Seafood Delights & Comfort Food

If you’re planning a trip to Terengganu, there’s one place that locals and tourists alike insist you must visit: Ombak Pantai Restaurant, nestled along the serene shores of Pantai Penarik in Setiu. This humble beachside eatery has become a local icon, drawing waves of visitors not just for the food, but for the peaceful, sun-kissed ambiance that surrounds it.

Unlike your typical commercialized restaurant, Ombak Pantai offers something refreshingly raw and honest—simple wooden tables set on soft sand, the sound of waves rolling in, and the comforting scent of seafood being fried to perfection. Whether you come as a family, a couple looking for a sunset moment, or a hungry solo traveler on a weekend escape, Ombak Pantai welcomes you with open arms and the delicious aroma of authentic Malaysian street food.

The Magic of Terengganu’s Signature Dish

The name Ombak Pantai has become nearly synonymous with one thing: celup tepung. This crunchy, golden battered seafood dish—typically squid (sotong), prawns (udang), or fish—is a coastal tradition across Malaysia, but few places do it quite like this. What sets Ombak Pantai apart is the freshness of the ingredients, the crispiness of the batter, and the view that comes with every bite.

One regular visitor from Kuala Lumpur said it best:

“Makanan dia memang padu! Sotong celup tepung rangup gila, view pantai pun cantik sangat. Memang wajib repeat!” – Aina, KL

You can taste the sea in every mouthful. That’s not just a poetic phrase—the seafood served here often comes straight from nearby fishermen who bring in their morning catch. Fried on the spot in light, seasoned batter, every order is served hot and crisp, just the way it should be.

A Vibe You Can’t Replicate

But it’s not just the food that keeps people coming. The overall experience at Ombak Pantai feels like a love letter to the slow life. There’s no air-conditioning here—just the natural wind sweeping off the South China Sea. Some guests sit in wooden huts, others choose hammocks tied between coconut trees, and many dine directly under the sky, toes in the sand and hearts at ease.

Around sunset, the entire place takes on a warm golden hue. Families take photos by the handmade swings, couples sip on fresh coconut shakes, and hungry tourists line up at the counter to place their orders.

Service That Feels Like Home

Although the restaurant doesn’t require a reservation, the staff are happy to take your call or WhatsApp for pre-orders and directions. Many patrons note how friendly the service is—quick, attentive, and always with a smile. Even during the busiest hours, food is prepared fresh, and most visitors find the wait is worth it.

You can reach them easily via WhatsApp at wa.me/601127524564, and they’re open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, except on Tuesdays, when they close for a well-deserved rest.

A Place to Return To

Dining at Ombak Pantai is not just about satisfying hunger. It’s about capturing a moment—a memory of a warm sea breeze, golden skies, and delicious food that speaks of local pride and tradition. It’s a place where stories are shared, phones are filled with pictures, and cravings for fried seafood are fulfilled to the brim.

So if you ever find yourself in Terengganu, don’t just pass by. Let Ombak Pantai become a part of your travel story. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a beachside ritual waiting to be experienced.