languid Langkawi

 Langkawi island is known as "the jewel of Kedah" - a fairly large island in Malaysia steeped in mythology and legends, an island where I had my first real "solo" trip, and for that reason, it remains special to me. This time, though, I went to Langkawi as a jumping off point to go to Koh Lipe, an island in Thailand. This used to be the easiest way to go to Koh Lipe as it was just an hour boat ride from Langkawi. I say WAS, because I discovered on this trip that they had shut down that route, either for the rainy season or permanently-- I couldn't decipher which--- but I actually had to go on a very roundabout way from Langkawi to Koh Lipe this time, so just a word to the wise, in case you had thought about taking the same route!

I had been in Malaysia for a little more than a month, and I was excited to go vacation in Thailand. That being said, every single time I leave Malaysia, I start to miss the food before I've even left. I think it's because it's really hard to find certain foods outside of Malaysia. So, during these days in Langkawi, I was determined to get my fix of favorite dishes before I left. 

local restaurant 
the popular, but very touristy, Cenang Beach

If you are unfamiliar with Malaysian food, 
let me introduce you to some of my favorite things.
This is part of the menu from Old Town, a popular coffeeshop/ restaurant chain.

My mouth is watering just looking at this.

I got a curry puff at Starbucks. This one looked better than it tasted!
Near my hotel, was this large field with several cows and birds.


Love these birds of paradise!
shopping street next to Cenang Beach

and a few steps away. . . 
Before I left the island, I woke up early to get my favorite roti canai from a local stand that was recommended.



I ordered one plain and one mozzarella. They were much bigger than I expected. The curry for dipping was nice, something like a sayur lemak (Malaysian vegetable curry) which had the consistency of a soup and a slightly tart note. I could have drank the stuff. I wanted to go back for more- but alas, roti canai stands are only open early in the morning. I was glad to get my last roti canai fix in Malaysia before crossing over into Thailand, and this family run shop on the island of Langkawi was so warm and everyone super friendly. 
I took it back to my room to enjoy outside with my jungle/field view.

My roti maker was quite shy, but smiled and said that it was okay 
to take a video of him in action. 

If you find yourself in Langkawi, 
check out Roti Canai & Nasi Campur right next to Cenang Beach!

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