By Chow Jing Yi
Most people think that Kedah has nothing special to offer apart from its beautiful paddy fields and rice. However, other than paddy fields, Kedah is also famous for its limestone hills, beautiful islands, mountains and amazing food; this is Kedah, a wonderful state in Peninsular Malaysia, known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Malaysia.
Sungai Petani, a quiet and peaceful town
Lee Yuan Run, a student of HCUC who is pursuing his Diploma in Mass Communication, is from Sungai Petani, Kedah. He explains that Kedah is the ideal destination for those who love nature, or tourists who support ecotourism, as the state boasts beautiful natural wonders. Lee recommends visiting Mount Jerai, locally known as ‘Gunung Jerai’, because you can enjoy the best view of the sea and paddy fields. In addition, the fresh and clean air can help visitors to relieve their stress.
Famous restaurants in Kedah
Koo On Tong, a Jit Sin student who is currently in Form Six, is from Padang Serai, Kedah. Her favourite restaurant is Restaurant Teong Eong, a restaurant owned by her family. Restaurant Teong Eong is a small eatery located opposite the police station in Padang Serai.
Koo explains that her family-owned restaurant sells a variety of local food such as Koay Teow Soup and dry noodles. However, her favourite dish is braised meat which is prepared by her grandmother. She says that this dish is the most popular dish among local customers, because the meat is perfectly cooked, juicy and crumbly, especially when you sink your teeth into the flavourful meat which has been braised for hours.
Besides, Koo says her favourite restaurant for lunch is Restaurant Tar Kuow, also known to locals as ‘Lao Li De’. Although the restaurant operates from the humble confines of a small hut, it is always crowded during lunchtime. What makes this restaurant a beloved destination of locals is the traditionally prepared dishes, cooked using charcoal instead of gas stove.
In addition, the dishes which are prepared using local methods, are reasonably priced. Koo describes her favourite dish, the deep fried black pomfret with soy sauce, as perfectly fried fish with a crispy layer that coats the soft flesh of fish. The special, home-made sauce is poured all over the fried fish, and sprinkled with some fresh chilies to enhance the flavour.
The green town of Kulim
Mah Xuan Ni, a university student who is currently taking a course in Biotechnology, is from Kulim, Kedah. She explains that the favourite food of locals is the Laksa at Kelang Lama. This particular variant of Laksa has an authentic taste, and the soup is rich in flavour, sour yet not too spicy. Besides, the prawn crackers, served together with the Laksa, are delicious. Customers are permitted to consume as many prawn crackers as they want, and pay for their meals when they have finished enjoying their food.
Mah says that Kedah is a sleepy state, where the lifestyle here is simpler, compared to other booming states like Penang or Kuala Lumpur. Kedah is definitely the best destination for retirement.
Besides that, she says that those who seek a place to relax, could choose to visit Kulim Putra Lake, located in the heart of Kulim, Kedah. The lake was once a tin mining area that dates back to the 1850s. Mah explains that locals like to visit the lake in the morning or evening to go jogging or fishing..
Kedah is not a tourist-heavy state, but if you need to retreat somewhere to unwind and relax, Kedah is the number one destination for you.
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