PENANG is renowned for its nasi kandar cuisine as, after all, the tasty treat of rice with spicy dishes originated from the tiny island decades ago.
But little do tourists know that the original Malay cuisine is also generating its fan base here over the years.
Hameediyah is widely recognised as the nation's oldest nasi kandar restaurant.
According to legend, the original shoulder-carried (kandar) dishes began under a tree in an open field on Campbell Street in 1907.
But did you know that Penang also has many interesting Malay restaurants that serve a variety of tasty dishes, especially during Ramadan.
Malays have historically been living in the "Pearl of the Orient" for years before it was discovered by seafarer Francis Light in 1786.
The Penang Malay Association, founded in 1927, is regarded as the oldest socio-economic organisation for the community in the country. And with customs, comes the Malay cuisine with its distinctive influences from the Middle East, Indonesia, the ancient Pattani kingdom in southern Thai and Cambodia, too.
Here are five reputable Malay eateries in Penang:
1. Rumah Kacha (main photo)
Address: Hin Bus Depot. No 31a, Jalan Gurdwara, Penang
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As the name suggests, the restaurant, built nearly 50% using glass, serves a variety of local and western food.
In conjunction with Ramadan, Rumah Kacha presents its special menu of Nasi Arab with roasted chicken and Nasi Arab with grilled lamb.
2. The Table
Address: No 27, Lebuh Carnarvon, Penang
This halal cafe located in the heart of George Town is well known for its varied menu of dishes, including delicious cakes and coffee.
During the fasting month, The Table as usual serves a special menu comprising Nasi Ayam Percik, Nasi Goreng Garlic with grilled chicken, buttermilk chicken with rice, Nasi Kerabu, and various other delectable dishes.
3. Bricklin Cafe by Rasta Brew Co
Address: No 31a, Jalan Gurdwara, Penang
This hipster cafe with a cosy atmosphere is often the choice of young people and tourists to relax. In Ramadan, the cafe features a promotional menu as low as RM30 per person.
Among the interesting dishes on the menu at Bricklin Cafe are Kalio Grilled Chicken with Nasi Minyak, Aroy Mak Thai Grilled Chicken with Lemongrass Butter Rice, and Mr Chicken Burger.
4. Debob Coffee
Address: No 30, Jalan Perda Selatan, Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam
This cafe is often the choice of residents in Seberang Perai to enjoy western food. Besides its reasonable price, this cafe is also an attraction because it has a wide selection of delicious drinks in a special big cup.
In conjunction with this fasting month, Debob shows a difference by serving dishes on a tray, to revive the kampung experience that is disappearing with time.
The Qaseh Tray Set, which is served with four sets of yellow rice, two sets of grilled chicken, two sets of grilled lamb, and one fish fillet, would bring back the nostalgia of eating together with the family.
5. Lomaq Coffee
Address: Hala Kalui, Seberang Jaya.
If you want to find variety and enjoy spicy Negeri Sembilan cuisine in Penang, Lomaq Coffee is the answer.
During the fasting month, Lomaq Coffee features a food buffet with over 50 dishes at RM45.90 for adults, and RM20.90 for children. – The Vibes, April 10, 2022
