Perlis may be Malaysia's smallest state, but its food scene punches above its weight — especially around the fishing town of Kuala Perlis, where laksa and mee udang (prawn noodles) are practically institutions. This list stays close to what's actually verifiable: real, currently-operating restaurants and stalls in Kuala Perlis, Kangar, and Padang Besar, rather than a padded top-10. Expect fresh seafood by the jetty, decades-old family laksa recipes, and a bit of border-town Thai-Chinese flavour near Padang Besar.
Food
7 Best Places to Eat in Perlis (2026)
From Kuala Perlis's legendary laksa and mee udang stalls to Kangar's old-school dessert shops and Padang Besar's border food scene, here are 7 real, currently-trading places to eat across Malaysia's smallest state.
Jamie Tan31 July 20266 min read
Where to Eat in Perlis at a Glance
| Restaurant/Stall | Area | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Kak Su Laksa | Kuala Perlis | Laksa Kuala Perlis, pulut panggang |
| Hai Thien Seafood | Kuala Perlis | Fresh seafood by the jetty |
| Dalinda Mee Udang | Sanglang, near Kuala Perlis | Mee udang, nasi goreng udang |
| Anjung Keli | Kangar | Catfish (keli) dishes |
| Poh Kee | Kangar | Ice kacang, cendol, rojak |
| Rali Nasi Kandar | Beseri, Kangar | Nasi kandar |
| Pin Ja Restaurant | Padang Besar | Budget Chinese/Asian food near the Thai border |
1
Kak Su Laksa — Kuala Perlis
Widely regarded as the best laksa in Perlis, this stall is run by Abdullah Osman and his adoptive sister Su Nor, who have been making laksa together for decades using a closely guarded family recipe. Beyond the signature fish-based Laksa Kuala Perlis, they're also known for pulut panggang and ketupat sotong.
2
Hai Thien Seafood — Kuala Perlis
A name virtually synonymous with Kuala Perlis dining, Hai Thien started out as a simple seafood outlet near the jetty before relocating to its current spot. It's a go-to for fresh catch cooked Malaysian-Chinese style, with the sea breeze off the jetty as a bonus.
3
Dalinda Mee Udang — Sanglang, near Kuala Perlis
Tucked away in Kampung Sungai Padang, Sanglang, Dalinda specialises in mee udang (prawn noodles) and nasi goreng udang (prawn fried rice), both praised for using genuinely fresh prawns. It's a little out of the way from Kangar town, so calling ahead before visiting is recommended.
4
Anjung Keli — Kangar
One of Kangar's most popular Malay restaurants, Anjung Keli is known for its catfish (keli) dishes — fried, grilled, and cooked masak lemak lada api in a spicy coconut gravy. It draws a steady local crowd looking for hearty, home-style Malay cooking.
5
Poh Kee — Kangar
Now run by its third generation, Poh Kee on Jalan Baru in Taman Mutiara is a Kangar institution for ice kacang and cendol, with a well-balanced ratio of shaved ice, gula melaka and toppings that isn't overly sweet. It also serves rojak and laksa.
6
Rali Nasi Kandar — Beseri, Kangar
A well-known nasi kandar stop in Beseri, Kangar, Rali Nasi Kandar serves the mixed rice-and-curry style beloved across northern Malaysia. It operates mornings into early afternoon, Monday to Saturday, and is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.
7
Pin Ja Restaurant — Padang Besar
Right by the Thai border, Padang Besar has its own food identity, and Pin Ja Restaurant is one of the go-to spots for budget-friendly Chinese and Asian dishes. It reflects the cross-border flavour mix that makes this part of Perlis distinct from Kangar and Kuala Perlis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is mee udang, and why is it a Perlis specialty?
Mee udang is a spicy, curry-like noodle dish served with whole freshwater or river prawns, closely associated with Kuala Perlis and nearby fishing villages thanks to easy access to fresh prawns. It's typically eaten with the shell on, best enjoyed with your hands.
When is the best time to visit Kuala Perlis for seafood and laksa?
Early evening tends to work well, when the day's catch is freshest and the sea breeze off the jetty makes outdoor seafood dining more pleasant. Laksa stalls like Kak Su Laksa are popular for a mid-morning to lunch visit before ingredients sell out.
Is Perlis food generally halal?
Yes — the vast majority of Perlis's food scene, including nearly every spot on this list, is Malay-owned local cuisine and halal. Padang Besar, being a border town, does have some Chinese and Thai-run establishments, so it's worth checking individual outlets there if halal status matters to you.
How far are these food spots from Kangar town centre?
Kuala Perlis is roughly a 15-20 minute drive from Kangar, Sanglang (home to Dalinda Mee Udang) is a bit further out and best reached by car, and Padang Besar is about a 20-30 minute drive north toward the Thai border. Anjung Keli, Poh Kee, and Rali Nasi Kandar are all within or just outside Kangar town itself.
#Food#Perlis#Kuala Perlis#Local Eats
