Yati Ayam Percik
Ayam Percik, chicken which is roasted over a wood fire and combined with coconut/peanut sauce and delicious local herbs and greens. Yati Ayam Percik 847, Jalan Long Yunus has got to be the best around take a bicycle from your guesthouse to arrive there, it's like 2km from the center;
Kota Bharu is full of delicious Kelantanese food, a unique cuisine influenced by Thai and Indian styles, among others. Lots of goodies are to be found in the pasars and in coffee shops throughout the city. Chinese food is also available at various Chinese restaurants and food courts.
Among the local specialties are :
Nasi Ulam locally called Nasi Kerabu, rice with fragrant, fresh-picked leaves and shoots, traditionally dipped into budu fish sauce, sambal belacan shrimp paste with hot pepper, et al. or/and tempoyak fermented durian sauce; You can find it in the morning at the Central Market first floor foodcourt.
Nasi Dagang Kelantan. The slightly glutinous-textured rice is cooked in coconut, and similar to Nasi Dagang Terengganu, except the Kelantanese rice grains have a tint of maroon. Served with either a fish or chicken gravy, it is a local favorite breakfast food.
Murtabak, savory or sweet crêpes. Murtabak Raja Royal Murtabak is the famous one on Jalan Bayam. They sell takeaway Murtabak and sweets, the staff is really nice and friendly.
If you visit around Hari Raya time, don't miss the chance to try Tapai, which is sweet fermented cassava or rice, wrapped in tapioca leaves. If you like tea, wash everything down with Teh O tea with sugar or Teh Susu tea with sweetened condensed milk.
Keropok Lekor Losong the local version is Keropok Gote, originally from Losong village and considered by Kelantanese to be the benchmark of all fish paste sausages. Comes fried or boiled. Kelantan Keropok Gote is not like Terengganu Kerepok Lekor Losong; it is thicker, about 4cm.
Durian puffs locally called Lepok Durian or Gelembung Buaya, they are in 3 colors: red, yellow, and green, at Kubang Pasu wet market in the mornings - for durian lovers with strong stomachs only. These delicious pastries are sold at the wet market surrounded by fish. Buy from the lady at the corner, not in the middle of wet market.
Morning Satay, same lady, but not so delicious. Just for the experience. It also can be found in various restaurants in town. There are a few famous satay sellers like Satay Baung, Satay Suria, etc.
For Chinese food, go to :
Jalan Kebun Sultan - restaurants opposite Public Bank, and food court
Jalan Post Office Lama - restaurants
For Thai food, try restaurants in Taman Cemerlang, and in nearby Wakaf Bharu town