“NASI, ayam goreng, kuah campur banjir”. If you are familiar with this phrase, then you have tried nasi kandar, especially in Penang.
The original way of selling it by Indian-Muslim traders has evolved over the years, from carrying the food in containers hanging on a “kandar” (a pole) on their shoulders to conventional restaurants. Today, nasi kandar outlets in Penang have mushroomed due to its popularity. On long holidays, the more famous outlets are full of customers, both local and foreign.
Here is the New Straits Times Press’ top 10 must-try Penang nasi kandar outlets.
1. NASI KANDAR DEEN MAJU
This one takes the crown as our best Penang nasi kandar, even though the restaurant is newer than the other outlets on our list.
Its sought-after dish is its fried chicken, named Chicken 75. It is fried with 15 spices and the taste is mind-blowing.
For every plate of rice, do not forget to ask for “sambal nyior” and “kuah banjir”.
The only grouse is finding a parking space. You need to look harder for one if you want to avoid your vehicle from being clamped by the authorities.
Location: 170 Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, Penang
Operating Day/Hours: Opens daily, except on alternate Sundays, from 2.30pm to 10pm
2. NASI KANDAR KAMPUNG MELAYU
Established in 1974, this outlet is one of the few located in a residential area, below a low-cost flat.
The portion is good, the curry is great and you will have a different flavour in every bite of the chicken and beef. This is because the shop operator avoids using frozen meat to cook his curry, so the meat remains soft and easy to chew. Another secret to his tasty curry is the use of onions, lots of them.
Location: A-29 Jalan Kampung Melayu, Kampung Melayu, Ayer Itam, Penang
Operating Day/Hours: Opens daily from 6am to 2.30pm
3. NASI KANDAR DEEN JELUTONG
Deen Jelutong is a famous place for midnight snacks for those who crave curry. This one serves the same dishes as other outlets, but what makes it stand out from the rest is its curry.
The staff are particular about the amount of different curry flavours to be added into the mix. Customers can request the curry to be more spicy or less salty. For RM7.20, you will get a generous portion of rice with the outlet’s signature fried chicken.
Location: 598-D Jalan Jelutong, Jelutong, George Town, Penang
Operating Day/Hours: Opens daily from 12.30pm to 4am
4. NASI KANDAR BERATUR
Yes, you read that right. You have to line up to order your food regardless of the day, be it a holiday or working day.
This outlet is for those who get hungry late at night and do not mind waiting. It operates from 10.30pm to the next morning. If you wake up in the middle of the night craving for nasi kandar, this is the outlet to visit.
Location: Kapitan Keling, George Town, Penang
Operating Day/Hours: Opens daily from 10pm to 8.30am
5. HAMEEDIYAH RESTAURANT
The nasi kandar here is all about authenticity and heritage as it is one of the oldest outlets in Pe-nang. It was established in 1907.
Over the years, this restaurant has expanded its offerings from the usual nasi kandar to its popular thick and huge murtabak. The shop was renovated recently, but still maintained a sample of the “kandar” used by the original operator to sell his food. Try its curry, especially “Ayam Ros”. It can be hot and spicy, so get your glass of water ready.
The nasi kandar here is pricey compared with others, but it is worth every sen.
If you are here on a weekend or public holiday, be prepared to queue.
Location: Lebuh Campbell, George Town, Penang
Operating Day/Hours: Opens daily, except Fridays, from 10am to 10.30pm
6. PELITA NASI KANDAR (CHAI LENG PARK BRANCH)
Pelita Nasi Kandar is the largest chain in Malaysia with more than 20 branches in five states, as well as in India.
The Chai Leng Park branch is located on the mainland, but it has diehard customers from the island. It was the first Pelita outlet to open. So whenever you are in the mainland, do not miss this one out.
Location: 56 Lorong Kurau 1, Taman Chai Leng, Prai, Penang
Operating Day/Hours: Opens daily for 24 hours
7. NASI KANDAR IMIGRESEN
Next on our list is a roadside stall. Although small in size compared with nasi kandar restaurants, it is big in terms of delicious offerings. The nasi kandar is for those who cannot tolerate spicy food, but still want to spice up their plate. Fried onions are available upon request. If you are okay with eating by the roadside, do give this a try when you are craving for nasi kandar.
Location: 8 Lorong Pasar, George Town, Penang
Operating Day/Hours: Opens daily, except Fridays, from 10.30am to 9.30pm
8. NASI KANDAR TAJUDDIN HUSSAIN
This outlet joins our top 10 because of its customer service, apart from its finger-lickin’ curry dishes. Another plus point is that if you want to sit and dine, you do not need to line up like at many other nasi kandar outlets.
The staff will come to your table and take your order. Tell them how you want it and they will bring it to you. Convenient, right?
They can bring all the main dishes, like rice, curry, chicken and vegetables, on separate plates and you can mix them up. One must-try dish here is the “Ayam Ros”.
Location: 45-63 Lebuh Queen, George Town, Penang
Operating Day/Hours: Opens daily, except Sundays, from 11am to 3.30pm for lunch and 6.30pm to 10pm for dinner
9. CARGAS CAFE
This nasi kandar outlet is unique because of how it works. Customers can pick their own choice of fried chicken, curry and other sides to add to the nasi kandar on their plate. It is nasi kandar, buffet style.
The nasi kandar, topped with thick and spicy curry, is sold from RM5.50 a plate.
The main dish is the fried chicken, with some customers skipping the rice and eating the fried chicken as their main course.
That should give you an idea of how good it is.
Location: 978 Jalan Bayan Lepas, Bayan Lepas, Penang
Operating Day/Hours: Opens daily, except Fridays, from 10.30am to 4pm
10. NASI KANDAR POKOK CERI
This hidden gem, which opened in 1998, is in Jalan Datuk Keramat, beside Masjid Jamek Shaik Yusoff and Dhoby Ghaut Market. Not many know that this outlet serves nasi kandar at a cheaper price than some recommended ones. The operator makes his own herbs to prepare the curry. A plate of rice, fried chicken, vegetables and a boiled egg costs RM6.50.
Location: Jalan Ayer Itam, George Town, Penang
Operating Day/Hours: Opens daily from 6.30am to 4pm