What and Where to Eat in Bentong, Pahang

Bentong may not command the same culinary fame as Penang or Ipoh, but this laid-back Pahang town has long been a rewarding destination for hungry travellers. Beyond its prized durians, fragrant ginger and locally made soy sauce, Bentong is home to old-fashioned coffee shops, roadside stalls and family-run eateries serving recipes that have endured for generations.

Whether you are visiting for a day trip or passing through on a longer road journey, arrive with an appetite. Here are some of the must-try foods in Bentong and where you can find them.

 1. Rubber tap noodles at Shu Shi Fen

Image credit: Go Bentong Facebook Page

In the 1960s and 1970s, rubber tappers would often fuel up with a piping-hot bowl of noodles before beginning work. That history gave this local speciality its memorable nickname, although the stall is officially known as Shu Shi Fen.

Choose your preferred noodles before selecting from the assortment of side dishes displayed at the stall. Depending on what is available that day, you may find everything from fried wontons and chicken feet to stuffed tofu and other home-style accompaniments.

Address: Jalan Pasar, 28700 Bentong, Pahang

Opening hours: 1pm to 11pm, daily

2. Satay at Satay Warisan Pak Chu

Image credit: Satay Warisan Pak Chu Bentong Facebook Page

Operating since 1993, Satay Warisan Pak Chu remains one of Bentong’s best-known places for freshly grilled satay. Chicken, beef and lamb skewers are cooked over charcoal, filling the surrounding area with a smoky aroma that makes waiting for your order even harder.

Dip each skewer generously into the rich peanut sauce and enjoy it while it is still hot. As this is primarily an evening stall, plan to visit after the sun goes down.

Address: Kampung Baru, Bentong, Pahang

Opening hours: Approximately 5.30pm to 11pm, daily

3. Homemade ice cream at Kow Po Ice Cream House

Image credit: Go Bentong Facebook Official Page

A long-standing favourite among locals and visitors, Kow Po Ice Cream House is an ideal place to cool down after exploring Bentong. Its old-school homemade ice cream can be served on its own or combined with cendol, red beans, fruit cocktail and syrup.

Classic flavours include chocolate, coffee, coconut and peanut butter, while durian lovers should look out for the locally inspired durian ice cream when it is available.

Address: 2, Jalan Utama Bentong Heights, 28700 Bentong, Pahang

Opening hours: 10.30am to 6pm, daily

4. Pastries at BE Station Cafe

Image credit: BE Restaurant Facebook Page

BE Restaurant offers a tempting spread of sweet and savoury pastries, including its generously filled char siew pau. Unlike the fluffy steamed version found at many dim sum restaurants, these baked buns have a golden pastry shell and a rich barbecued pork filling.

Other options may include pumpkin buns, blueberry cheese tarts, salted egg yam puffs and freshly toasted bread. Those looking for something more substantial can also order dishes such as asam laksa.

Address: GF15-1, Jalan Chui Yin, 28700 Bentong, Pahang

5. Porridge at the stall along Jalan Chui Yin

Image credit: Go Bentong Facebook Page

For a comforting start to the morning, head to Ah Wan’s Porridge, a long-running local favourite along Jalan Chui Yin. Customers can customise their bowl with ingredients such as shredded chicken, pork, century egg or assorted innards.

You can also add fried vermicelli, peanuts, youtiao and crispy fried shallots for extra texture. The result is a hearty bowl of porridge that feels just as satisfying on a cool morning as it does when you simply need some familiar comfort food.

Address: 88, Jalan Chui Yin, 28700 Bentong, Pahang

Opening hours: 7am to 1pm, Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Monday

6. Yong tau foo at Bentong’s Kopitiam

For another local favourite nearby, make your way to Bentong’s Kopitiam for its wide selection of freshly prepared yong tau foo.

Choose from tofu, vegetables and other ingredients stuffed with a flavourful mixture of fish, pork and dried cuttlefish. The pieces are cooked upon order and can be enjoyed with curry gravy, a sweet sauce or a serving of chee cheong fun.

Address: 83, Jalan Chui Yin, 28700 Bentong, Pahang

Opening hours: 6am to 11pm; closed on Wednesday

7. Beancurd products at Bentong Tau Fu Sdn Bhd

Image credit: Bentong Tau Fu Sdn Bhd Facebook Page

Soya bean lovers should save room for a visit to Bentong Tau Fu Sdn Bhd, a shop and small-scale production facility specialising in freshly made beancurd products.

Its offerings include tofu puffs, tofu, soya bean milk and silky tau foo fah. The freshly prepared tofu puffs are particularly popular and can also be purchased to bring home.

Address: 85, Jalan Chui Yin, 28700 Bentong, Pahang

Opening hours: 6am to 6pm, Thursday to Tuesday; closed on Wednesday

8. Burgers at Deen Burger Bakar

Image credit: Deen Burger Bakar Bentong Facebook Page

For something less traditional, stop by Deen Burger Bakar and watch as the team prepares its grilled burgers to order. The menu features creations with playful names such as Black Cacylon, UFO and Double Trouble.

The homemade patties are layered with sauces and toppings for a satisfyingly messy late-night meal. You can find the stall inside Bentong’s food court.

Address: Stall 14, Medan Selera Bentong

Opening hours: 6pm to 11.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday; 6pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday

9. Steamed fish at Restoran 126

Image credit: Restoran 126 Facebook Page

Seafood lovers can venture beyond Bentong town to Restoran 126 in Kampung Bukit Tinggi. The restaurant is particularly known for its steamed fish dishes, with choices that may include patin, jelawat and redtail catfish depending on availability.

Complete the meal with vegetables, egg tofu and other Chinese-style dishes shared around the table. Freshwater prawn noodles, or sang har mee, are another popular option for diners who prefer prawns.

Address: Lot 10498, Kampung Bukit Tinggi, 28750 Bentong, Pahang

Opening hours: Approximately 11am to 10pm, daily

10. Apam Balik at Kampung Perting Apam Balik

Image credit: Go Bentong Facebook Page

This humble mobile stall in Kampung Perting serves freshly made apam balik in both thick and crispy varieties. Each pancake is prepared on the spot and filled with crushed peanuts, sugar and corn.

Choose the thicker version for a soft, chewy bite or the thin variety for a crisp shell that becomes even crunchier as it cools. As the stall is mobile and its schedule may change, it is most commonly sought out during the weekend.

Address: Jalan Chan Sang, Kampung Perting, 28700 Bentong, Pahang

Opening hours: Typically available on weekends; operating times may vary

In between meals, make time to explore some of Bentong’s attractions and stock up on local ginger, durians and traditional food products before heading home.