We know you foodies might be thinking why are we introducing such heavy and heaty food now that the weather is so hot. To be honest, nothing can beat the marinated meats drenched in gravy, vegetables, the queue, the culture, all in a plate of goodness called Nasi Kandar. Nasi Kandar has been the local’s favourite for decades and still is regardless of skin colour and religion. While we introduce you the Top 10 Best Nasi Kandar in Penang, be prepared to get your hands dirty. (Tip: Nasi kandar without “banjir” with curries is not nasi kandar).
10 Best Nasi Kandar in Penang (In Random Order):
In today’s blog, our editor curated top 10 best nasi kandar you need to try at least once in your lifetime! Without further ado, let’s check out what we have on the list.
1. Deen Maju
Local’s all-time favourite, set in Gurdwara Road is the never-not-queuing Nasi Kandar Deen Maju. Deen opens its door in the afternoon and the business never stops. Ever seen about hundred people queuing under the hot sun in the afternoon for nasi kandar? Head over to Deen to find out. No worries as the service is fast where your plate could be done within seconds upon ordering. Don’t miss out their fried chicken and ayam ros, the fried chicken is well marinated and the skin is so crispy and juicy. Ayam ros has a unique curry flavor with a tinge of tomato, the curry is so thick and creamy. You don’t have to mention “banjir” to get your plate “banjir-ed.” This nasi kandar in Penang is definitely Penang Foodie approved.
Address: 170, Jalan C.Y. Choy (Jalan Gurdwara), 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 2:30 p.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
Watch the video here:
2. Hameediyah Nasi Kandar
Known to be the oldest nasi kandar in Penang, you know Hameediyah definitely won’t disappoint. Different from other nasi kandar stalls which lacks of hygiene, Hameediyah is clean and air-conditioned and the staffs are really friendly and welcoming. Walk into the restaurant to be fascinated by the wide selection of dishes. Some of the must-try would be the ayam kapitan, mutton kurma and beef rendang. All are so flavourful, packed with spices and well marinated to achieve that tender, juicy meat. Forget about white rice and opt of nasi briyani instead, they’re so good there’s no going back.
Address: 164A, Lebuh Campbell, 10200, George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (Daily)
3. Line Clear Nasi Kandar
If you think 24-hour joint nasi kandar is a scam and cut throat, Line Clear is here to proof you wrong. This nasi kandar operates 24/7 and if you dare to tell anyone that Line Clear is bad, I bet you’ll drown in saliva. Located in a narrow alleyway along Penang Road, the place might set you back a little but definitely not their dishes. Said to have “limited time” offerings where some special dishes would come out at a certain time, so if you are lucky enough, you might get to try it out. Line Clear is also known to have the cheapest nasi kandar in Penang, we’re not sure about that but their nasi kandar is unbeatable.
Address: 177, Jalan Penang, 10000, George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 24/7
4. Restoran Deen (Jelutong)
This is no Deen Maju although they have similar name (no Maju behind okay) but their nasi kandar is as good as the one we mentioned above. Located in Jelutong area, this is also one of the most popular nasi kandar in Penang (and 24 hours hohohoh). Waiting time might be long as there would always be a queue but it’s all worth it. Most of their customers have been a loyal fan for over a decade so don’t miss out. Try out their fried chicken, squid with egg and of course flood your plate with mixed gravy (kuah campur banjir). Mix all together for that one plate, one bite sinful goodness.
Address: 598-D, Jalan Jelutong, Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 24/7
5. Nasi Kandar Merlin
A coffee shop tucked in Merlin Hotel, Merlin Nasi Kandar is probably easier to locate compared to other places. Known for its scrumptious nasi kandar by the locals, Merlin is famous for their mutton kurma and balance them with the sweet hard-boiled egg curry. Again, don’t forget that “banjir” that every nasi kandar in Penang must have. To avoid crowd, it is better to come during off-peak hours and they closes in the late afternoon.
Address: 1A, Lebuh Union, Merlin Hotel, 10200, George Town, Penang
Operating Hour: 7 a.m.- 3 p.m. (Daily)
6. Nasi Kandar Beratur
A nasi kandar joint that truly lives up to its name, really beratur (queue up) EVERY SINGLE NIGHT and it’s no short queue. Why say night? Because Nasi Kandar Beratur only starts operating at 10 p.m., serving mainly late birds. This is probably the only nasi kandar in Penang that opens up this late. If you’re out for clubbing or outstation and wants to grab a hearty meal, this is the place. Locals say it is definitely worth the long wait, probably no less than 30 minutes before you can place an order. A mixture of hand-ground spices seasons the curries – think thick, creamy and flavourful, with just a hint of piquancy (for certain gravies).
Address: 98, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling,10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 10 p.m.- late Daily (probably 8 a.m.)
7. Nasi Kandar@ Jalan Dato Keramat
This might be a hidden nasi kandar in Penang because there isn’t any name or signage to the roadside stall located across the police station at Jalan Dato Keramat. We’re not sure if it’s a new pop up because we couldn’t find any information at all, that’s why we listed this down for you to try. The food operation utilized the empty space in front of the shop lots, and co-share with a Malay hawker. Besides, nasi kandar, they also sell tomyam and fried rice as well.
Address: Intersection between Lorong Singgora and Jalan Dato Keramat, beside Ibu Pejabat Polis Dato Keramat
Operating Hour: 6 p.m.-4 a.m. (Daily)
8. Restoran Kassim Mustafa
Located at the ever famous Chulia Street, Restoran Kassim Mustafa has customers going all crazy over their signature “Ayam Negro.” Also known as black-roasted chicken, this delectable dish delivers a satisfying balance of spiciness and sweetness that goes well with a plate of white rice. If you want more flavors or a heavier meal, try their “nasi dhalca”, which is rice cooked with dhal. The restaurant is spacious and could fit in a large number of crowd. Even so, they’re always packed during lunch and dinner hour.
Address: 12, Lebuh Chulia, 10200, George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 24/7
9. Restoran Sup Hameed
A spot for nasi kandar in Penang, also famous for their hearty, warm bowl of soup, Sup Hameed is a place that balances flavors and spicy goodness. Their dishes are all packed with really strong flavors with lots of chili and peppers which will leave you in a pool of sweat. Chow down a bowl of hot soup or ice tea to settle down the flame. If you want to opt for something mild, they have a wide selection of “healthier” choices— vegetables. Tired of the same old “banjir?” Then try their coconut-based green-grey kurma gravy.
Address: 48, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 24/7
10. Shariff Nasi Kandar Gelugor
Different from other nasi kandar in Penang that we recommend, this one has no entire restaurant dedicated to it. In fact, Shariff is a small stall situated in a food court complex, which was once located along a street. The taste remain the same even after a shift. The must-have list here is their lip-smacking ayam ros (rose chicken) and onion omelette. Both combination pair so well with the fluffy white rice and banjir curries. Guess what? They only operate for less than four hours a day.
Address: Pasar Dan Kompleks Makanan, Jalan Permai, Taman Brown, 11700, Gelugor, Penang.
Operating Hour: 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. (Closed on Sunday)
Our List of Best Nasi Kandar in Penang!
Bet you all are drooling over the plate of flooded nasi kandar by just looking at the pictures. We feel the same too that’s why we’re heading over for some nasi kandar right after this. By the way, the weather is so hot we don’t want you to die after that plate of sinful goodness. So head over to the nearest coconut joint to beat the heat. Anyways, do follow Penang Foodie and share it with your friends for more good food. Cheers and have a great day ahead!
Kampong Melayu, Imigresen, Sulaiman, Rafee, Ali Ameir….one of these should be in Top 10 Nasi Kandar in Penang and not Kassim Mustafa and Sup Hameed. These 2 are popular not for their nasi kandar.