The Famous Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu

Perhaps the most famous nasi kandar spot in Penang - Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu. It was founded around 1974/75 by Abdul Razak, a Sri Lankan-Muslim emigrant who had moved into the neighborhood and learnt the trade from his close friends, Tamil-Muslims (mostly from the Ramnad district of Tamil Nadu, India) who specialize in the culinary profession. He learnt how to cook the basic varieties of curries which customers expect from a nasi kandar stall: piquant curried chicken, South Indian-style fish curry, Tamil-Muslim beef curry, etc.

Business was brisk, as his mainly Malay clientele adore highly spiced, strongly aromatic Tamil-Muslim curries. Eventually, he bought over the whole coffeeshop and gave his eatery the now-famous moniker - Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu. Abdul Razak’s son, Abdul Nazer, is the present owner, assisted by his wife, Zainab Mohd Eusoff.

The trend nowadays - BANJIR!

Next to its ever-busy nasi kandar serving counter is a roti canai stall, giving their patrons another food option.

Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu's secret to its delicious curries? 'Lots and lots of Indian shallots/red onions', as co-owner/proprietress, Puan Zainab once shared, which gave their curries their intense aroma and sweetness. Also, all their spices are ground using batu giling, in order to extract the essential oils.

Come early, this place can get pretty busy!