Since I started visiting Langkawi in 2019 and more frequently, I have also begun to explore the local Malay food scene, which can be found all around the island.

After trying numerous local Malay cooking styles, I am writing a review for the famous Nasi Daging Bakar in Langkawi, which is located at Padang Matsirat near the airport.

Before I continue, Nasi Daging Bakar’s direct translation is Burnt Beef Rice, but it is not burnt and is more like grilled beef rice. If you are not a beef eater, just bypass this article.

Nasi Daging Bakar in Langkawi

The Median Niaga Padang Mat Sirat, photo from Google Earth.

I never expected to try this dish, as it was not on my food radar, but after coming to Langkawi three times in 2019, I did manage to make some local friends here. One of them recommended that I try the Nasi Daging Bakar, which is well-known among the locals.

Finding this place was also a challenge, as the directions I received were very local, straightforward, and included simple landmarks. Thanks to Waze and our rented car, we located the main area before narrowing it down to Medan Niaga.

What the Medan Niaga looks like on the inside.

We arrived here at about 11:00 AM, trying to avoid the lunch crowd. You know how busy some places can be during peak lunch hour. After parking the car (for free), we casually strolled in to look for the stall that served the Nasi Daging Bakar, and there was no huge banner with lights indicating this.

The stall sells a lot of other dishes as well.

We inspected stall after stall until we encountered the hero of the day, which is co-shared with several other local Malay dishes, such as Nasi Kukus, Nasi Ayam, and Bihun Sup. Without hesitation, I placed Nasi Daging Bakar’s order with the gentleman operating the flat pan grill station.

The chef prepares the grilled beef pieces.

Close-up of the Daging Bakar being grilled.

I casually ordered a plate without special requests, just as others would. Then my better half went to the next stall to order some Malay Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice) as she does not take beef.

My Nasi Daging Bakar was served within five minutes, and it sure looked fascinating, considering how they presented it like a chicken rice platter.

A small saucer with a kind of sambal accompanied the main dish, and Malay sambal chilli and I did not get along well, so I had to ask my better half to test it for me.

She took a small spoon and said it was not as spicy as it looked; hence, only I gathered the courage to try some with the Daging Bakar.

The impressive presentation of the Nasi Daging Bakar.

How Did It Taste?

I honestly think it tasted good, considering it has been forever since I had beef with rice. Since I turned 40, I have cut down on eating red meat.

The portion was quite generous, considering there was more beef than rice per spoonful. The soup was not beef-based but the standard Nasi Ayam (Chicken Rice) soup.

I liked how they balanced the beef fat pieces with the lean meats in one portion. If you love beef fat, please let them know when you order.

The beef fat and lean meat are served together in one portion.

If you love your meats cooked uniquely, you should also inform them how you want them, for example, medium-rare or well-done. To me, I just ate what was served.

The rice was the typical yellow butter rice used for the Malay chicken rice or Nasi Ayam, so two components are borrowed from the Nasi Ayam.

So, I concluded that you need to love beef to eat this dish, as it is a heavenly mixture of beef fat and tender meat grilled and served with rice.

The location of Nasi Daging Bakar at Padang Matsirat is near the airport.

Where is Nasi Daging Bakar in Langkawi?

There are a few nasi daging bakar around Langkawi, and the one I visited is located at Padang Matsirat near the Langkawi Airport. It is only a four-minute drive from the airport, or you can always take a ride-hailing service to and from.

When you get inside Padang Matsirat, you must keep driving along Jalan Lapangn Terbang (114) until you see the Medan Niaga Padang Mat Sirat on your left.

It is an old-school-type food court with stalls around it and tables in the centre. Once you locate it, you can turn it in before or after, and parking is available.

When I’m in Langkawi, I will stay at the Tanjung Rhu Resort as my main work revolves around this part of the island. Because of the resort’s privacy and peacefulness, I rent a car to explore the island and avoid highly popular areas like Pantai Cenang or Kuah.

Wide-angle shot of the Nasi Daging Bakar at Padang Matsirat.

Conclusion

If you want more local food on the island, check out my review of the most famous Nasi Campur Kak Yan Restoran in Langkawi. Well, I used to be a huge beef eater in my younger days, and when I was given this opportunity to have grilled beef with rice, it was like good old memories returned to me.

If you are in Langkawi, you have nothing to lose, as this is one local Malay dish that will surely make you remember your trip there. Next time you visit, take some time to try the Nasi Daging Bakar in Langkawi near the airport. One thing I did was go to the airport two hours earlier so I could try this.