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Nasi kandar is a well-known dish throughout Malaysia, especially in Penang.
I just came back from a two-month Penang trip. Along with the help of a local Penangite friend, I had the opportunity to taste different nasi kandar from various restaurants.
Since there are a lot of nasi kandar restaurants to choose from in Penang, here are 15 restaurants that serve the best nasi kandar in Penang that I would suggest based on my personal experience.
Table of Contents
Why do Malaysians love nasi kandar so much?
Here are a few reasons why Malaysians love nasi kandar so much:
- Flavorful and aromatic curries.
- Plenty of options for side dishes and curries. As a result, we can tailor our meals to suit our preferences.
- Convenient and affordable. It is available throughout Malaysia.
- It is seen as a symbol of multiculturalism and unity in Malaysia.
What are the selling points of nasi kandar in Penang?
Some of the selling points of nasi kandar in Penang are:
- Complex and flavorful curries
- Variety of side dishes
- Generous portion
- Affordability
Top 15 Restaurants With The Best Nasi Kandar in Penang
1. Restoran Mohamed Raffee Nasi Kandar
The first on this list of the best nasi kandar in Penang is Restoran Mohamed Raffee. This is also one of the most famous nasi kandar in Penang.
I’ve been told that the fried chicken here is called the ‘Devil Chicken.’ When I arrived here, no wonder it was called that.
The chicken was big, and the skin was red. As I bit it, I felt the skin’s crispness and the meat’s juiciness. It was delicious.
The kuah campur (mixed gravies) was wonderful. It was flavourful and not too spicy. It really suited my taste.
I also had squid eggs. It was soft and not oversalted.
Even though the queue was long, the service was fast. In less than 10 minutes, I was already walking away to my seat, holding a plate of nasi kandar.
The ventilation of the inside eating area was not that good. It felt a bit stuffy. So, I decided to sit outside.
Contact no:
04-2288466
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 7:30 am to 11:59 pm
2. Deens Maju Nasi Kandar
Deens Maju is another best nasi kandar in Penang.
I had fried chicken and telur masin (salted egg). The fried chicken was crispy and the egg was nice and not so salty.
The mixed curries, although not earth-shattering, were still delicious and had just enough spiciness.
For parking, there’s a gated parking with touch-and-go entry.
Contact no:
012-4252421
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Friday: Closed
3. Nasi Kandar Imigresen
Nasi Kandar Imigresen is one of the famous nasi kandar in Penang. I was surprised when I saw that Nasi Kandar Imigresen is not a restaurant. It is actually a hawker stall outside a cafe.
I had the usual nasi kandar menu: rice, fried chicken and mixed curries.
As I was about to pay, I noticed they had fried onions. I was so tempted as I never had them with nasi kandar. So, I ordered them, and it was the best decision.
Eating nasi kandar with aromatic curries, fried chicken and a crunchy fried onion was the best nasi kandar experience I ever had.
It’s true when my friend said that eating nasi kandar in Penang is different from in Kuala Lumpur. Now, I know why.
No wonder this is one of the best nasi kandar in Penang.
Despite being a stall, a long queue is inevitable during lunchtime.
Contact no:
016-453 0046
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday: Closed
4. Restoran DEEN Nasi Kandar
Restoran DEEN is another best nasi kandar in Penang.
The curries are often considered the soul of nasi kandar and Restoran DEEN definitely lives up to that expectation.
The curry mixture served here is not only flavourful but also well-seasoned and perfectly spicy.
As I took my first bite, it left me craving for more. Personally, that makes it stand out from the rest.
The fried chicken was also crunchy and big.
There are two challenges here. First was the parking. I had to park a little bit far from the restaurant.
Second was the long queue but overall, it was worth my time trying this restaurant.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 6:00 am – 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm – 11:30 pm
5. Nasi Kandar Merlin
Nasi Kandar Merlin is one of the lesser-known nasi kandar restaurants.
The choices were not numerous compared to other restaurants, but it is still one of the best nasi kandar in Penang.
Other than the normal fried chicken, they served ayam bawang (onion chicken) too. It is chicken cooked with spices and a generous amount of onions. The unique blend of spices and the bold flavours of the onions is a must-try.
The mixed curries were well-spiced. Also, they don’t use santan (coconut milk). So, the colour was bright and vibrant, which whet my appetite. The taste was also well-balanced and aromatic.
However, finding parking was challenging. I parked at a multi-story parking lot nearby and walked for 2 minutes to the shop. It is much easier if you come with Grab.
Contact no:
016-402 7452
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
6. Nasi Kandar Sulaiman
Nasi Kandar Sulaiman should be on your list if you visit Penang. It is one of the most famous nasi kandar in Penang.
The mixed curries were a little bit spicier than other restaurants I’ve tried, and they also had a unique taste that you have to try yourself.
I had fried chicken and fried egg. The fried chicken was crispy and the fried egg had a taste of the spices which was so delicious.
Just like other best nasi kandar restaurants in Penang, the queue here was also long. I queued for about 30 minutes but when the first bite of the nasi kandar went into my mouth, it felt so worth it.
Contact no:
017-468 8402
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 6:30 am – 2:30 pm
7. Nasi Kandar Ali IPD Corner
Another famous nasi kandar in Penang is Nasi Kandar Ali IPD Corner.
There are two types of rice available: yellow and white rice.
Since it was lunch and I was starving, I took the yellow rice as it was more filling than white rice.
Then, I had freshly cooked fried chicken and it was so wonderful. It was hot, crispy, juicy and big.
However, the mixed curry was just okay. It was not spicy so it’s suitable for anyone who can’t eat spicy food.
Friendly reminder: Avoid coming in the evening during the rainy season because there is a very limited place to take cover from.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm – 4:00 am
Friday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 4:00 am
8. Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu
Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu is among the most famous nasi kandar in Penang. What’s special about this restaurant is that they are based on an ancestral recipe from Sri Lanka.
Because of that, my expectation of the curry was high, and it did not disappoint me. I must say that the curry here was strong and delicious. On every bite, I was waiting for another bite.
I took the chicken rendang, and it was succulent. It has also been well-marinated, and I can feel that no frozen meats end up in their cooking pots.
One more interesting thing about this place is that you can only get a seat after you’ve ordered your food. Even though I came here and the queue was long, finding a seat was still easy.
Contact no:
010-450 3434
Operating Hours:
Monday: 6:30 am – 1:30 pm
Tuesday – Sunday: 6:30 am – 1:30 pm, 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday: 6:30 am – 12:30 pm, 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
9. Nasi Kandar Pelita
Nasi Kandar Pelita might be the most famous nasi kandar in Penang, but I would only consider Pelita as a last resort option.
This is because there are better nasi kandar restaurants to choose from. The fried chicken and the curries were the usual mamak style and taste.
For me, the only thing that is special about Nasi Kandar Pelita is that they are a 24-hour mamak restaurant.
So, Pelita makes the best place to satisfy your nasi kandar craving, especially at night.
Contact no:
04-2276214
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 24 hours
10. NS Nasi Kandar
NS Nasi Kandar is another 24-hour nasi kandar restaurant.
The mixed curries were amazing. They were rich and flavourful, especially the ‘Kuah Perut Kambing’.
The ‘sambal’ was also really delicious. I don’t know what ingredients are used or how to describe the taste, but trust me, it tasted amazing.
The fried chicken was also crunchy. It was so satisfying to eat, and I felt the crunchiness as I bit it.
The portion was a bit smaller than other restaurants, but the price was slightly cheaper.
Taking into consideration the tastiness, portion and price, no wonder NS Nasi Kandar is considered one of the best nasi kandar in Penang.
Contact no:
04-2261924
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 24 hours
11. Shariff Nasi Kandar Gelugor
Located in a food court, Shariff Nasi Kandar is somewhat of a hidden gem and a local favourite.
The rose chicken was simply amazing, and it was the best I’d had compared to other nasi kandar restaurants. The chicken was juicy and flavorful. If you like rose chicken, you should definitely try it here.
One thing that I feel could be improved is the mixed curry. Personally, I felt that they don’t have that strong flavour kick like other nasi kandar restaurants.
Just like other best nasi kandar in Penang, long queues are inevitable and normal. But what’s not normal about Shariff Nasi Kandar is that the queue is long even before they open the stall!
Nevertheless, it was still delicious, and I had an amazing experience. Waiting in line was worth it.
Contact no:
04-2288466017-458 6786
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
12. Restoran Nasi Kandar Line Clear
Restoran Nasi Kandar Line Clear is one of the best nasi kandar in Penang. It is also one of the most famous places international tourists go to.
I had fried chicken and curry beef with ladyfingers. The fried chicken was crunchy. The ladyfingers were also crunchy and fresh.
Everything was perfect except the beef. It was overcooked and chewy.
Nevertheless, it was still a good value for the big portion, inexpensive price and convenience.
The restaurant is located in an alleyway. So, drive slowly, or you’ll miss it.
Contact no:
04-261 4440
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 12:00 am
13. Hameediyah Restaurant
Hameediyah is one of the best nasi kandar restaurants in Penang, and it is said that the King and Queen had lunch there before.
Instead of the usual white rice, I asked for biryani rice with mixed curries poured over it. When I was about to eat, I realised the rice was a high-quality basmati type, which increased my appetite.
I ordered beef rendang and curry squid, too. I was surprised by their tenderness. They were easy to chew and also tasty.
Although I came during lunch time and had to queue, it was worth waiting for the nasi kandar.
However, the price was a little bit pricier than other nasi kandar restaurants. You should watch for overcharging as there have been some cases before this.
Contact no:
04-261 1095
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
14. Restoran Tajuddin Hussain
This restaurant is a little bit unique. The ordering system is different as the waiter took my orders at my table instead of me queuing up.
I was also served on separate plates like in Tomyam restaurant instead of a normal nasi kandar restaurant where you put everything on one plate.
I ordered tomato rice and rose chicken as I was told it is the speciality.
The rose chicken was crispy while also being deliciously soaked in rose curry. It perfectly compliments the tomato rice.
There was also rassam provided at each table. It’s a soup-like dish with a sour taste when I tried it.
Do note that the portion was big, and I struggled a bit to finish it.
Contact no:
04-262 5367
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm – 10 pm
Sunday: Closed
15. Nasi Kandar Beratur Original
The last on the list is Nasi Kandar Beratur Original.
The name really lives up to its name because this ordinary hawker stall has a constant stream of customers queuing up.
What I like most about this shop is the crunchy fried shallots. They are added to the rice along with the usual mixed curries to enhance the dish’s flavours.
The fried chicken is juicy and tender, too.
This place is suitable for those who need a late-night meal as they open at 9:30 pm.
Contact no:
012-448 3001
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 9:30 pm – 9:30 am
Conclusion
In my opinion, these are the best 15 nasi kandar in Penang. Penang nasi kandar scene is truly something special, with its mouth watering curries and meat combinations and rich flavours of aromatic spices.
So be sure to pay them a visit the next time you find yourself in Penang. Your taste buds will be grateful for these incredible experiences.