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What is Nasi Kandar

Nasi Kandar, a rice meal of Indian Muslim origin, is one of the most famous Penang food. It was named after the rod balanced on the shoulder of food vendors from long ago, to carry the rice and dishes on either end. This portable style of selling nasi kandar has disappeared entirely, and today all nasi kandar stalls are more likely to be stationary somewhere, either in nasi kandar restaurants or in stalls by the roadside.

Patrons choose a variety of side dishes that may include curry fish, curry beef, curry chicken, roasted chicked, boiled egg, kacang bendi (lady's fingers/okra), sotong (squid), terong (brinjal/aubergine/egg plant), and fish roe.

Although there are many 24-hour Nasi Kandar stalls in Penang, in my opinion, none of them is able to capture the authentic nasi kandar taste that Penang is famous for. For that, you need to find the traditional stall that has been around for generations.

Ingredients of Nasi Kandar:





  • Nasi Kandar


    Where to find Nasi Kandar



    Nasi Kandar is available at the following locations in Penang:
  • Hai Beng, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus
  • Hameediyah Nasi Kandar, 164-A Lebuh Campbell
  • Hup Guan, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus
  • Jelutong Market Nasi Kandar, stall in front of the market
  • Jelutong Nasi Kandar, coffee shop at Jalan Jelutong opposite junction with Jalan Tan Sri Teh Hwe Lim
  • Kapitan's Nasi Kandar, 93 Lebuh Chulia
  • Line Clear Nasi Kandar, stall at lane in Jalan Penang, between Lebuh Chulia and Kampung Malabar
  • Liyaqat Nasi Kandar, beside Masjid Kapitan Keling, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
  • Old Merlin Nasi Kandar, 1A Lebuh Union
  • Mohd Raffe, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus
  • Pasar Nasi Kandar, Bayan Baru Market Hawker Centre
  • Ramzan Nasi Kandar, 48 Lebuh Ah Quee


  • Cast your vote for the best Nasi Kandar!
    Where can you get the best Nasi Kandar in Penang? Let us know. If you know of any coffee shop not listed, you can still vote for it, as long as it is in Penang! The voting will run until 31 December. All you need to do is fill up the information requested below, and email it to me at:



    Provide the following details
  • Food: (name of food, ie: chee cheong fun, etc.)
  • Where: (ie Ah Leong Cafe, Jalan Kerbau)
  • Available during: (breakfast / lunch / dinner)
  • My email address: (your email address)
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    Use this search engine to find the lowest price of hotel rooms from different Hotel Booking websites. You'd be glad to do your homework!


    Local Tours in Penang

    It is often more practical to book your tours online. You have the luxury of time to go through what are the tours you intend to take, rather than having to make a decision on your feet. Check out the local tours in Penang that you can book online. The tours are provided by Viator, a reputable international tour company.

    Arrange Airport Transfer

    If you are coming to Penang, you can arrange airport transfer from airport to city in advance. A van will be waiting for you to pick you at the airport. This service is very useful and cost effective if you are arriving as a group.



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