As the last visit at The Andaman, Langkawi was a short one, besides breakfast at The Restaurant, we dined at two of their other F&B outlets…
TEPIAN LAUT
As its name suggests, Tepian Laut is “by the sea” and it’s al fresco dining at its best. Beneath huge shady rainforest trees, guests get to feel the raw sea breeze blowing in from the Andaman Sea and that somehow enhances the appetite significantly.
The a la carte menu for lunch features a solid selection of local and international favourites with quite a number dishes focusing on healthy eating. Besides a good selection of salads, burgers, hotdogs and pizzas, we loved the nasi goreng and lontong ayam too.
For dinner, a sumptuous buffet is laid out under the trees. Again, it’s a good mix of traditional local and western items.
On Saturday evenings, there’s the special Seafood Buffet which extends from Tepian Laut right onto the beach. Dining tables are set up almost to the water edge.
It’s an ethereal experience in many ways: watching a sunset, savouring the last golden rays of the sun before it disappears beyond the horizon and watching the sky darken with deep violet streaks before tiny stars take over the heavens.
The rhythmic lullaby of waves crashing gently on the shore is another memorable sensation as we take our time feasting on oysters, endless fresh seafood, BBQ meats and a wide array of international favourites and local delicacies.
The desserts on the buffet were just as endless – tough choices have to be made!
JALA
Between the lush tropical forest and the deep blue crystal-clear sea, there’s Jala. Constructed in harmony with nature, it’s a unique restaurant on all counts. The natural beach is its floor – pure soft sea sand cushions our feet as we walk around the restaurant. Diners leave their footwear on shelves at the entrance before proceeding to their dining tables.
The dining hall is built around ancient trees, none was chopped down to accommodate its construction. There are no walls nor windows fronting the ocean – diners get a sweeping view of the spectacular vista of sea and sky as they dine. This is also the best spot to catch a stunning sunset.
Every day the local fishermen bring in their catch to Jala right on the beach. The freshest seafood are displayed in the restaurant. Guests simply choose their favourite seafood from the display, method of cooking and if desired, take their pick of side dishes and gravies on the menu. Yes, things are kept simple at Jala.
The menu also features a selection of local and western favourites. Our sumptuous dinner was a bountiful array of grilled fish and prawns, deep-fried squids accompanied by several sides of BBQ corn, pasta and vegetables. Everything was super fresh, having been just caught that very day itself.
We couldn’t resist their signature Jalaksa though. It’s a refreshing fusionistic take on our local laksa… noodles topped with seafood with a light tangy spicy broth poured over at tableside.
Check out the Jalaksa!
How about some desserts?
Staying at The Andaman, dining options are never boring as besides these two, there are several other outlets to indulge – The Japanese Restaurant, The Restaurants and then there’s Jentayu Lounge and Beach Bar to just chill out.
THE ANDAMAN
A Luxury Collection Resort
Jalan Teluk Datai
07000 Langkawi
TEL: +60 4-959 1088
http://www.theandaman.com/