The coastal town of Cherating in Pahang, Malaysia may be known for its tropical surf beaches, sea turtles, traditional textiles, and enclave of upscale resorts, but it isn’t exactly heralded for its dining scene. When planning a trip to the easygoing East Coast, you might find yourself prioritising mornings spent sunbathing by the shore over breakfast plans. Since my last visit nearly a decade ago, the area’s culinary landscape has seen tremendous growth, bringing together local fare, authentic French patisserie, and a string of quaint cafés.
After building a trip itinerary for my recent visit to Cherating with only recommendations from friends and frantic Instagram searches, it became clear that a guide to the area’s dining options is exceedingly overdue. From one of the best creme brûlées I’ve tried to flaky ikan bakar caked in sambal, here are some of Cherating’s must-visit spots that are worth braving the infamous Karak Highway for.
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Have a hearty breakfast at Ombok Cherating
Ombok has become one of Cherating’s most popular culinary gems, and for good reason. The weatherboard café is home to soulful breakfast plates, bespoke beverages, and a retail corner equipped with handmade jewellery, bohemian beachwear, and surf essentials. Expect to be greeted by a mural of stickers and an eclectic collection of art before finding a seat.
On the menu are classic breakfast plates from cheese-filled omelettes to avocado on toast and a slew of plant-based options like its beet veggie burger stuffed with crispy tempeh and generous slathers of mashed avocado. You’ll be able to find conventional espresso-based drinks here but when at Ombok, opt for its signature iced Ombok Kopi, a sinfully sweet, refreshing, and locally-inspired coffee.
Ombok Cherating 1006-1, Kedai Jalan Kemaman, Jalan Kampung Cherating Lama, Cherating, 26080 Kuantan, Pahang
Experience beachside patisserie at Café Marion
Just across the street from the perpetually bustling Ombok is Café Marion, a dessert spot that draws equally impressive crowds. Despite opening at 1 pm, the café fills with diners eagerly awaiting its sweets before its shutters have opened. Specialising in French patisserie, the café’s pastry case is lined with a myriad of tarts, chocolate eclairs, and cream puffs—all of which are baked fresh daily.
When I finally made time for dessert, almost everything had sold out except its creme brûlée, which proved to be a fortunate event. Café Marion’s creme brûlée sees silky, rich custard topped with a paper-thin crust of burnt sugar that snaps with a gentle tap of your spoon. Unlike many I’ve tried, this Cherating patisserie’s iteration is not cloying and brims with subtle hints of vanilla. It is a must-try for any sweet tooth, but be sure to join the queue to avoid ending up with the last option of the day.
Café Marion1011, Jalan Kampung Cherating Lama, Kampung Cherating, 26080 Balok, Pahang
Step out of the sun for a smoothie bowl at Loca Café
Tucked discreetly just a few metres from Cherating Beach is Loca, an intimate café equipped with coffeehouse favourites, handcrafted sodas, and refreshing smoothie bowls. Its owner will welcome you with friendly hospitality and offer you dinner recommendations when asked. Its Tropika Bowl of mango and banana proves the perfect antidote to the beachside humidity, dotted with shredded coconut, granola and sliced banana. Its Pitaya Bowl is a magenta-hued crowd-favourite and sees a blend of dragonfruit, banana, and berries. Stop by for a midday pick-me-up and a glass of iced coffee, especially its kopi kampung—a drink that brought me back every day of my trip.
Loca CaféJalan Kampung Cherating Lama, Kampung Cherating, 26080 Balok, Pahang
Tuck into fresh seafood at Nabil Café
A spread of ikan bakar, sotong goreng tepung and more at Nabil Café (Photo: Instagram / @farahdfn)
A dinner of freshly caught seafood is non-negotiable when by the sea. Nabil offers precisely this alongside homely Malay cuisine in its casual roadside warung. Fortify a serving of white rice with salted fish kailan, perfectly golden telur dadar, kerang bakar, and a side of its fragrant seafood tom yam before heading to its grilled seafood counter to handpick your protein of choice. One of its most-ordered dishes is its sotong goreng tepung coated in an ethereally light batter. Choose between ikan pari, siakap, kerapu, and more to be grilled to order and brought to your table doused in robust sambal with a side of fresh lime.
Nabil Café4, Kampung Cherating Lama, Jalan Bukit Kuantan, Chukai
See also: Tatler Dining Guide 2024: The best grills, steakhouses, and seafood restaurants in Malaysia
End your day with cocktails at Cherating Beach Bar
After a day spent in the sun and walking through sandy laneways in search of satisfying meals, there is nothing better than that first sip of a crisp gin and tonic. Stroll down Cherating Beach to find an impressively tall wooden structure, Cherating Beach Bar, for tins of beer and uncomplicated cocktails. Despite a limited cocktail selection of rum and coke and gin and tonic, you’ll find yourself more than refreshed with its concoctions that don’t skimp on freshly squeezed lime juice. Sit on a bar stool or right on the sand with a tipple in hand for an ideal end to your day by the beach.
Cherating Beach BarCherating Beach, 26080 Balok, Pahang
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