5 Best Nasi Kandar in Penang: Famous Spots Locals Love

Penang's food scene is legendary, but if there's one dish that truly represents the island's culinary soul, it's nasi kandar. This iconic meal of steamed rice served with an array of curries and side dishes has been a Penang staple for generations, and finding the best spots can make or break your food adventure on the island.

In this guide, we'll take you through five of the best nasi kandar spots that locals actually frequent. These are not just tourist traps with inflated prices; these are the real deal, places where you'll find Penangites queuing up regardless of the time of day. And if you're planning to visit multiple locations, consider the convenience of having your own wheels to explore the island at your own pace.

1. Nasi Kandar Sulaiman (Jalan Air Itam)

Image Source: Google Maps

Located along Jalan Air Itam, Nasi Kandar Sulaiman has earned its reputation as one of the most beloved nasi kandar spots among locals. This restaurant operates 24 hours, making it the perfect destination whether you're craving a hearty breakfast or a late-night supper after exploring Penang's nightlife.

What sets Sulaiman apart is their incredibly flavorful curries. The kuah banjir (flooded gravy) here is rich, aromatic and has just the right balance of spices. Their fried chicken is crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside, and the squid dishes are consistently fresh and well-prepared. The prawns here are particularly noteworthy, often cooked to perfection with a slight char that adds depth to the flavor.

Address: 739, Jalan Air Itam, 10460 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:30 am –3:30 pm | Friday, 6:30 am –1:30 pm

2. Deens Maju Nasi Kandar (Jalan Gurdwara)

Image Source: Google Maps

Situated in the heart of Georgetown along Jalan Gurdwara, Deens Maju has been serving up exceptional nasi kandar for years. This spot is particularly popular with the office crowd during lunchtime and families during dinner, which speaks volumes about its consistent quality.

The star of the show here is their mutton curry. Tender, fall-off-the-bone meat swimming in a robust, spicy gravy that's perfect for mixing with rice. Their fish curries are equally impressive, with various options ranging from ikan kembung to ikan tenggiri, all cooked fresh daily. 

What many regulars appreciate about Deens Maju is the generous portions and reasonable pricing. You get substantial servings without feeling like you're overpaying, which is increasingly rare in popular food establishments. The staff are friendly and efficient, always ready to explain dishes if you're unsure what to try.

Address: 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm –10 pm
Close: Every Friday

3. Raffee Nasi Kandar (Jalan Burma)

Image Source: Google Review

When locals talk about the famous Penang nasi kandar, Raffee on Jalan Burma inevitably comes up in conversation. This establishment has built a solid following thanks to their consistently excellent food and reasonable prices. Unlike some other spots, Raffee doesn't rely on hype because they let their food do the talking.

Their specialty lies in the variety and quality of their side dishes. The fried chicken here has developed a cult following, with a perfectly seasoned coating and meat that stays moist. The beef rendang is rich and aromatic, slow-cooked until the meat is tender and the gravy has reduced to the perfect consistency. Their prawn sambal packs a punch with the right amount of heat and sweetness.

The restaurant itself is spacious with plenty of seating, making it suitable for groups. The location on Jalan Burma also makes it convenient if you're staying in the Georgetown area or exploring nearby attractions like the Kek Lok Si Temple.

Address: 295-A, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7 am –12:30 am

4. Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu

Image Source: Google Maps

Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu represents the more traditional, heritage-style nasi kandar experience. This spot has been around for decades and maintains the old-school approach to serving this beloved dish. The ambiance here is authentic and unpretentious, giving you a genuine taste of how nasi kandar has been enjoyed for generations.

The curries here are prepared using traditional recipes, with flavors that are bold and unapologetic. Their fish head curry is particularly noteworthy, with a tangy, spicy gravy that's perfect for those who enjoy stronger flavors. The ayam goreng berempah (spiced fried chicken) here is marinated with a blend of herbs and spices that penetrate deep into the meat, creating layers of flavor with every bite.

What makes Kampung Melayu special is the sense of history and continuity. Eating here feels like you're participating in a tradition that's been passed down through generations. The recipes haven't been modified to suit modern tastes; they remain true to their origins, which is exactly what many food enthusiasts are looking for.

The pricing is very reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes and quality of ingredients used. This is a spot where regulars have been coming for years, sometimes decades, and that kind of loyalty speaks to the consistent quality you can expect.

Address: A-29, Jalan Kampung Melayu, Kampung Melayu, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Opening Hours: Monday, 6:30 am–1:30 pm | Tuesday to Sunday, 6:30 am–1:30 pm, 4pm–10 pm

5. Yusuf Restaurant (Relau)

Image Source: Google Maps

Located in Relau, slightly away from the main tourist areas, Yusuf Restaurant has carved out a reputation as one of the best nasi kandar spots on the island. The journey to Relau is worth it for the quality of food you'll encounter here.

The restaurant operates in a clean, well-maintained space with ample parking, which is a blessing if you're driving. The service is attentive and friendly, with staff who are happy to recommend dishes based on your preferences. They're also accommodating if you prefer less spicy options or have specific dietary requirements.

One of the advantages of Yusuf's location in Relau is that it tends to be less crowded than the Georgetown spots, especially during weekday lunchtimes. You can enjoy your meal in a more relaxed environment without feeling rushed. However, the restaurant still sees a steady stream of customers, particularly locals who make the trip specifically for their nasi kandar fix.

Address: 823-G-4, Persiaran Paya Terubong 5, Relau, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am–11 pm

Close: Every Friday

Conclusion

Exploring these five best nasi kandar spots gives you a comprehensive taste of what makes Penang nasi kandar so special. Each restaurant brings something unique to the table, whether it's a specific dish they excel at or a particular atmosphere they create. 

Consider renting a car in Penang with WAHDAH, so you could gain the freedom to create your own food trail, stopping at these famous nasi kandar spots and discovering other hidden gems along the way!