It hasn’t been too long since the nationwide lockdown, which left a lot of businesses crippled, was lifted. The opening of most economic sectors resulted in people swarming to go to their favourite food joints. So naturally, during Deepavali, Port Dickson, Cameron Highlands, and Genting Highlands became among the few trending vacation spots.
But there are other parts of Malaysia, like Negeri Sembilan, that deserve some hype for their food, boasting many gems just waiting to be discovered. So, if you’re ever visiting this state for more than just their beef noodles, here are some places for all you foodies out there.
1. Gastrohub
Located in Nilai, Gastrohub has captured the attention of Instagrammers all over Malaysia. This spacious and well-lit restaurant’s specialities come in the form of desserts and pastries. The salted egg yolk croissant, garlic bread, Istanbul Khunafa (Middle-Eastern dessert soaked in a sweet syrup), and the mango croffle (croissant waffle) are the must-try items on the menu.
If you happen to dine-in in a group, we recommend the hi-tea set you get to try different types of delectable desserts. The cafe also has a great menu to choose from for serious eats.
Address: Lot 27449 Jalan BBN 5/1A, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 3pm to 10:30pm
2. N9 Container Cafe
N9 Container Cafe has become the town’s spotlight and was founded by ‘Anak Nogori Sembilan’, which translates to a person born and bred in the state. Once called N9 Stick Factory, this unique dining establishment utilises transformed containers into an indoor and outdoor dining spot. Needless to say, it’s a popular choice amongst the youth. Mostly known for their Western offerings, the Soft Shell Crab Bao is a must-try!
Address: 99, Persiaran S2 B1, S2 70300 Seremban
Opening hours: Daily, 4:30pm to 11pm
3. Just Koffea
Meant for the caffeine-lovers, Just Kofea serves up some of the best coffee and tiramisu in Seremban. Like Gastrohub, this joint serves mostly Western dishes on their menu, and if you’re not a coffee drinker, opt for their hi-tea set.
Address: 368 Jalan S2 B15, Seksyen B, Seremban 2 70300 Seremban
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 10pm
4. The Muffin House
No stranger to the food scene after being in the industry for 11 years, The Muffin House is well-known for its coffee and dessert offerings, especially its muffins. For those who are more health-conscious, rest easy knowing that there are healthier options on the menu too.
Address: Uptown S2 70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 8pm
5. Bros Cafe
If you’re being mindful about your health and looking for a worry-free eatery that suits your calorie intake, Bros Cafe is the way to go. With substitute options — like quinoa over white rice — this place allows you to have a gastronomic experience without compromising your diet. Though the scones paired with a cup of coffee is a must-try before leaving.
Address: 44, Jalan Yam Tuan, 70000 Seremban
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
6. CHARS Cafe
Ever heard of Nasi Lemak Durian? Well, at CHARS Cafe, there’s such a thing, and it was invented in 2019 to celebrate April Fool’s Day. Chars Cafe is located at two locations in Bandar Ainsdale and Seremban 2. Feast on their salted egg pasta, bubble waffle, and a sip of coffee to complete your lunch/dinner experience. The space is comfortable for relaxing and enjoying the food with some good company.
Address: 278 Jalan S2 B12,Seksyen B, Seremban 2, 70300 Seremban
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 10pm
7. Haji Shariff’s Cendol
When we Googled for places to eat in Seremban, the first recommendation that popped up was Haji Shariff’s Cendol. This cendol (sweet shaved ice dessert) joint began as a food stall that grew into a corner shop lot that has seen three generations in the family through years of loyal customers. Famed for its natural ingredients, you can choose to give their cendol bandung (rose syrup with milk), mixed cendol, and corn cendol a go.
Address: 44 Jalan Yam Tuan, 70000 Seremban
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday, 10:20am to 6pm
8. Melewar Kitchen
One of Negeri Sembilan’s most famous and sought-after dishes would have to be the masak lemak cili api. It’s basically a saucy dish packed with the flavours of creamy coconut milk, turmeric, the spiciness from the chillis used, and smokiness of your meat of choice (usually duck or beef).
At Melewar Kitchen, all sorts of masak lemak variants are served — from shrimp and stinky beans to grilled chicken. And the prices here won’t burn a hole through your wallet either.
Address: 114-115 Jalan Lavender Heights 1, Pusat Perniagaan Lavender Heights, 70400 Seremban
Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 11am to 8pm
9. Mee Udang Pakar Paroi
Hands up if you’re a lover of mee udang (prawn noodles)! If you’re craving fresh mee udang in Negeri Sembilan, then look no further, because Mee Udang Pakar Paroi has you sorted. Frequently visited by locals, and especially the after-picnic crowd from Ulu Bendul waterfall, you can choose various meal sets and even portions to suit your eating style.
Address: KM12 Seremban Kuala Pilah Paroi, Seremban
Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 12pm to 10pm
10. Grobok Salai
Known as a stop-point for riders before embarking on their journey, Grobok Salai offers more than 15 local dishes every day and often find themselves busiest during lunch. If you’re planning on heading there for lunch, don’t be discouraged, because the waiting time is usually estimated to be less than 20 minutes. And the food is certainly worth the wait. Plus point: You’ll be entertained by buskers while you enjoy a delicious meal!
Address: 13, Batu 5 1/2 Kampung Kundur Hulu, 71400 Pedas
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
11. Hayyan Huda Opah’s Kitchen
Hayyan Huda is hands-down one of the best places we visited for authentic Negeri Sembilan dishes. Not only does the restaurant offer mouthwatering masak lemak telur itik (duck egg), but their desserts are worth shouting out about! Customers have the choice of indoor and outdoor dining here, and during our last visit, our bill totalled RM150 for six to seven types of dishes with drinks too. Definitely money well spent.
Address: 44 Kampung Bukit Temiang, 70200 Seremban
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 8pm
