Langkawi International Airport

Langkawi International Airport may be compact, but it punches above its weight when it comes to feeding hungry travellers before they take off. The main terminal's food court on the departure level is your best starting point, offering a solid lineup of Malaysian staples alongside international bites. It's nothing flashy, but the nasi lemak here — fragrant coconut rice wrapped in banana leaf, served with crispy anchovies and a punchy sambal — is genuinely satisfying and priced far more reasonably than you'd expect at an airport.

For something a little more sit-down, the handful of cafes and casual restaurants scattered through the departure hall do a decent job of representing Kedah-influenced cooking, which is the culinary tradition Langkawi sits within. Look out for laksa utara, the northern-style sour fish noodle soup that differs beautifully from its creamier Penang cousin, and mee goreng mamak if you want something hearty and spiced. Duty-free status on the island means your teh tarik — that gorgeous frothy pulled milk tea — comes with a smile and no sense of rush.

If you're transiting or have time to kill, grab a table near the windows and order slowly. The roti canai, served with dhal and fish curry for dipping, is a reliable comfort at almost any hour, and the local kopi (Malaysian-style black coffee brewed thick and strong) will keep you sharp through any connection. Just don't expect late-night options — most outlets wind down after the last evening flights, so plan to eat before you arrive if you're on a red-eye out.