Nasi Kandar is one of the most distinctive and regional meals in Penang, rivalled perhaps only by Penang Laksa and Char Kuey Teow. For those who are unaware, nasi kandar is a combination of rice and hot curries that is strictly halal food and is typically made by Muslims from India or Malaysia.
Nasi Kandar is a dish that is still offered in traditional Muslim eateries today and is a favourite among tourists and other visitors to Penang. You should be prepared to wait or attempt to visit on a weekday as most of the stores on this listing are very busy on holidays and weekends. So here are the top 10 best Nasi Kandar in Penang.
Where is Nasi Kandar Originated?
The classic Northern Malaysian cuisine Nasi Kandar is composed on a base of rice, usually white, and is topped with the ingredients and hot curries of your choosing. Simply approach the Indian-Muslim mamak chef, indicate towards what we desire, and he will properly douse one’s rice in hot curries before serving it to you.
What Items in Nasi Kandar are Famous?
Although they are well known for their deep-fried food, it is their nasi kandar, which features thick, flavorful curry, crunchy crispy chicken, and soft stewed mutton, that defines this eatery. Their ayam sambal bawang (chicken with sambal and onion), daging kicap, ayam madu, fish egg curries, and special omelette.
10 Best Nasi Kandar in Penang 2023
1. Deens Maju Nasi Kandar
Deen Maju is well-liked and well-known both on and outside of the Island. Don’t forget to try their ayam ros and fried chicken; their fried chicken is perfectly marinated and has an incredibly crunchy and tender coating. The curry in ayam ros has a distinct curries taste with a hint of tomato and is extremely thick and creamy. Your dish can be “filled with curries” without you even mentioning the word.
Operating hours:
12pm to 9.30pm ( Sunday- Thursday)
Closed on Friday
Address: 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 012-4252421
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Google Reviews: Here
2. Hameediyah Restaurant
Hameediyah Restaurant has been serving authentic Nasi Kandar in Penang since 1907. Ayam Kapitan, mutton Kurma, and beef Rendang are a few dishes that you simply must try. All are incredibly flavorful, loaded with spices, and well-marinated to produce the juicy, soft meat. At Hameediya, the murtabak (a substantial dough stuffed with meat and vegetables) is also popular.
Operating hours:
10am to 10pm (Sunday – Thursday)
10am to 12.30pm, 3pm to 10pm (Friday)
Address: 164 A, Lebuh Campbell, street, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 04-2611095
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Google Reviews: Here
3. Restoran Mohamed Rafee Nasi Kandar
Another well-liked hangout for Penangites is Restoran Mohamed Rafee Nasi Kandar, particularly at night when it continues to serve smooth curry perfection until the early hours. Many laud it for the richness and texture of its curries, which practically enhance the flavour of the available cuts of prawn, squid and try the wonderful ayam madu and mutton. Their service is exceptional and welcoming.
Operating hours: 7.30am to 11.59pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: 295-A, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 04-2288466
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Google Reviews: Here
4. Restoran Nasi Kandar Line Clear
Line Clear is reputed to serve the lowest nasi kandar in Penang. Regardless, their nasi kandar is unrivalled. Due to its 24-hour opening hours and ability to draw visitors even in the wee hours of the night, it is frequently busy. People go for the heavy gravies, comparatively large chicken and meat portions, and the reasonable prices.
Operating hours: 8am to 12am (Monday – Sunday)
Address: Beside 161 & 177 Penang Road, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 04-2614440
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Google Reviews: Here
5. Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu
Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu is another excellent choice for spicily nutritious rice and curry. It is located close to the lovely Kek Lok Si Temple. Because there are no frozen meats in the curry pots, the curry is especially smooth and delicious, and the meats are marinated and savoury. Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu is made even more fresh by a clever use of garlic and shallots.
Operating hours: 6.30am to 1.30pm, 4.30pm to 10pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: A-29, Jalan Kampung Melayu, Kampung Melayu, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 010-4503434
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Google Reviews: Here
6. Nasi Kandar Pelita
Kandar Nasi At the time of this writing, Pelita was the largest chain of nasi kandar restaurants in Malaysia with just 28 outlets. There will be extra food than what is shown on the menus, which is available at the restoran kandar station, and all of the meals at Pelita is halal. The portions are delicious and substantial, and the rice is perfectly cooked and steaming. The chicken is highly recommended, especially when served with a side of one vegetable and a killer combination of various curries.
Operating hours: 24 Hours
Address: 146A, Jalan Macalister, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 04-2276214
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Google Reviews: Here
View website7. Nasi Kandar Pokok Ketapang
In Butterworth, this Kandar Bawah Pokok Ketapang rice is very well-liked. Its sale below a ketapang tree on a three-wheeled truck is what makes it special. Customers are ready to wait in large lines for it because of how good it tastes. Additionally, the typical customer is from a neighbourhood outside of Butterworth.
Operating hours:
8am to 8pm (Sunday – Thursday)
8am to 1.30pm, 2.15pm – 8pm (Friday)
Address: 38, Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
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Google Reviews: Here
8. Restoran Tajuddin Hussain
You won’t have to wait in line to order your dish of rice and curry at Tajuddin Hussain’s Nasi Kandar, which is located in the heart of picturesque Penang Little India. Try the fried chicken, shrimp with eggs, and of course, heap enough of mixed gravy on your platter kuah campur that combines everything for that sinfully delicious one-plate serving.
Operating hours:
11am to 3.30pm, 6.30pm to 10pm (Monday – Saturday)
Closed on Sunday
Address: 45-63, Queen St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 04-2625367
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Google Reviews: Here
9. NS Nasi Kandar
On any given day, NS Nasi Kandar is so packed and congested that it’s extremely typical to find yourself seated at a table with a total stranger. One of the house specialties is ayam negro, or “black chicken,” refers to chicken pieces fried in a rich, sweet black sauce that goes excellently with rice.
Operating hours: 24 Hours
Address: 142, Jalan Burma, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 04-2261924
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Google Reviews: Here
10. Nasi Kandar Merlin
Nasi Kandar Merlin is a fantastic spot to go if you don’t mind eating at a plastic seat by the roadside. Locals know Merlin Nasi Kandar for its delicious nasi campur and nasi kandar, but Merlin is also well-known for their mutton kurma, which they pair with a delicious hard-boiled egg curry. Remember that each nasi kandar in Penang ought to have “banjir” once more.
Operating hours:
8am to 3pm (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
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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.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
