Malaysians like sharing meals. The mamak has become a popular hangout for folks from all walks of life who come to eat and converse for hours. Malaysians prefer to visit these stalls, where foldable tables and chairs await them along the sidewalks. Some even take over parking spaces. Some more prominent and popular vendors might occupy the entire street with hundreds of people.
Mamak food carts are the foundations of Malaysian street food culture. Mamak stalls are open-air roadside cafes created by Malaysia’s Indian Muslim population that mainly offer Malay Indian food. These are venues where residents may meet to dine, drink, converse, and watch live football matches on TV screens. Mamak stalls are more than just food shops. They are many popular mamak restaurants in Pennag for you all to satisfy your cravings while becoming a part of a vibrant and food-loving local community. Here we list the top 10 mamak restaurants in Penang.
What meals are available at mamak restaurants?
A mamak stall often serves several types of roti canai and teh tarik, coffee, Milo, Horlicks, and soft beverages. Most mamak stalls also serve rice dishes such as nasi lemak and nasi goreng and noodle dishes such as mee goreng.
What is healthiest food at mamak restaurants?
Tandoori chicken is the healthiest option since it is high in protein and uses less oil. It’s prepared in a tandoor, which is similar to an oven.
10 Best Mamak Restaurants in Penang 2025
1. Restoran Deen
Nasi Kandar Deen has been operating for a long time and is regarded as one of the greatest nasi kandar in Penang at night, with an extensive line. It will be lengthier throughout the long weekend. Don’t miss out on this one, from their fried chicken to their assortment of curries that are up to par. Great location since it is neat and the staff was pleasant. Not only was the meal great to our taste, but the pricing was also affordable.
Operating Hours: 6:00 am – 11:30 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: 598-D & 598-E, Jalan Jelutong, 11600 George Town
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RestoranDeen
2. Restoran Mohamed Raffee Nasi Kandar
Restoran Mohamed Raffee Nasi Kandar serves rich curries in substantial amounts over steaming white rice with squid, pork, and half a salted egg for a blast of flavour. RM15 gets you a serving of rice with three delicate pieces of squid, a piece of honey chicken, half a salted egg, and a hefty scoop of cabbage. This was far better and big enough for two people.
Operating Hours: 7:30 am – 11:59 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: 295-A, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 04 2288466
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raffe.penang/
3. Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu
Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu is well-known for its succulent beef curry. The location is strategic. However, parking takes a lot of work to get by. In front of the restaurant, you may get traditional Malay snacks and nibbles at reasonable costs, and a few men are selling freshly grown local fruits. You’re in for a treat if you eat it with your hand while it’s still warm. Avoid eating here late at night since no black gravy will remain.
Operating Hours: 5:30 am – 1:30 pm, 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: A-29, Jalan Kampung Melayu, Kampung Melayu, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 0104503434
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/Nasikandarkgmelayu/
4. Cargas Cafe
Cargas Cafe, a mamak restaurant, specializes in mixed rice. The restaurant was always full of automobiles and motorbikes, and the cafe was packed with people like sardines at all hours. The counter where the assortment of foods is displayed is constantly crowded, with customers grasping for whatever food is available on their plates. They emphasize utilizing fresh ingredients to keep the meals high quality. They combine essential flavours such as saltiness, spiciness, and a subtle sweetness to complement one another.
Operating Hours:
9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Saturday – Thursday)
Closed on Friday
Address: 978, Main Road, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 016 423 6392
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cargas-Cafe/132775603449373
5. Restoran Tajuddin Hussain
Restoran Tajuddin Hussain is conveniently placed on the outskirts of George Town’s Little India, just a 2-minute walk from Kapitan Keling Mosque. One of the ultimate meals here is nasi kandar, a plate of rice with various Indian curries. The quantities were reasonable, allowing you to sample a wide range of curries. They not only provide Nasi Kandar but also briyani. The biryani was aromatic and flavorful, seasoned with shallots and turmeric, and served with a garnish of cucumbers and coconut chutney on the side.
Operating Hours:
11:00 am – 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday – Saturday)
Closed on Sunday
Address: 45-63, Queen St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 04 2625367
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Restoran-Tajuddin-Hussain/150813021631793
6. Nasi Kandar Imigresen
Nasi Kandar Imigresen is the most basic of the lot, selling a variety of curries to go with nasi kandar from a little street cart. People who like milder curry enjoy the meals from Nasi Kandar Imigresen since they are a little less hot than those at other nasi kandar restaurants. If you don’t mind eating at the side of the road, Nasi Kandar Imigresen is a lovely place to visit. Many people endure the heat of the day to visit this booth for a dish of nasi kandar.
Operating Hours:
9:00 am – 7:00 pm (Saturday – Thursday)
Closed on Friday
Address: 8, Lorong Pasar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 016 4530046
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=163170297727064
7. Shariff Nasi Kandar
Shariff Nasi Kandar Istimewa in Gelugor has to be one of the cheapest nasi kandar stalls on Penang island. Additionally, a long queue would form for Shariff’s Nasi Kandar as early as 6.30 pm since it is affordable and delicious. The curries are not very hot, which will undoubtedly appeal to the general public. Teh tarikh is another speciality of this eatery.
Operating Hours:
5:30 am – 9:30 pm (Sunday – Friday)
Closed on Sunday
Address: Gerai 23, Kompleks Pasar Dan Makanan, Jalan Permai, Taman Brown, 11700 Gelugor, Penang
Phone No: 017 4586786
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=956652074375098
8. Mamak Abu
Mamak Abu is a dining restaurant in Penang located along Jalan Macalister. It is a simple place to satisfy late-night appetites without breaking the bank. They’re famed for their outstanding service and Maggie Goreng, Roti Canai. The distinct flavour of fried noodles coupled with the crispiness of the chicken. The waiter is exceptionally courteous and will ensure that everyone’s meal is delivered on time.
Operating Hours:
2:00 pm – 2:00 am (Thursday-Tuesday)
Closed on Wednesday
Address: Jalan Larut, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
9. Nasi Kandar Merlin
Nasi Kandar Merlin is a Mamak restaurant in Penang that serves Nasi Kandar. For the past 55 years, this establishment has served wonderful and tasty nasi kandar. Curry chicken, curry beef, and curry prawn are must-order items here. Their curry is rich and tasty, full of spices and perfume. For those who enjoy beef, curry beef is not to be missed.
Operating Hours:
8:00 am – 3:00 pm (Monday-Saturday)
Closed on Sunday
Address: 1A, Union St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 016 4027452
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merlinpenang/
10. Ramzan Restaurant
Ramzan Restaurant is a restaurant tucked near the Kapitan Keling Mosque. Delicious duck curry is served here with rice, roti, or chapatti. Delicious chapati from the neighbourhood may also be found here. Every meal includes curd and ‘rasam.’ They also provide briyani rice with its unique flavour. The spicy level of each item here is a touch high, so that it will be a pleasure for spicy food fans.
Operating Hours:
6:30 am – 6:30 pm (Monday-Saturday)
Closed on Sunday
Address: 48, Lebuh Ah Quee, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 04 2614967
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Grab Your Complimentary Lazada Voucher 【Here】
Tons of Shopee Cashback Deals 【Here】
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
