Within the highlands’ cooling weather and luscious mountains, there are plenty of eateries to fill up your tummy with diverse delicacies – everything from steamboats, Indian, Malaysian, Chinese, to fresh seafood. Here are the best restaurants to eat in the Cameron Highlands.
This small restaurant serves delicious Chinese dishes that are served at affordable prices (from RM8 per small dish for two to four people). Although there is no menu in English, the waiters and waitresses will gladly recommend must-try dishes. Go for the Sweet and Sour Chicken, Claypot Pork Ribs, and Pumpkin Fried Tofu together with their stir-fried vegetables. For something simple, order noodle or rice dishes. There are also vegetarian options on the menu. Come early before peak hours to avoid disappointment.
Ferm Nyonya Resaurant has an extensive menu that includes steamboat, Western, and Nyonya cuisine. We suggest savouring the warm steamboat with mixed broth (tom yum and chicken). The steamboat comes with a selection of seafood, meat, vegetables, and noodles, and is ideal for a group of four. The price is between RM25 to RM30 (USD 6 – USD 7) per person. Don’t forget to try their authentic Nyonya dishes, served in small, medium and large portions. These include Nyonya Fried Rice, Fish Fillet Curry, Asam Prawns, and Beef Rendang.
Craving for more Chinese food? Drive down to Restoran Tringkap after your visit at the Cactus Valley. This restaurant is known for an array of fish dishes. Try their signature dishes – crispy Fried Tilapia Fish Slices (seasoned with black pepper and served with mango and papaya salad) and Steamed Chicken (served with their special sauce of blended ginger and fried onion). Have them together with vegetable dishes such as the crispy Deep Fried Abalone Mushroom with Thai chilli sauce.
Cactus View Restaurant is located near Cactus Valley and Big Red Strawberry Farm, where you can enjoy BBQ and steamboat on the same pot. The large portions are enough for five people. While waiting for the marinated pork ribs and bacon to be grilled, indulge in warm soup along with assorted seafood and vegetables. The best way to enjoy the grilled meat is to dip it together with the spicy sauce. Make your meal even better by ordering the bak kut teh (pork rib cooked in herbal broth). It is an enjoyable meal to keep yourself warm in the perfect cool weather.
Singh Chapati Urban Restaurant is the only North Indian restaurant in Cameron Highlands. They serve various traditional Punjabi dishes including their weekly specials of briyani. Have a cup of aromatic Masala Tea while waiting for your food to arrive. We suggest having soft Paratha (a type of Indian bread) together with rich Chicken Butter Masala. Have a taste of either Chicken or Mutton Briyani (either medium or very spicy) as well. A word of caution: it might take a while for the dishes to arrive at your table, but they’re certainly worth the wait.
This family-run restaurant has been operating for almost three decades. The woman who manages the place patiently and warmly welcomes you with a smile and takes your order. Our recommended dishes are Buttered Pumpkin, Ginger Chicken, Curry Pomfret, and Watercress with spicy belacan. Most of the noodle dishes are served for breakfast.
Satisfy your steamboat cravings in the evenings at May Flower Restaurant. Pick one of the two kinds of soup or both (tom yum and chicken) that comes together with meat, seafood, vegetables, eggs, and two different kinds of noodles. The steamboat is priced between RM20 and RM23 (USD 4 – USD 5) per person. It is served in generous portions. We recommend having ala carte Chinese dishes for breakfast and lunch such as specialty beancurd dish, spicy pork ribs, and chee cheong fun (steamed rice rolls) with mushroom and curry.
The halal steamboat restaurant serves fresh seafood (including crabs) and vegetables for you to cook in spicy tom yum soup. They have a variety of hot beverages to choose from, such as a cup of hot strawberry tea. This restaurant is suitable for big groups to come for dinner, especially families with children. We advise making a call to the restaurant before coming as they are closed on certain days.
Jin Jin Steamboat Restaurant is situated near Butterfly Farm, which is a suitable stopover for dinner after travelling around Cameron Highlands. There is a choice of steamboat, Chinese, and Western cuisine at this restaurant. Enjoy your warm steamboat while watching the scenic vegetable terraces from afar. End your night with a couple of drinks at a Western style pub that is attached to the restaurant. There is free parking and you can make reservations, too.
Yong Teng Café is the best place to have breakfast or brunch. The friendly hearing-impaired couple will point some of their recommended dishes on the menu. Then you’ll write your orders down on paper before passing it to them. They serve local and Western dishes including English breakfast, nasi lemak, half boiled eggs, curry mee, and vegetarian fried rice and noodles. The must-eat popular sweet treats are the simple homemade pancakes (with strawberry, blueberry and/or peach) served with ice cream and honey.
