A Cameron Highlands steamboat dinner is something you can’t miss this year, and we’re here to help you pick out the best one!
Honestly, Malaysia is just blessed with good food. No matter where we go, there’s always something delicious waiting around the corner. And Cameron Highlands is no exception.
The cool air, misty views, and peaceful vibe make it one of our favourite spots for a short getaway. It’s the perfect place to pull out our sweaters, sip hot tea, and enjoy the cold.
And honestly, what could be better in chilly weather than a pot of bubbling, steaming soup filled with fresh ingredients? That’s right: a comforting Cameron Highlands steamboat dinner.
Steamboats are a beloved Cameron Highland food tradition. Sitting around a hot pot, adding slices of meat, seafood, mushrooms, and vegetables while the steam fogs up your glasses?
It’s an experience that’s cozy and communal. And since this mountain town is known for its produce and cold nights, you’ll find plenty of great steamboat spots scattered around.
We’ve rounded up our top 10 favourites for 2026, from classic styles to new twists that’ll keep you warm and full.
1. C Buddy’s Steamboat
C Buddy’s Steamboat is one of those local gems we stumbled upon while walking through Tanah Rata on a cool evening.
The place is cozy and casual with friendly staff and big, satisfying portions. The star of the show here is, of course, the Cameron Highlands steamboat set.
You get to choose between clear soup, tom yum, or spicy mala broth, each with its own charm.
The ingredients are fresh and generous: thinly sliced beef, juicy prawns, tofu, fish balls, mushrooms, and plenty of vegetables.
Everything tastes like it just came from the morning market. You can also order side dishes like fried rice or noodles if you’re extra hungry.
Location: -1-7, Cameron Fair, Jalan Camelia, Tanah Rata
Hours: 1.00 pm – 10.00 pm
2. InstaFish Steamboat
If you love seafood, InstaFish Steamboat will win your heart. It’s known for its fresh catch: fish, squid, clams, and prawns straight from local suppliers.
The broth options include their signature fish bone soup, which is creamy and full of flavour. The seafood is beautifully presented, and the staff are happy to help with cooking tips if you’re new to steamboat.
There’s also a good selection of non-steamboat items like fried noodles and stir-fried vegetables, but really, the hotpot steals the show.
It’s also one of the cleaner, more modern-looking places in Brinchang, great for family dinners.
Location: Batu 43, Green Cow, Brinchang
Hours: 12.30 pm – 10.30 pm
3. OKTuck Steamboat
OKTuck is one of the longest-standing names in the Cameron Highlands steamboat scene.
Locals love it for its homely atmosphere and traditional charcoal steamboat setup. Yes, charcoal! The slight smokiness adds a wonderful depth to the broth, making everything taste richer.
They offer both individual and group sets. You can go for chicken, seafood, or mixed platters.
The vegetables here are some of the freshest we’ve had—no surprise, since they’re sourced from nearby farms.
They also serve simple Cameron Highland food like fried rice and claypot noodles if you want to mix things up.
Location: 26, Jalan Besar, Brinchang, 39100 Brinchang
Hours: 11.00 am – 9.30 pm
4. Wild Thai Mookata and Steamboat
Craving something a little different? Wild Thai Mookata & Steamboat offers a fun twist. You get both a grill and a soup pot in one, which means you can enjoy smoky grilled meat and steamboat at the same time.
The Thai-style marinated meats are flavourful and juicy, and the tom yum broth has just the right amount of heat.
The setup feels casual, perfect for big groups or families. Their sauces are also excellent, especially the tangy Thai chili dip.
It’s a good pick if you want to spice things up while still enjoying classic comfort food in Cameron Highlands.
Location: Pahang Brinchang Presint 1 Cameron Centrum, D-2-59
Hours: 1.30 pm – 10.30 pm
5. De Kayangan Steamboat & Grill
De Kayangan Steamboat & Grill is popular among both locals and tourists. It’s buffet-style, so you can eat as much as you like.
There’s a wide variety: marinated chicken, beef, seafood, vegetables, noodles, and even desserts. The combination of grill and steamboat makes it a lively, satisfying experience.
The atmosphere is cheerful and family-friendly. You’ll often find groups chatting away as the steam rises around them. It’s one of those places where you’ll leave full and happy.
The restaurant also offers halal options, so everyone can join in.
Location: Lot B3-28-G, Brinchang Square, Jalan Besar
Hours: 4.30 pm – 12.00 am (Closed on Mondays)
6. Lemon Button Cafe & Dining
Lemon Button Cafe & Dining is a lovely surprise. It’s more of a cafe-restaurant hybrid, but their Cameron Highlands steamboat set is something special.
The broth is rich and aromatic, and they use locally grown vegetables that give it a fresh, earthy taste.
Besides steamboat, they also serve Western dishes like pasta and grilled chicken, perfect if you’re dining with someone who isn’t in the mood for hotpot.
The place is beautifully decorated too, making it a nice option for couples or groups who want a slightly fancier dinner.
Location: Hotel De’ La Ferns, Tanah Rata
Hours: 7.30 am – 10.30 pm
7. Glory78 Steamboat Snack Corner
If you want something fuss-free and budget-friendly, Glory78 Steamboat Snack Corner is a great pick. It’s small, simple, and very local.
Don’t expect fancy interiors, but the food speaks for itself. Their steamboat sets come in hearty portions with clear, spicy, or tom yum broth.
The ingredients are fresh and nicely presented, and you can add on extras like sliced beef or fish balls.
The prices are very reasonable, so it’s great for families or backpackers looking for authentic Cameron Highlands best food without spending too much.
Location: 59, Tanah Rata
Hours: 12.00 pm – 11.30 pm
8. Golden Hill Steamboat
Golden Hill Steamboat sits near the popular night market area, so it’s a great spot to visit after some evening shopping.
The restaurant is spacious and often packed on weekends. The broth options include herbal, spicy, and clear soup, and they serve a wide range of seafood and vegetables.
What makes this place stand out is its soup quality. It’s light but flavourful, and the portions are generous.
They also serve Cameron Highland food favourites like fried noodles and stir-fried greens. It’s a solid, all-round choice.
Location: Jalan Carnation, Tanah Rata
Hours: 5.00 pm – 10.00 pm (Opens at 4 on weekends, closed on Tuesdays)
9. Hot Pot Time Restaurant
Hot Pot Time is one of the newer restaurants in town, and it’s quickly become a go-to for a satisfying steamboat dinner.
The interior is bright and modern, and the menu offers a variety of broths: mala, tom yum, and clear soup. Their mala broth is especially good if you love a spicy kick.
They use high-quality ingredients and serve homemade dipping sauces that complement the meats perfectly.
The staff are friendly and happy to top up your soup whenever needed. It’s a nice balance of comfort and quality dining.
Location: Perumahan Makmur Cameron Jaya,Tanah Rata
Hours: 1.00 pm – 10.00 pm (Open till 11 on Fri-Sat)
10. HA Steamboat Grill & Cheese
Now, this one’s a bit different. HA Steamboat Grill & Cheese takes the traditional Cameron Highlands steamboat experience and adds melted cheese into the mix.
Yes, cheese! It might sound unusual, but the combination of gooey cheese, grilled meat, and steamboat broth is surprisingly addictive. For 10 RM, you’ll get a LOT of cheese!
They offer both buffet and set menus, with a great variety of meat and seafood options. It’s also a halal-friendly spot with lots of local visitors.
The cozy setup and creative concept make it a fun, memorable dining experience.
Location: Jalan Tengkolok, Tanah Rata
Hours: 7.00 am – 12.00 am (Closed on Thursdays)
Tips for Enjoying a Steamboat Dinner in Cameron Highlands
- Choose your broth wisely. If you love spice, go for tom yum or mala. For something lighter, clear or herbal broth lets the flavors of the ingredients come through.
- Start with the ingredients that take longer to cook. Add seafood, root vegetables, and meat first, then leafy greens and noodles last.
- Don’t waste the soup! The broth gets more flavourful as you cook, so sip it slowly throughout the meal.
- Go slow and share. Steamboat is about conversation and company. Take your time and enjoy the warmth.
- Bring a sweater. Even indoors, Cameron Highlands can get chilly at night.
Final Thoughts
A Cameron Highlands steamboat dinner may not make or break your trip. But we assure you it will add more heart and warmth to the highland experience.
The weather is cold, the vegetables are fresh, and the soups are hot and comforting.
Whether you’re staying in Tanah Rata or Brinchang, you’ll find plenty of steamboat spots ready to warm you up after a long day of sightseeing.
If you’re planning your trip, try at least one or two of these restaurants. They each offer something a little different, but they all capture the same cozy, communal vibe that makes food in Cameron Highlands so special.
So the next time you’re planning a trip, make sure a Cameron Highlands steamboat dinner is on your list. For us, nothing quite beats sitting by a steaming pot of soup in the cool mountain air.
FAQs
What are some other foods Cameron Highlands is famous for?
Cameron Highlands is known for strawberries and Avant Chocolate. You’ll find strawberry farms where you can pick your own fruit, and plenty of cafes serving strawberry desserts. Avant Chocolate is also a local treat, perfect for gifts or a sweet snack.
What are the best places to visit in Cameron Highlands?
Some must-visit sites include the BOH Tea Centre for its stunning views and tea-tasting sessions, Cameron Valley Tea House 2 for scenic tea breaks, the colorful Flora Park for floral displays, and the misty Mossy Forest for nature lovers.
Which area of Cameron Highlands should you stay in?
Tanah Rata is the most developed and convenient area with many restaurants and hotels. Brinchang is livelier, close to the night market and steamboat spots. Ringlet is quieter and closer to the tea plantations. Choose based on what you plan to do most.
How to get around Cameron Highlands?
Getting around Cameron Highlands can be tricky. Public transport is limited, and traffic can be heavy during peak seasons. It’s best to have your own car or hire one.
Some more great reads:
- Top 10 Attractions in Cameron Highlands In 2025 – SOCAR Blog
- Our Top 10 Picks | The BEST Food in Port Dickson – SOCAR Blog
- The 10 BEST River View Cafes In Melaka in 2025 – SOCAR Blog
Ride with SOCAR
Exploring Cameron Highlands is so much easier when you have the freedom to go where you want, and that’s where SOCAR comes in.
With a wide range of cars available for hire, you can zip between steamboat spots, strawberry farms, and scenic tea plantations without worrying about public transport or traffic.
Make your Cameron Highlands trip smooth, flexible, and full of delicious stops by choosing SOCAR for your adventure.
