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“Have you eaten yet?” is a well-known greeting among Malaysians. Malaysians enjoy catching up with one another over meals. The mamak has become a favourite hangout location for locals of all walks of life who come to eat and sit around for hours while talking, gossiping, and watching football matches.
While there are mamak places all throughout the region, we’ve whittled it down to our top ten favourites that you should visit if you’re in Pulau Pinang!
1. Abu Mamak
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Do you have a late-night craving? Or maybe you just want to go somewhere lepak with your friends? Abu Mamak is, indeed, the answer. With Milo Dinosaur on the side, their Mee Goreng is to die for. You can also choose from a variety of roti, ranging from Roti Hong Kong to Roti England, and don’t forget about their Roti Tisu!
Address: Lorong Macalister, 11400, Georgetown, Penang (Restoran KSB Cahaya / Mee Abu)
Operating Hours: Open daily from 5.00pm – 5.00am
2. Nasi Kandar Shariff
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Just to let you know, most Mamak Places where you may get a dish of Nasi Kandar will have a long line. But every minute of waiting is well worth it! We’ve heard that the line can start as early as 5.15pm… So get up early to prevent being disappointed by empty platters.
Address: 159 Jalan Permai, Penang 11700
Operating Hours: Open daily from 5.30pm – 9.30pm
3. Cargas Cafe
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The next item on our list is a hidden gem in Bayan Lepas that should not be missed by anyone visiting Penang. The most popular choice among regulars is the freshly hot deep-fried chicken, and we are confident that it will become your next favourite as well! Please be aware that the restaurant is completely packed during lunchtime.
Address: 978, Main Road, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating Hours: Open daily from 9.30am-4.00pm (Close on Friday)
4. Nasi Kandar Deen Jelutong
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A daily serving of Nasi Kandar will satisfy your hunger. That is, in fact, how the saying should be phrased because it makes more sense…for Nasi Kandar fans. Is it necessary to mention that this dish is outstanding? From their fried chicken to their curries, everything is cooked to perfection… Just make sure you don’t miss out on this one.
Address: 598-D, Jalan Jelutong, Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating Hours: Open daily 24hours
5. Nasi Kandar Deen Maju
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Moving on to our next Mamak, Deen Maju, which is also known for its Nasi Kandar scene. But, just so you know, these two Deens are not affiliated, despite the fact that their names are nearly identical. Regardless, whichever combination you choose for your plate will not only blow your mind, but will also explode your mouth!
Address: 70, Jalan Gurdwara (Brick Kiln Road), 10300, Georgetown, Penang
Operating Hours: Open daily 4.00pm-11.00pm
6. Nasi Kandar Merlin
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A smack of Nasi Kandar is also a slap of calories, as we all know. But fear not, my fellow foodies; what are calories when you can have a mouthgasm experience that is surely worth every pound you gain? Also, make your plate as ‘kuah banjir’ as possible, because the dirtier the better.
Address:11, Union St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday 8.00am-3.00pm
7. Nasi Kandar Imigresen
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Originally located near the Penang Immigration Building (thus the name), they have since relocated to Cafe Asia and continue to use the same name. Every platter they provided was topped with their characteristic deep fried shallots, which added to the pungent aroma.
Address: 8, Lorong Pasar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating Hours: Open daily from 12.00pm-10.00pm
8. Nasi Kandar Tajuddin Husein
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From the chicken to the squid and, of course, the incredibly tender mutton, their curries are insanely good. There are three types of rice available at Tajuddin Husein: white, tomato, and biryani. Keep an eye on those greasy, oily calories in their dishes because, believe us, you won’t be able to resist.
Address: 45 Lebuh Queen, 10200 George Town, Penang Island, Malaysia
Operating Hours: Monday–Saturday from 11.00–3.30 pm for lunch and 6.30 pm–10.00 pm for dinner (Close on Sunday)
9. Nasi Kandar Kampong Melayu
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Start your day with a delicious Nasi Kandar breakfast…yes, you read that correctly. We’re not joking when we say this business opens at 6.30 a.m. If this is too much for you, don’t worry; they also provide Roti Canai.
Address: Ampang branch: 149, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 24hrs Daily
10. Nasi Kandar Ali Amier
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Last but not least, few people are aware of the existence of this Mamak Restaurant, but once you’ve sat down and indulged in their cuisine, FUH you will not be disappointed.
Address: 567, Lebuhraya Gelugor, Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating Hours: Open daily 2.00pm-12.00am