The Most Popular Food In Terengganu (Nasi Dagang)

Nasi Dagang is a Malaysian and Southern Thai dish consisting of rice steamed in coconut milk, fish curry and extra ingredients such as fried shaved coconut, hard-boiled eggs and vegetables pickles. Nasi Dagang literally means "Trading Rice". It is a well-known breakfast food in the states on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia especially Terengganu. The most famous Nasi Dagang of Terengganu comes from Kampung Ladang, an area within the Kuala Terengganu district. Nasi Dagang can also be considered as a festive dish in Terengganu because it is prepared at home for the morning of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, to be eaten as a breakfast before or after the Aidilfitri prayers in the mosque.

The Most Popular Food In Terengganu (Keropok Lekor)

Keropok Lekor Kemaman Terengganu is a favaorite food in Terengganu.Some call them fish fritters,fish sausage or a fish sticks but in Terengganu,they are called 'keropok'.There are three types of keropok,mainly keropok lekor (resembling sausage,boiled chewy ones),keropok goring (also resembling sausage but fried chewy ones) and keropok Keping (sliced,sun-dried and fried).All district produce their own keropok but the famous ones are none better than those found in Kampong Losong in Kuala Terengganu.'Keropok Lekor' are actually made from processed fish meat mixed with salt and sago flour.This mixture is then hand roled into sausage shaped around 6 to 10 inches ong and immediately cooked.It is a great afternoon snack normally dipped in Terengganu's equally famous chili sauce.

Ulek Mayang

Ulek Mayang is a Malay traditional dance from the state of Terengganu in Malaysia. It is a ritualistic dance performed to appease or invoke the spirits of the sea and is always accompanied by a unique song also called Ulek Mayang. A traditional ochestra comprising drums, gong, violin and accordion accompanies the dance. The Ulek Mayang is said to have its origin in an ancient tale about a sea-princess who fell in love with a fisherman. The princess abducted the fisherman's soul, leaving his body unconscious. His friends entreated a bomoh (shaman) to heal him. When the bomoh conducted the healing ritual to bring the fisherman's soul back, the princess appeared and responded by calling on five of her sisters to her aid. The battle between the bomoh and the six princesses continued until the seventh and the eldest princess appeared and put an end to it. "I know your origins", says the eldest princess, and she commands everyone, "Let those from the sea to return to the sea, and those from the land to return to the land". The grateful bomoh and the fisherman's friends present the princess with coloured rice as an offering to the spirits of the sea. This practice, along with the Ulek Mayang dance, continued until the Islamic revival movement of recent decades.

Monsoon Cup Terengganu

The Monsoon Cup is the the finale of the prestigious World Match Racing Tour international sailing circuit, and the Tour's first Asian venue. It debut in 2005, and has place Pulau Duyong, Terengganu on the world sailing map, attracting the world's top ranked sailors to compete in this prestigious event. This annual event is broadcast over 183 countries which highlight Terengganu as one of the challenging venue with world class marina facilities. Pulau Duyong has gained worldwide fame for its boat building industry and is now the host for the international yacht race event under the Swedish Match Tour. There side events held in conjunction with the Monsoon Cup to showcase Terengganu's rich arts, culture and heritage.

Where To Stay

1. Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa.
2. Primula Beach Hotel.
3. Permai Hotel Kuala Terengganu.

Chinatown

Chinatown in Kuala Terengganu is first established by the Chinese community in the late 19^th century. It was once a hub for commercial activities that help shaped Kuala Terengganu into what it is today. The Chinese built the traditionally designed shop houses according to their place of origin in Mainland China. The buildings have been declared a heritage site by the United Nation’s UNESCO under its World Monument Watch Programme to ensure beautification and preservation of this pre-colonial heritage significant. The Chinese have been living harmoniously with the majority Malays in the state. They blend with the local culture and heritage, speak fluent local dialect and share the likings of traditional delicacies while retaining their identity. Souvenir shops, restaurants, electronic and grocery shops lined the colourful buildings. It is also home to two grand temple or toapekongs, the Ho Ann Kiong and the Tien Hou Kong.

How To Get Here

Chinatown is located within walking distance from Pasar Payang (Central Market) in the commercial hub of Kuala Terengganu Heritage Waterfront City. Most tour packages include Chinatown in their itinerary. Few hotels are within walking distance while others need transportation. The Heritage Town Bus which plies from Taman Shahbandar stops next to Hotel Seri Malaysia Kuala Terengganu near the arch entrance of Chinatown. Car rentals and taxi services are within reach from most hotels in Kuala Terengganu.

Where To Stay

1. Primula Beach Hotel
2. YT Midtown Hotel
3. Seri Malaysia Kuala Terengganu
4. Hotel Tanjung Vista Kuala Terengganu
5.  Grand Continental Kuala Terengganu

Where To Eat

1. Guan Coffe Shop
2. Golden Dragon Restaurant
3. Pizza Hut
4. KFC Fried Chicken
5. Chinatown Food Court

Pasar Payang

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" Pasar Payang, or the Central Market of Kuala Terengganu, is a must-visit especially for first-time visitors to this turtle state. Located just by the Sungai Terengganu (Terengganu River)." 

What would Kuala Terengganu be without the Pasar Payang, or the Central Market? Located just a few minutes of walking north along the pier from the inter-city bus station, it serves as both wet market and a trade centre for the local community. There is an air of festivity as one approaches the entrance of the market, with makeshift stalls lining the path, showcasing trinkets of all kinds. In their loudest voice, the local peddlers will impress you with the alleged magical powers of the amulets, the potency of their traditional medicines, or the quality of their precious stones. It’s a wonder how they could sustain their voice for so long without getting a sore throat – there must be something in those “amulets.” Fresh fish, poultry, vegetables and fruits can be found on the ground floor, many manned by kindly-faced old ladies, ever smiling, inviting you to their wares. This is where you'll find the unfamiliar and sometimes the bizarre. One can get fresh produce of local delicacies such as the 'keropok lekor' - made of grounded fish and sagu flour, and 'serunding' - the spicy flavoursome meat floss. Seduced by their charms, I ended up with so many bags of keropoks – it was hard not to buy from the friendly and sweet, demure ladies! Terengganu is also known for its thriving batik industry. Some of the best batik and songket in Malaysia is hand made in Terengganu and a vast choice of this traditional textile can be purchased on the first floor of the Pasar Payang. A wide range of colourful handkerchiefs, batik shirts, scarves and kaftans are on display for you to choose from. Feast your eyes on a wide array of souvenirs. Silk garments, rattan baskets, brassware items and farmers’ hats are also popular items on sale here. The rule of thumb is, of course, bargain for the best price when you're buying – most traders would be glad to reduce their prices if you know how to ‘negotiate’. The Pasar Payang has become synonym with Kuala Terengganu shopping that not even the newly-opened and much more comfortable and bigger Bazaar Warisan could rival it; I guess the ‘retro’ and vintage feel of the Pasar Payang ambiance is too hard to resist.

The most popular food in Terengganu