You have probably heard of ikan patin Temerloh, right? The catfish that Pahang is so famous for. And of course, the first dish that comes to mind is ikan patin masak tempoyak, that bold, creamy gravy made with fermented durian paste. But here’s the thing: not everyone vibes with tempoyak. It’s strong, pungent, and unapologetically funky. Personally, I love it, but I get it if some people can’t deal with fermented durian. So what’s the alternative? Pais patin.

Instead of being dunked in gulai or swimming in gravy, pais patin is wrapped up in banana leaves, marinated with spices, and grilled until smoky. The banana leaf keeps the fish juicy while infusing it with this earthy aroma. It is simple, rustic, and honestly pretty addictive. If masak tempoyak is the loud, in-your-face cousin, pais patin is the cooler one who chills at the BBQ pit.

Pais Patin: The Smoky Pahang Dish You Did Not Know You Needed

If you are ever driving through Kuantan, Temerloh, or anywhere in Pahang, you owe yourself a plate (or two) of pais patin. Here is my personal roundup of places you should check out.

Where to Eat Pais Patin in Pahang

1. Jaman Tory

This is the place to go if you want to dip your toes into all things Pahang food. Jaman Tory feels like stepping into a kampung-inspired dining hall with warm service, big portions, and food that tastes like it was cooked by someone’s nenek. Their pais patin is legit. Moist, smoky, with just the right kick of spice. Order it with rice and sambal on the side, and you’re golden. Bonus: they have a kids menu, so families won’t have to stress about fussy eaters.

• Location: Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan
• Opening Hours: Wed–Mon 12pm - 11pm, Closed Tue
• Nearest Bateriku: Indera Mahkota (4KM)

2. Sedap Weh

This spot is a favorite pit stop for anyone heading back to KL. Trust me, if you don’t go early, you’ll find the best dishes sold out. Their gulai patin is famous, but don’t sleep on the pais. The portion sizes are huge (you can easily share), and the balance of flavor: slightly spicy, a bit sweet, a bit salty makes it easy to polish off a plate without realizing. Price-wise, around RM10 gets you a solid chunk of fish. If you’re on a road trip, Sedap Weh is a lifesaver.

• Location: Jalan Bypass Kuantan
• Opening Hours: Thu–Mon 10am - 430pm, Closed Tue–Wed
• Nearest Bateriku: Bukit Rangin (3km)

3. Mabiq

Now, this one was a surprise find. Mabiq doesn’t look flashy from the outside, but once you dig in, you’ll get why locals recommend it. Their pais patin has that perfect smoky finish, and the seasoning just hits right. I found the flavor layered—spicy, savory, and slightly sweet. Prices are fair, parking is easy, and service is quick. Definitely a no-stress stop if you’re exploring Kuantan.

• Location: Kuantan
• Opening Hours: Wed–Mon 830am - 415pm, Closed Tue
• Nearest Bateriku: Taman Guru

4. Saiful Gulai Masam

This one’s for sour food lovers. Saiful Gulai Masam lives up to its name. Their gulai and pais patin lean tangy, which makes the flavors pop even more. If you prefer your food more pedas (spicy), you can always add sambal tempoyak to kick it up a notch. The best part? You get to eat while overlooking the Temerloh River. The scenery makes the whole meal feel extra special. Big, clean restaurant, friendly staff, and prices that won’t burn your wallet.

• Location: Dataran Patin Tg Keramat, Kampung Bangau, 28000 Temerloh, Pahang
• Opening Hours: Wed–Mon 11am - 830pm, Closed Tue

5. Kancil Raja Patin

Kancil Raja Patin is the kind of place you bring a group because the portions are massive, one serving of pais patin can easily feed two to four people. The fish here is tender and smoky, but what makes the experience even better is their side condiments. The sambal belacan and tempoyak are out of this world. A little spicy, a little funky, and they pair so well with the fish. Plenty of parking, lots of tables, and self-service means you don’t have to wait long.

• Location: 63, Jalan BDS 1, Bukit Desa Semantan, 28000 Temerloh, Pahang
• Open Daily till 5pm
• Nearest Bateriku: Bukit Semantan

6. Selera Patin Bangau

This place feels like eating in someone’s kampung backyard and I mean that in the best way. Surrounded by wooden houses, open fields, and with surau and washrooms on-site, it’s a very “local” experience. Their gulai patin is solid, but the pais patin here is spicier and bolder than the others. If you love food that packs a punch, this is where you go. Out of all the “famous” patin spots in Temerloh, this one ended up being my favorite.

• Location: Kampung Bangau, Temerloh
• Open Wed–Mon 12pm - 4pm, Closed Tue

Why Pais Patin is Worth the Hype

Okay, so why should you hunt down pais patin when tempoyak gets all the glory? Here’s why:

• It’s smoky, not stinky. Great for people who can’t handle fermented durian.
• It celebrates the fish. You taste the patin itself, not just the gravy.
• It’s perfect with rice. Add sambal, ulam, or even tempoyak if you are brave, pais patin goes with everything.
• It feels authentic. Banana leaf grilling is such a kampung-style way of cooking, and the taste reflects that rustic charm.

For me, pais patin is the underrated sibling of masak tempoyak. It might not shout for attention, but once you try it, you’ll wonder why more people don’t talk about it.

Food is a big part of Pahang’s identity, and ikan patin is the star. Most tourists stick to masak tempoyak, which is fine but if you want something smoky, fragrant, and easier on the palate, pais patin is the way to go.

So next time you’re road-tripping through the east coast, don’t just tell people you tried patin in Pahang. Make it pais patin. That first bite, with the smoky banana leaf aroma hitting your nose, is when you’ll know you’ve tasted something truly local.

Travel Safe While Chasing Food

When you are out on the road hunting down the best pais patin in Kuantan or Temerloh, the last thing you want is a car breakdown slowing you down. That’s where Bateriku has your back. With 24/7 nationwide coverage, Bateriku offers more than just battery replacement. Our roadside assistance covers:

• Towing service if your car cannot move
• Tyre puncture help on the spot
• Fuel delivery when you run dry
• Locksmith services if you are locked out
• Battery replacement anytime, anywhere

So while you focus on savoring smoky pais patin along the east coast, Bateriku keeps you moving safely and smoothly.