KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — A Penang eatery is Number 1 on TripAdvisor’s list of top 10 budget dining restaurants in the country, in the travel giant’s annual awards.
Local favourites like fried squid and crispy duck earned Andrew’s Kampung in Batu Ferringhi the top mention among locals and tourists alike while Tg’s Nasi Kandar in Kuala Lumpur was recommended for its variety and great value “parallel to the overpriced vendors and frenzied streets of Bukit Bintang”.
The awards, which were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews over a 12-month period, also listed the the top picks of local restaurants in Malaysia, and unsurprisingly, the country’s food capital – Penang — reigned supreme.
The Mandarin Grill at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur took 10th spot in a separate fine dining category that also featured restaurants in Bali, Beijing and Tokyo.
The travel planning and booking giant said that the Mandarin Grill at the five-star Mandarin Oriental used premium meat cuts such as Sher Wagyu Tomahawk Steak and exceptional Grilled Boston Lobster Thermidor.
It quoted reviews that lauded unobtrusive but attentive service, delicious and well presented dishes that warranted return visits.
Top in the list of Asia’s best fine dining restaurants was DK David’s Kitchen at 909 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, followed by Restaurant Locavore in Ubud, Bali in Indonesia and TRB in Beijing, China.
Wonderland Food Store in Langkawi also won tourists’ nod for its fresh seafood at affordable prices while the Long Beach stretch in Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Cactus Restaurant in Langkawi, Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan Restaurant in Malacca and Red Garden Food Paradise & Night Market in George Town received special mention.
The Lot 10 Hutong food court in Kuala Lumpur, the 24-hour Restoran Kapitan in George Town’s Little India and Ewan Cafe in Pulau Perhentian Kecil completed the top 10 list of recommended tourist restaurants.
A statement from the website said this year’s awards recognise 528 restaurants overall, including the top 25 fine dining in the world and dedicated lists for Asia, Canada, Europe, India, Mexico, South America, South Pacific, the UK and the US.
This year, TripAdvisor has chosen to award some of the best bargain-dining establishments around the world.
“Eating is such a big part of a travel journey so we’re incredibly excited to recognise the top places to eat at in Malaysia that have been recognised by millions of global foodie travellers from the TripAdvisor Community,” said Janice Lee Fang, communications director for the Asia Pacific TripAdvisor.
“There is a ‘must try’ list for any occasion, whether you feel like splashing out on the town or having an amazing meal that’s friendlier on the wallet,” it said.
* Editor's note: An earlier version contained several errors that have since been corrected. Malay Mail Online apologises for any confusion caused.
