By Sabrath Ayisha
Edited by Harith Syafiee
The popular and well-known Malaysian dish Nasi Kandar never fails to impress foodies around the world with its unique combination of spices, flavours, and cultural significance. Originally from the state of Penang in northern Malaysia, Nasi Kandar has become a popular dish that attracts both locals and visitors to enjoy its delicious offerings.
What is Nasi Kandar?
In Malay, "mixed rice" is known as Nasi Kandar, and it's more than just a simple meal. A plate of steamed rice is usually served with a variety of delectable side dishes, condiments, and curries. The variety of curries, each with a unique flavour profile ranging from spicy and aromatic to mild and savoury, is what makes them magical.
Customers can personalise their plates with Nasi Kandar to suit their tastes, which is one of its distinguishing features. An alluring display of curries, meats, and vegetables greets customers at traditional Nasi Kandar stalls. To create a vibrant and tantalising medley of flavours, choose the desired combination of curries to pour over the rice.
History of Nasi Kandar
Originally brought to Penang by Tamil Muslim traders from India, Nasi Kandar is a well-known dish in northern Malaysia. Steamed rice is served with a variety of different curries, side dishes, and gravies. The assortment of curries includes different combinations of meat, seafood, and vegetables. The origins of Nasi Kandar can be traced back to the early 1900s, when Weld Quay dock workers in George Town, Penang, bought rice and curry from travelling Indian Muslim vendors.
The original version of Nasi Kandar, which cost around five cents each, included fried curry beef, fried fish, boiled eggs and fish curry with eggplant or okra. At a jetty, the rice vendors would frequently set up stools to sell dock workers breakfast. By the 1930s, it was also typical for the rice vendors to go from house to house. The seller would frequently work by the side of the road or under a tree for shade. Brass pots were carried by means of bamboo or wooden shoulder poles, with containers containing curry meals at one end and plain rice at the other. However, by the middle of the 20th century, many vendors had switched to selling Nasi Kandar from stalls and alleyways, slowing down the traditional method of carrying the rice and dishes on the shoulder. More vendors made restaurant investments in the 1970s, moving Nasi Kandar even further away from its beginnings as a mobile eatery. The menu selections have also advanced; a typical Nasi Kandar restaurant today serves up to dozens of different curries, gravies, and side dishes.
Tips to try Nasi Kandar
Famous restaurants are always crowded, there are some people willing to queue for hours so that they can eat the scrumptious Nasi Kandar. To avoid queues, we should arrive a bit early around 11.30. In some of the restaurants, the customers have lined up before they open the restaurant itself. Therefore, I advise my beloved readers to go a bit early so that they can avoid crowds. Not only that but you can also enjoy freshly served Nasi Kandar.
Nasi Kandar to try in Kuala Lumpur:
Aslam Nasi Kandar.
20G, Jalan Setiawangsa 10, Taman Setiawangsa, 54200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Q Bistro
Several outlets in Klang Valley.
Nasi Kandar Jamal Mohammad.
Lot G Floor, De King Boutique KLCC, No 160, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Restoran Kudu Bin Abdul Nasi Kandar.
18, Persiaran Capsquare, City Centre, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar.
Several outlets in Klang Valley.
Nasi Kandar to try in Pulau Pinang:
Deens Maju Nasi Kandar.
170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Hameediyah Restaurant
164 A, Lebuh Campbell, street, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Kassim Nasi Kandar
221, Jalan Magazine, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Yusuf Restaurant
823-G-4, Persiaran Paya Terubong 5, Relau, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.
Nasi Kandar Beratur Original
98, Jln Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
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