Nasi Arab is among the most renowned Middle Eastern cuisines that many people in Malaysia are especially fond of. It somehow matches the local taste. The dish comprises aromatic Basmati rice, complemented by a special sauce with mutton, lamb, chicken, and fish. The subtle yet rich flavour makes the people hold Nasi Arab dishes in a special place in their hearts. Other names of Nasi Arab are Mandi, Kabsa, and Maqlubah.
Thus, get ready to get overwhelmed by the vast selections of Nasi Arab from these Top 10 Best Nasi Arab Places in Penang 2025. You will get a handful of choices to make and experience all types of Nasi Arab available in Penang restaurants.
What Are the Differences Between Mandi & Kabsa?
The differences between the two kinds of Nasi Arab vary in the cooking process and the ingredients used. Mandi rice tends to acquire a bit of sense and taste of biryani rice, which the rice is flavoured with meat. Mandi rice is more common than Kabsa, which is why you often find Mandi rather than Kabsa. A Kabsa dish has a big chunk of meat, appears to be moist, and differs in flavour due to its ingredients in the rice.
What Goes Well With Nasi Arab?
There are some complementary dishes that you ought to know to go well with the Nasi Arab meal because they will give extra satisfaction to your lunch or dinner meals. A famous eatery made a few recommendations of what complements the Nasi Arab platter based on what they have in the restaurant, such as Daging Masak Hitam, Tauhu Ayam Cincang, and Ayam Goreng Berempah. Since Nasi Arab already comes with a sweet & sour sauce, sriracha sauce, and chillies, those side dishes add more flavours to bring out the best feature of a Nasi Arab dish.
10 Best Nasi Arab in Penang 2025
1. Halab Penang
If you are dreaming on having a very romantic candlelight dinner to propose your partner or celebrate your anniversary, Halab Penang would be one of the highly recommended places. With their exquisite touch in the decorating scheme, it adds a vibrant and beautiful vibe for couples to dine in the restaurant creating remarkable memories together. It will be perfect to start your dinner with some appetisers, such as Arabic Salad and Fried Kebbeh followed by a plate of Lamb Mandi.
Operating Hours: 10:30 am – 2:00 am (Daily)
Address: 381, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/halabpenang/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halabpenang/?hl=en
Check Info On Website2. The Garden Lebanon, Tanjung Bungah
The Garden Lebanon in Tanjung Bungah specialises in Lebanese cuisines, which also include a wide range of middle eastern food, like nasi Arab, hummus, and more. You can expect to see top-notch customer service and high-quality Arabic dishes, such as Mandi Lamb, Prawn Masala, and Mosakaa Lamb. They also exude a minimalist yet luxurious restaurant concept with an impressive exterior and a garden-like interior design. It is going to be the most satisfying dining experience ever for your family!
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 15, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GardenLebanonRestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lebanonrestaurant/?hl=en
Refer Info On Website3. Restaurant Qasar Hadramawt
Restaurant Qasar Hadramawt would make a perfect choice to hold a casual occasion, like reunions and family gatherings. They not only serve undeniably delectable Yemeni delicacies but also have a clean and family-friendly environment. The best menu to try in this eatery comprises Chicken Mandy, Lamb Madghout, and Shakshoka Egg, which is enough to stuff an empty stomach. You can opt for BBQ options, especially for a barbecue party because the restaurant serves Grilled Lamb Cube, Shish Tawooq, and Arayes Lamb on their menu.
Operating Hours: 10:30 am – 10:45 pm (Daily)
Address: No. 9, Ground Floor, De’ Rendezous, Jalan Perda Selatan, Bandar Perda, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Reviews: Here
4. Rubin Mardini Cafe & Restaurant
Your trip to Penang would not be completed without having a visit to Rubin Mardini Cafe & Restaurant. It is a humble restaurant with a simple setting and is exuding a relaxing atmosphere putting the diners in a comfy position. Since they specialise in Turkish and Arabic cuisines, you will get to taste authentic flavours from their reliable and talented cooks. Some recommended dishes in this place include Hanith Chicken, Lamb Kebab Set, and Moussaka with Lamb.
Operating Hours: 1:30 pm – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 591 Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Batu Ferringhi, 11100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rubin.mardini/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubin.mardini/?hl=en
5. Nasi Bukhari Mendi Sajid Khan
Nasi Bukhari Mendi Sajid Khan promotes and serves the best maqluba in Sunway Bukit Gambier town. They accommodate the customers with outdoor and indoor seating areas to avoid any inconvenience or discomfort. As most of their food is sold at reasonable and affordable prices, you must take this chance to taste their signature dishes, such as Lamb Rice, Haneez Chicken, and Briyani Lamb. You should add a few more dishes from their Shawarma and Naan Sets to create the most unforgettable eating experience.
Operating Hours: 12:30 pm – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: Plaza Ivory, 2-1-25, Halaman Bukit Gambir, Sunway Bukit Gambier, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Nasi-Bukhari-mendi-Sajid-Khan/100040087676339/
6. Al-Araby Mathaam – Seberang Jaya
Since Al-Araby Mathaam being located in Tesco Extra, a giant supermarket in Seberang Jaya, it makes the restaurant a must-go spot after a tiring day walking around from shopping. You will never be disappointed with their food quality as they promise to give the customers the best and most flavoursome Arab Mutton Rice menus. Thus, the Al Araby Chicken Mandy is one of the most popular dishes you must try in this fantastic Middle Eastern eatery. The dish is made with aromatic extra long grain Mendy rice and marinated roasted chicken served with dhal sauce.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 2762, Persiaran Sembilang G3-G4, Tesco Extra, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ArabyMathaamTescoExtra/
7. Taiba Shawerma Restaurant
Get to taste the best shawarma, falafel, and hearty Middle Eastern cuisine at Taiba Shawerma Restaurant today! They can be your next express stop to buy some delightful dishes to feed your hungry self while travelling around Tanjung Tokong in Penang. Intriguingly, their Shawarma Rice platter includes a portion of mandy smoked rice topped with chicken shawarma, served with fresh veggies, garlic, spicy sauce, and chicken turmeric soup. Another main dish you can try is Arabic Shawarma, comprising six pieces of kebab wrapped in flatbread, served with French fries, garlic, and spicy sauce.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm – 10:30 pm (Monday – Thursday, Saturday – Sunday)
4:00 pm – 10:30 pm (Friday)
Address: Jalan CM Hashim Tanjong Takong, Tanjung Tokong, 11200, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TAIBA-Shawerma-1376679085962369/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE
View website8. Tazaa (تازة) Arabic Restaurant
Your next destination should be Tazaa (تازة) Arabic Restaurant. The fine dining concept of this Mediterranean eatery would leave you in awe in every aspect, from the decoration to customer service, and food quality to amenities provided. Just wait until you try their Arabic cuisine, which gives you the reason why it is worth the monetary value. Their Rice choices include Lamb Mandy Quater, Lamb Zurbian Quater, and Lamb Madghout Quater. Ice Caramel Macchiato and Chocolate Frappe would be among the sweet and refreshing drinks to quench your thirst.
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 93A, Ground Floor, Jln Todak 6, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tazaaarabiccuisinecafe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tazaa_penang/?hl=en
View website9. Mr. Shawerma – Gurney Paragon
Thanks to the power and energy of three passionate individuals managing the Mr. Shawerma restaurant, people get to know and savour the original flavours of Mandi Lamb and Mandi Chicken in Gurney Paragon. They use 100% Halal ingredients and is also carefully prepared vegetarian-friendly meals to maintain their excellent service and food reputation. It will be a wonderful choice to include their main Shawerma speciality in your orders, such as Shawerma Wrap Classica, Shakria, and Philadelphia.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 5th floor, Justfood Foodcourt, Gurney Paragon, Jalan Kelawei 10250 George Town Pulau Pinang MY, George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrShawerma.my/
10. Syawins Jiddan
A family-friendly restaurant like Syawins Jiddan can be your safest choice for a family reunion or birthday celebration. They can serve you the best Nasi Arab in town and superb Western dishes that tantalise your taste buds making you crave more of their specialities. If you look at the Nasi Mandy menu section, you will see a wide range of Nasi Arab platters, such as Nasi Mandy Kambing Talam and Nasi Mandy Mixed Combo. Some Western selections include Aglio Olio, Baked Mac & Cheese, and Chicken Parmigiana.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Address: 97-1-7 & 97-1-8 The Palazzia, P227 Jalan Bukit Gambir, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Syawins/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syawins.jiddan/?hl=en
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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.
