This review of Warung Tepi Sawah in Perlis is written by one of our contributors, Izzy. Some parts of the article may have been edited for length and clarity.
Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia bordering Thailand which is also known as Perlis Indera Kayangan. Surrounded by hills and a mountain range, the areas get misty in the early morning like being up in the clouds hence the name. Although this state is small, it is perfectly formed and retains most of its natural beauty.
Perlis is known for its kampung style food; various curries, grilled meats and seafood, ulam-ulaman and kerabu (herbs and salads) and traditional dishes like laksa Utara (Northern laksa) and nasi lemak bungkus (packed nasi lemak) for breakfast.
One of my favourite places for breakfast is Warung Tepi Sawah which is literally located next to a paddy field with a vast view of the surrounding hills and mountain range.
The vista is beautiful and breathtaking and changes according to the padi (rice) season. We were there recently during the harvesting time and the field was full of white cranes eyeing the fishes in the sawah.
P.S. Wondering what else you can do in Perlis? Check out this article!
Warung Tepi Sawah is a restaurant with several stalls selling different kinds of food for breakfast including a few which are only known in the Northern states e.g. peknga (coconut pancake served with fish curry) and pulut ikan kering (steamed glutinous rice with salted fish).
My favourites are fried kuey teow, roti doll (roti canai, curry and fried egg on top) and iced tea. Sounds lush right?
Roti Doll
I like to come here for breakfast for its wonderful scenery; you get to eat your breakfast next to a paddy field with beautiful views of the surroundings.
P.S. Looking for more incredible views in Malaysia? Check out these 15 incredible spots!
In addition, the food is tasty and I thoroughly enjoy the fried kuey teow which I think is one of the best in Perlis. The flat noodles are fried perfectly, just enough oil coating, great seasoning and it comes with cockles just like the one you would find in Penang. Green birds eye chilli is optional on the side.
Fried kuey teow
Peknga is one of the most popular dishes served at Warung Tepi Sawah. The name is derived from the action of ‘tempek atas belanga’ i.e. sticking the pancake on the pot in preparing this dish. The pancake is made of grated coconut flour mix and eaten with fish curry.
Peknga and nasi lemak bungkus
Other dishes available here are pulut ikan kering i.e. steamed glutinous rice with salted fish, nasi lemak, mee rebus, various style roti canai and many more.
Generally, food in Perlis is very affordable and delicious. I might be biased on the delicious part but most food outlets here are relatively cheaper than in bigger towns. You rarely come across badly taste food in Perlis either. The last time we ate at Warung Tepi Sawah I paid RM80 for the 10 of us.
View from the terrace
I like this place. It has nice surroundings, it's Muslim owned, offers a variety of food for breakfast and good value for money. However, it can get very busy especially at the weekends. I suggest you either get here early or wait till a bit later after the breakfast crowd has left. Or visit during the weekdays. And try to find a table up in the terrace; it's breakfast with a view ?
Food that I'd recommend at Warung Tepi Sawah: peknga, pulut ikan kering, ubi kayu rebus, pulut ayam and kuey teow goreng but other dishes look good too!
Other places that I would suggest in Perlis:
- Restoran Sungai Bakong 2, Masjid Darul Ibadah, Jalan Padang Behor, 01000 Kangar, Perlis for scrumptious lunch.
- Restoran Ismail, no 9 Persiaran Jubli Emas, Taman Suriani, 01000 Kangar Perlis for nasi kandar breakfast.
- Tai Tong Kopitiam, Jalan Hospital, 01000 Kangar, Perlis for soft boiled eggs and toast + iced coffee.
Warung Tepi Sawah
Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 7AM-12PM
Address: 01000 Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
Find more of Izzy's travel adventures on her Instagram @izzyloubilou.
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P.S. Check out these 10 scenic places in Malaysia that look like they are overseas!