‘Nasi Kandar’ – a traditional local favorite, commonly consisting of rice and curries, and arguably one of the most iconic types of food in Malaysia. Originating from the northern regions of Malaysia, from the streets of Penang, ‘Nasi Kandar’ has now spread throughout Malaysia and is a staple of Indian Muslim cuisines often found in restaurant commonly known as mamak’s. In this article, we give you our favourite best nasi kandar restaurants to visit in Penang!
1. Deens Maju Nasi Kandar
Image credit: @muhammadillias, @nurhafidzahadnan & @ganeshpalaniandy
Deens Maju Nasi Kandar, found along Jalan Gurdwara in George Town, is an indian muslim restaurant that has one of the best nasi kandar in Penang!
Opening its gates for the lunch crowd at 12pm, Deens is a bustling and unassuming street food stand that will blow you away with the simplest looking plate of ‘nasi kandar’. They also provide Dine-in, and delivery services via ‘FoodPanda’.
The thing that sets Deens apart from the rest is the drive-through that is available along with the surprisingly cheap price. If you are looking for a place to sooth your ‘nasi kandar’ cravings while on a tight budget, this Penang nasi kandar restaurant is the place to be.
Address: 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 12am – 10pm (Friday closed)
2. Nasi Kandar Line Clear
Image credit: @mamirikhwan, @markpickering & @lexllleelexllee
This low-profile 24-hour joint providing generously large plates of traditional ‘nasi kandar’ lies along Penang Road in George Town. This Penang nasi kandar restaurant also provides takeaway and delivery services via third party food delivery services.
Providing an extraordinarily large array of foodstuff to go along with your curry and rice, Line Clear is a popular place for tourist and office workers that are working late into the night nearby, a place to fill up on one of the most appetising looking ‘nasi kandar’ you will ever find.
Address: Beside 161 & 177 Penang Road, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Social media: Facebook
3. Hameediyah Restaurant
Image credit: @wawaaziz, @jhanbhandari & @cheahlin
Also along the east side of Penang island, Hameediyah, one of the best nasi kandar in Penang, that is found along Lebuh Campbell, is placed in an old, almost antique, building that was first opened in 1907.
Unlike other ‘nasi kandar’ places that are not open for 24-hours, this Penang nasi kandar restaurant opens its doors to customers at 10am, which makes it the perfect place for those who are seeking a filling brunch for those who like a late breakfast. Providing takeaway and delivery, much like the other restaurants, Hameediyah attracts customers not by making something new, but keeping as close to their roots as possible.
Address: 164, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 10am – 10pm
Social media: Facebook
4. Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar
Image credit: @ryantan, @ahmadazizuddin & @hongwuenlee
Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar may not be open for 24-hours, but they sure do open their doors early enough, at 6am, for the people of the morning rush hour to be able to grab a fulfilling plate of ‘nasi kandar’ before they set off to work.
Found in Bukit Jambul in Bayan Lepas, this Penang nasi kandar restaurant is also placed right behind a primary school and a secondary school, thus also providing a place for students to eat at before, or after school. The unique thing about this place is the slight modern touch that has been placed upon it with air conditioning provided and much more spacious seating areas compared to other ‘nasi kandar’ places.
Once they close at 12am, they have the capacity in their restaurant to have fed hundreds of Penangites and tourists alike.
Address: 15, Lebuh Nipah 6, Bukit Jambul, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 6am – 12am
Social media: Facebook
5. Nasi Kandar Imigresen
Image credit: @nizamkhir, @gugan & @yantierealmind
This Penang nasi kandar shop is named appropriately since it is ‘nasi kandar’ being sold from a cart. Although they may not provide as much variety as the other, previously mentioned stalls, they make up for their lack of variety with the quality and taste of their food.
Also found along the north-east coast of the Penang island, they set up large umbrellas and gazebos that provide shade for their customers that are dining in a cool shade to eat under and enjoy the amazing delicious food served from a humble little cart.
Serving ‘nasi kandar’ since 1949, they are also one of the oldest and most well known among genuine Penangites that have solidified themselves as regulars at the place. Setting up the stall at 9am and closing at 10pm, this humble little hawker stall will gladly serve what is arguably the best tasting nasi kandar you will ever have in Penang!
Address: 8, Lorong Pasar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 9am – 7pm (Friday clsoed)
6. Nasi Kandar Beratur Original
Image credit: @safwannizam, @rablatuladawlyah & @saufirahim
Placed along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling in Georgetown, is Nasi Kandar Beratur Original, one of the best nasi kandar in Penang. Which literally translates to “ The Original Lining-Up Nasi Kandar”. As the name would suggest, a crowd of people can be seen often lining up outside the store at 10pm, when it opens its doors for Penangites and tourists alike to grab a meal in the middle of the night.
Also providing Dine-in, Drive-through and contactless delivery for those night owls working into the night that wants to scratch the itch for nasi kandar. It then closes its doors at 9.30am, when the crowds have subsided and all the locals have gone to work. Unique operating hours allows this place to avoid clashing with competing nasi kandar stalls.
Address: 98, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 9:30pm – 9:30am
Social media: Facebook
7. Kassim Mustafa Nasi Dalcha Restaurant
Image credit: @koboia, @am’s & @jaredlee
Also known as Restoran Nasi Dalcha Kassim Mustafa, this Penang nasi kandar stall alongs Chulia Street in Georgetown is open 24-hours. Owning a corner stall allows them a spacious seating area for their customers, while also providing dine-in and takeaway services.
Furthermore, it being conveniently placed across the street from a Guest House also means it is often visited by foreigners and locals alike. Although it is well known for its ‘nasi kandar’, it is also a typical Indian Muslim restaurant that also serves fresh coconut water straight from the fruit along side the heaty and spicy curry and rice. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, Kassim Mustafa will be able to provide for any amount of cravings for anyone, at anytime.
Address: Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
We hope this article helped you find the best nasi kandar in Penang! Follow us on Instagram (@penanglicious) for latest cafe reviews!
