Penang is not only an island with the most beautiful sights, but it is also regarded as a ‘Regional Food Paradise’ that captures Malaysia’s multicultural cuisine identity. It is a perfect getaway where you can indulge in gorgeous beaches and mouth-watering food. But maybe you’re hungry for something specific on this little island. Hungry for Nasi Kandar Penang, perhaps?
Whether you’re a local or tourist, knowing where to get your Penang fix of Nasi Kandar is information that benefits everyone. Check out this delicious list of 10 Nasi Kandar spots that are guaranteed 99.9% worth your money!
1. Shariff Nasi Kandar Gelugor
Despite only operating for 4 hours a day, this humble little stall is surprisingly popular. Its appearance might seem unassuming, but crowds of people are always willing to line up for a taste of their Nasi Kandar. But what’s so special about their Nasi Kandar? The secret lies in their special ayam ros (rose chicken) and delectable onion omelette that complements the taste of their curry banjir and fluffy rice perfectly.
Address: 159, Jalan Permai Taman Brown, Gelugorhadapan 7, 11700 George Town
Operating Hours:
Monday – 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Tuesday – 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Wednesday – 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Thursday – 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Friday – 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Contact Information: 017-458 6786
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XFk9sDCUXaCRy188A
2. Sup Hameed
Sup Hameed is famous for its lamb soup, but eating here kills two birds with one stone because their Nasi Kandar is equally as delicious. A perfect way to describe Sup Hameed’s signature flavour is a strong profile with lots of chillies and pepper, ideal for the customer who enjoys a spicy kick to their meal. What better way to enjoy Nasi Kandar than with a bowl of protein-packed lamb soup and some bread?
Address: 48, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours:
Monday – 8:00am to 1:00am
Tuesday – 8:00am to 1:00am
Wednesday – 8:00am to 1:00am
Thursday – 8:00am to 1:00am
Friday – 8:00am to 1:00am
Saturday – 8:00am to 1:00am
Sunday – 8:00am to 1:00am
Contact Information: 04-261 8007
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GQghLdqguwT54Qgw6
3. Restoran Kassim Mustafa
Have you ever heard of black roasted chicken? Restoran Kassim Mustafa serves this delicacy alongside other local favourites such as Nasi Kandar, Ayam Tandoori and Cheese Naan! After all, Restoran Kassim Mustafa was established in 1980 with a vision in sharing authentic Indian Muslim cuisine with customers from all walks of life. Fortunately, they’ve become one of the go-to spots for Nasi Kandar in Penang with great success! Many customers recommend that their Nasi Kandar and Nasi Dalca are a must-try.
Address: Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours:
Monday – 24 Hours
Tuesday – 24 Hours
Wednesday – 24 Hours
Thursday – 24 Hours
Friday – 24 Hours
Saturday – 24 Hours
Sunday – 24 Hours
Contact Information: 04-263 4592
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/mGogbU6Nc9jRZchA6
4. Nasi Kandar Beratur
If you’re interested in eating at Nasi Kandar Beratur, you have to be prepared to ‘bertatur’ (queue up in Malay) because this venue is often jam-packed with crowds! Their Nasi Kandar is guaranteed to be delicious because all patrons agree that it’s worth the wait, but customers always recommend opting for the Mixed Curry option to bring the best out of your meal! They’re also an excellent place for the night owls that fancy Nasi Kandar as their late dinner or supper as they are only open from 9:30pm until morning.
Address: 98, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours:
Monday – 9:30pm to 9:30am
Tuesday – 9:30pm to 9:30am
Wednesday – 9:30pm to 9:30am
Thursday – 9:30pm to 9:30am
Friday – 9:30pm to 9:30am
Saturday – 9:30pm to 9:30am
Sunday – 9:30pm to 9:30am
Contact Information: 012-448 3001
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/MookAwgGYr3ATv29A
5. Nasi Kandar Merlin
If you’ve been to the Merlin Hotel, you might have noticed a Nasi Kandar Merlin shop nearby. This Nasi Kandar restaurant is iconic for two things, their almost limitless options of curry and their fried chicken. You can find curries that range from chicken, fish, squid and even prawn! Customers can also order their Nasi Kandar with fish head, mutton, ayam ros and many more protein options. Still, customers agree that the winning combination is having their fish curry with their signature fried chicken.
Address: 1A Union Street Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours:
Monday – 8:00am to 3:00pm
Tuesday – 8:00am to 3:00pm
Wednesday – 8:00am to 3:00pm
Thursday – 8:00am to 3:00pm
Friday – 8:00am to 3:00pm
Saturday – 8:00am to 3:00pm
Sunday – 8:00am to 3:00pm
Contact Information: 016-402 7452
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3QtqrobskDv3aeop7
6. Restoran DEEN
Restaurant DEEN is said to be the most famous Nasi Kandar spot in the neighbourhood, and they’ve been a familiar face for over a decade. This friendly face used to open 24 hours, but the effects of the pandemic had implemented changes. Nevertheless, they are still open for long hours from 6:00am to 10:00pm just to serve their neighbourhood famous Nasi Kandar to all patrons. Visit Restaurant DEEN and understand why regulars are addicted to their thick and spicy Nasi Kandar curry, you won’t regret it!
Address: 598-D & 598-E, Jalan Jelutong, 11600 George Town
Operating Hours:
Monday – 6:00am to 10:00pm
Tuesday – 6:00am to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 6:00am to 10:00pm
Thursday – 6:00am to 10:00pm
Friday – 6:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday – 6:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday – 6:00am to 10:00pm
Contact Information: /
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/N3eSbpASPjQ6Zqcu6
7. Line Clear Nasi Kandar
Line Clear Nasi Kandar is another 24 hour joint, and they’re also incredibly popular with the masses! People are willing to endure the crowds just to eat their Nasi Kandar. Whether you choose to have the gravy drizzled on top or separated, both are equally delicious methods of enjoying their Nasi Kandar. Another recommendation that goes perfect with their Nasi Kandar is their Curry Fish Head, and the size of their fish heads is not only massive but also delicious!
Address: Beside 161 & 177 Penang Road, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours:
Monday – 24 Hours
Tuesday – 24 Hours
Wednesday – 24 Hours
Thursday – 24 Hours
Friday – 24 Hours
Saturday – 24 Hours
Sunday – 24 Hours
Contact Information: 04-261 4440
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WLMZLmfB7tS3YDPB8
8. Hameediyah Restaurant
We’ve shown some popular Nasi Kandar spots, but how about destinations with unbeatable age? Hameediyah Restaurant claims that they’re the oldest restaurant in Malaysia. Although their claim might be difficult to verify, they’re certainly the oldest Nasi Kandar joint in Penang alone. Hameediyah Restaurant boasts 100 years of rich history and with great success to be able to operate to this day. It is absolutely worth it to try authentic Nasi Kandar made by the pioneers of Penang Nasi Kandar for a taste that refuses to change even during the Japanese occupation.
Address: 164, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours:
Monday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Tuesday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Thursday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Friday – 10:00am to 12:30pm & 3:00pm to 10:00pm
Saturday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Contact Information: 04-261 1095
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dcv3P4W6PRVoruSe6
9. Deen Maju Nasi Kandar
Don’t mistake Deen Maju for Restoran DEEN because they’re two completely different shops despite serving the same speciality! This little stall may seem modest, but they make an amazing Nasi Kandar that attracts crowds the moment they open shop. Don’t fret about the long queues, because the service is incredibly fast. You’ll have your meal in a few short minutes once you place your order! According to customers, their fried chicken is a must-have with your Nasi Kandar or else you won’t get the full Deen Maju experience.
Address: 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours:
Monday – 12:00pm to 9:30pm
Tuesday – 12:00pm to 9:30pm
Wednesday – 12:00pm to 9:30pm
Thursday – 12:00pm to 9:30pm
Friday – Closed
Saturday – 12:00pm to 9:30pm
Sunday – 12:00pm to 9:30pm
Contact Information: 012-425 2421
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2chk5MXnQpi2S93y7
10. Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu
We’ve listed some well-known Nasi Kandar powerhouses such s Hameediyah, Line Clear, Merlin and Shariff but even the Nasi Kandar industry has its’ own hidden gems in Penang. Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu has a flavour that is unique to their Nasi Kandar alone. Their curry can be described as silky, yet it doesn’t lack flavour when compared to thicker variants. The meats used are also marinated, so customers will only get the most flavourable dishes.
Address: A-29, Jalan Kampung Melayu, Kampung Melayu, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours:
Monday – 6:30am to 1:30pm
Tuesday – 6:30am to 1:30pm & 4:30pm to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 6:30am to 1:30pm & 4:30pm to 10:00pm
Thursday – 6:30am to 1:30pm & 4:30pm to 10:00pm
Friday – 6:30am to 1:30pm & 4:30pm to 10:00pm
Saturday – 6:30am to 1:30pm & 4:30pm to 10:00pm
Sunday – 6:30am to 1:30pm & 4:30pm to 10:00pm
Contact Information: 010-450 3434
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/J9qZvqPVPb3auRg37
Now that you know 10 of the best Nasi Kandar destinations, what are you waiting for? Whichever restaurant you settle on, you’ll never regret it.
