When it comes to Penang’s culinary scene, one dish stands out as an icon of the state’s rich and diverse food culture – Nasi Kandar. This flavourful and aromatic Malaysian rice dish, originating from Penang, is a must-try for anyone visiting the “Pearl of the Orient.”
A Brief History
Nasi Kandar’s roots trace back to Penang’s vibrant Indian Muslim (or Mamak) community. It is believed that this dish was originally created as a quick meal for Tamil Muslim vendors who balanced containers of rice and curries on two ends of a kandar pole. Over time, these vendors set up shop, and their humble stalls became the now-famous Nasi Kandar restaurants.
The Nasi Kandar Experience
A Nasi Kandar meal is all about choices and flavour. It typically starts with a generous serving of steamed rice. What makes it special is the variety of curries and side dishes that accompany the rice. Customers get to pick their preferred combination of curries, meat, seafood, vegetables, and condiments. The result is a personalised plate of Nasi Kandar, customised to your taste.
A Symphony of Flavours
The heart of any Nasi Kandar meal is the curries. You’ll find a tempting array of curries, such as chicken, beef, mutton, fish, and more. These curries are rich, flavourful, and sometimes fiery with spices, depending on your spice tolerance. The selection of side dishes is equally impressive. You can add fried chicken (our personal favourite), prawns, squid, or boiled eggs. A choice of vegetables, like okra, brinjal, and bitter gourd, adds a healthy touch to your meal. Don’t forget to ask for “kuah campur,” which means a mix of all the available curries. It’s a burst of flavours on your plate.
Where to Find Nasi Kandar in Penang
Penang is renowned for its Nasi Kandar restaurants, each with its unique twist on the dish. As you drive round Penang, you literally cannot miss the endless nasi kandar restaurants scattered around the island. Some of the most famous Nasi Kandar outlets include:
1. Line Clear Nasi Kandar: Located on Penang Road, it’s one of the oldest and most iconic Nasi Kandar stalls in Penang. Don’t miss their signature fried chicken. It is a tourist’s favourite and I think for this reason locals are quick to free themselves from claiming this to be one of the best in town. But without a doubt they are worthy of a visit.
2. Hameediyah Restaurant: Situated in Campbell Street, it’s one of the oldest Indian Muslim restaurants in Penang, serving delectable Nasi Kandar. I think it is the oldest nasi kandar restaurants in Penang if not the whole of Malaysia. Dating back to 1907, this place has history. Expect a lot of queues here though. If you do go, make sure you try their unique rabbit curry!
3. Nasi Kandar Pokok Ketapang: this one is a bit of a hidden gem and not spoken about much unlike the first two. We stumbled upon it because it was right opposite our hotel. They open early too so if you want a breakfast fix, then this is your spot!
Nasi Kandar is more than a meal; it’s a cultural and gastronomic adventure. Exploring the diverse flavours and vibrant street food culture of Penang through Nasi Kandar is an experience you’ll treasure. So, when you visit Penang, be sure to indulge in the flavours of this iconic Malaysian dish. Your taste buds will thank you.
Getting there:
Google Maps Location link: click here
