal fire. Through the word of mouth, this food are selling at many stalls in Terengganu. The place is flocked by locals as well as visitors from other states to get a taste of this delicious food with coconut drinks.

• KEROPOK LEKOR

A fried snack, keropok lekor is a thick, chewy cracker made of ground fish meat. Keropok lekor is best eaten with its special chili dip. Even though other states also have this kind of food, the one in Terengganu is very special because it used a fresh fish meat.

• LAKSA TERENGGANU

Rice noodles and a fragrant fish gravy make Laksa Terengganu a simple but highly satisfying dish. It is normally eaten for breakfast although it is now being served during dinner and lunch as well. What differentiates Laksa Teregganu from other states is the coconut creamy gravy thickly filled with shredded fish meat and best eaten with concoctions of traditional garnishing of eatable herbs, vegetables and beans. Shrimp paste and blended chili are added to enhance its flavors. Those who are allergic to shrimp paste should avoid taking it and could replace with a dash of salt.

• KETUPAT SOTONG

Seafood lovers can try this unusual dish. Glutinous rice is cooked with thick coconut milk until it is fragrant and tender. It is then used as a filling in boiled squids. Finally, the cooked squids are lightly sweetened with palm sugar. Ketupat sotong is a popular teatime snack.

* SELECTED RESTAURANTS IN TERENGGANU :

• MALAY
• Di Atas Sungai, Dungun (09-8451100)
• D'Muara Live Seafood, Kuala Terengganu (09-6229622)
• CHINESE
• Ocean Restaurant, Kuala Terengganu (09-6239154)
• INDIAN
• Kari Asha Restaurant, Kuala Terengganu (09-6232469)