Nasi kandar is another super popular Malaysian dish and a must try when in Malaysia. It originates from Penang, but is readily available all over the country. It is basically a plate of rice (nasi = rice) with loads of different Indian curries and side dishes served alongside it. You have to pick your curries from a crazy selection – loads of varieties always available. It was popularized by traders from India – if you didn’t know, Malaysia is an amazing concoction of Indians, Chinese and Malay people. The result on the food scene is mind blowing! A lot of nasi kandar places operate 24/7… literally. No joke. So, basically you can get your curry fix at 7 in the morning… if you wanted to. One of the most popular places to get Nasi Kandar in Kuala Lumpur is Nasi Kandar Pelita.
Nasi Kandar Pelita Restaurant
Nasi Kandar Pelita is a chain of restaurants that are located all around the country and the frequented by locals and tourists alike. The setting is almost like a massive canteen, but a clean modern canteen (in comparison to other canteen type settings in this region). The particular branch we went to was big with plenty of seating and was always busy regardless of the time we went (it was open 24 hours of the day!). You’ll see numerous stations such as the Nasi Kandar section where you choose your curry dishes, the roti section where you watch the roti man expertly make those famous Malaysia flaky roti and tea section where you can watch Teh Tarik being made. Absolutely loved the chilled out and comfortable yet authentic and local vibe this place had. Often it is hard to combine between the two. Read more about the restaurant here.
You will literally be spoilt for choice here (check out our pics), but what stood out for us after numerous visits are the following:
1. Nasi Kandar
You choose the curries that tickle your fancy, but make sure you get the ayam goreng (fried chicken) too as it goes so well with the rice and curries.
2. Roti dishes
Most of us will be aware of roti canai do the spread of Malaysian cuisine in London, but did you know there are so many different types of roti dishes. Literally there are all sorts – savoury and sweet! You’ll be surprised! Pleasantly! Roti Pisang in particular is amazing!! It is flaky roti stuffed with banana and topped off with sprinkles of sugar – delectable! You can have it on its own and you’ll love it, but why be boring? Try it with the typical curry dishes that you get with roti canai! Please!
3. Teh Tarik
And finally, this is the Malaysian tea, super foamy, creamy and thick! This was good whether we got the hot one or the iced one!
Getting there
Google Maps Location: click here
