Have you ever heard about Nasi Kandar, which can only be found in Malaysia? The origin of this meal is intriguing because the word “kandar” relates to the rice that traders carry on their shoulders, meaning ‘mengandar’ in Malay. Penang, located in the northern Malacca Strait, has been a recognized international port since the 19th century. Immigrants from India who were Muslims (Mamaks) wandered the dock and streets selling their food to the labourers working there. Additionally, since the 1930s, these Mamak hawkers have traveled from house to house, carrying seven-foot wooden sticks on their shoulders. Pots with plain rice on one end and curry dishes on the other were at the end of each pole.
One interesting fact about Nasi Kandar is that it is a meal eaten during breakfast. Even though it seems too heavy for breakfast, the old folks usually serve and sell Nasi Kandar to the laborers to get energized for the day. Here we recommend a list of the 8 Best Nasi Kandar Restaurants in Malaysia.
What Should You Expect From a Nasi Kandar Restaurant?
After considering going for Nasi Kandar food hunting, what information should you know about the place that sells Nasi Kandar? The answer is you should know where it is located, your budget, and most importantly, the attraction or selling point of the Nasi Kandar.
1. Location
Even though Nasi Kandar is almost known by all Malaysians, it is not ubiquitously sold in any state in Malaysia. Hence, search for the location and find the best accommodation to take you there the fastest.
2. Budget
Do you think the price of Nasi Kandar would be the same at any restaurant? Absolutely NO. Therefore, set up your budget adequately so you can enjoy a variety of Nasi Kandar at any place.
3. Attraction
The unique point of Nasi Kandar is the variety of its side dishes. Every restaurant might serve Nasi Kandar with a wide variety of side dishes, and the ones with the most unique side dishes might be the attraction of their restaurants.
8 Best Nasi Kandar Restaurants in Malaysia 2024
1. Deens Maju Nasi Kandar in Georgetown, Penang
Deen’s Maju Nasi Kandar is one of Penang’s best Nasi Kandar restaurants. The restaurant has received many positive reviews and high ratings from the customers regarding their food quality, the ingredients used in their gravy and curry, and the side dishes such as beef, egg omelets, etc. Deen’s Maju Nasi Kandar is well-known for its ‘telur sotong’, fried chickens, and many more. Because of its popularity, you are advised to go there an hour earlier than the time they have planned.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday (12.00 pm – 10.00 pm)
Friday (Closed)
Sunday – Saturday (12.00 pm – 10.00 pm)
Address: 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deenmaju/
2. Shariff Nasi Kandar in Georgetown, Penang
This Nasi Kandar stall is mostly known to only locals, located at a convenient food court and market. There were quite limited car parks inside the food court beside the roadside. They also have received many positive comments from the customers for their reasonable pricing and delicious gravies. Most importantly, don’t be shy if you need any additional sauce for a more enjoyable and satisfying eating experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday (5.30 pm – 9.30 pm)
Saturday (Closed)
Sunday (5.30 pm – 9.30 0m)
Address: Gerai 23, Kompleks Pasar Dan Makanan, Jalan Permai, Taman Brown, 11700 Gelugor, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=956652074375098&__tn__=C-R
3. Nasi Kandar Merlin in Georgetown, Penang
Located at the junction of Union Street and Penang Street, this nasi kandar institution also has satisfied generations of Penangites and visitors from around the world. There is a great reason for that. The restaurant opens at 8.00 am and you could make it your breakfast spot and be assured of parking. If you’re a tourist and get around on foot, it’ll be easier for you to get here. There is a variety of choices of curries, but one item which everyone goes for is – fried chicken. Nasi Kandar Merlin has one of the most authentic tastes that has not changed through the years.
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday (8.00 am – 3.00 pm)
Address: 1A, Union St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merlinpenang/
4. Kassim Nasi Kandar in Georgetown, Penang
Kassim Nasi Kandar has a spacious and clean restaurant. The high ratings and reviews by the customers show how the restaurant has been giving great services and high-quality Nasi Kandar with a wide range of side dishes to choose from. They are also sold at reasonable prices. Freshly cooked can be seen brought out to the display table. It is within walking distance between 1st avenue and Saint Gilles /Cititel Hotel and is right across the road from Hotel Jens.
Operating Hours: Every day (8.00 am – 6.00 pm)
Address: 221, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Website5. Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu in Air Itam, Penang
Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu Restaurant has a good taste of Nasi Kandar that meets Malay people’s taste buds. Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu can serve you a medium level of spicy curry and great chicken texture and is sold at reasonable prices. Moreover, in front of the restaurant, we can buy traditional Malay ‘kuih’ and reasonably priced tidbits. You will also see a few men selling freshly harvested local fruits across the restaurant, offering lower prices from supermarkets or other stalls.
Operating Hours:
Every day (6.30 am – 1.30 pm)
(4.30 pm – 10.00 pm)
Address: A-29, Jalan Kampung Melayu, Kampung Melayu, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/Nasikandarkgmelayu/
6. Restoran Tajuddin Hussain in Georgetown, Penang
Restoran Tajuddin Hussain is located right next to Sultania. Just wait until it is during the holy month of Ramadan. You will see all kinds of Nasi Kandar dishes from Restoran Tajuddin Hussain displayed in front of their restaurant so people can see and cannot help but be attracted to such appetizing meals. Restoran Tajuddin Hussain is also known for its Briyani because of its unique taste and gravies.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday (11.00 am – 3.30 pm)
(6.30 pm – 10.00 pm)
Sunday (Closed)
Address: 45-63, Queen St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=150813021631793
7. Nasi Kandar Simpang Ampat in Simpang Empat, Penang
Nasi Kandar Simpang Ampat is the most recommended restaurant in Simpan Ampat. They have been serving a great and authentic taste of gravies and are sold at a fair price. Many customers commented, praising how the restaurant has given such a generous amount of portions and sauce.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday (11.00 am – 6.00 pm)
Saturday (Closed)
Address: No 8, Jalan Bukit Tambun, 14100 Simpang Ampat, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nasikandarsimpangampat/
8. TG’s Bistro in Kuala Lumpur
TG’s Bistro might be one of the best Nasi Kandar restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. It is guaranteed that you will enjoy eating Nasi Kandar at this restaurant because they have such a clean and pleasant ambiance, making customers feel comfortable to dine in. Given how the restaurant has been flooded with positive comments and high ratings, most probably the service is above all and the most recommended restaurant by most people. They are also most popular with their naan cheese and chicken tandoori which tastes crispy and delicious.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday & Sunday (7.30 am – 12.00 am)
Friday – Saturday (8.30 am – 12.00 am)
Address: 8, Tengkat Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tgsnasikandar/
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
