The island opened up to the world. Tourists and investors came in droves, taking the simple islanders face to face with the consequences of culture shock. Those were heady times when spanking new five-star international class resorts staked their claim on pristine beach fronts, never mind that short of a total revision of the country's land laws, there can just dream of having exclusive rights to the immediate beaches.

The sun seekers and international jet setters mingled with the brown-sun burnt locals and soon, over the years the islanders have come to accept the situation. They have adapted to the internationally-skewed island persona and lifestyle while yet maintaining its quaint and rustic heritage.

They have learned to venture out of their culinary and gastronomic cocoons. Mainlanders tapped on the hungry market by setting-up spacious seafood restaurants, while enterprising locals came up with cute bistros and warungs serving a wide variety of local and international fares. On the heels of such successes  came more structured establishments introducing fusion, specific European cuisines and even fast food.

And there you are...today's Langkawi is also a food destination. Come for the sun, sea and food. You will find something you will like.

Whether you prefer to just wallow in the confines of your all-encompassing resort hotel or find yourself a secluded spot on a beach, a bistro, hole-in-the-wall, warung (stalls) or anything in between, good food is just a shout away.

With so many eating spots on the island, it is no mean feat to discover a diner or restaurant that suits your budget. For some visitors prices of food in Langkawi is as low as it gets and as sumptuous as you want. This is especially so for those ambling over from the U.S., Australia, Europe, Japan or the like.

For domestic travellers, hundreds of food outlets would suit their regional palate. Al fresco dining, which is common in Malaysia makes it easy to locate and love a warung or a restaurant to keep you coming back for more.

Take your pick from traditional Malay, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Russian, English, Irish, Italian, Spanish, American or just about any other cuisine you can think of. From first-class chef-endorsed restaurants at five-star hotels to spartan stalls and pasar malam (night markets), Langkawi beckons you to an adventure in gastronomy.

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