It’s the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year today, heralding in the Year of the Snake. This is also perhaps the only day in Penang when practically every Chinese eating spot is closed! Some of the more famous/established eateries like 1-Michelin star Auntie Gaik Lean will be closed for more than a week!
So, we had to have dinner this evening at Indian-Muslim eatery, Kayu Nasi Kandar, the Penang branch of the famous KL-based chain in Bayan Lepas, an outer suburb of George Town.
Understandably, the eatery was extraordinarily busy, with packed tables and the service staff operating at near breaking point by 7pm. We got here at 6pm to avoid the crush.
Nasi kandar - this is Kayu Nasi Kandar’s claim-to-fame: one-plate meals of rice with a plethora of curries. Customers have to queue at the display counter to make their own selection of side-dishes.
Roti canai - this is the Malaysian version of South Indian paratha, but lighter and flakier.
Masala thosai - Malaysia and Singapore use the Tamil term “thosai” to refer to the crisp South Indian “dosa”. Masala thosai comes with spiced potato filling.
Paper thosai
Rava thosai - the semolina version, which is even crispier, and studded with chopped onions and chilis.
Mamak mee goreng - spicy Tamil-Muslim fried noodles.
Roti tisu - the yard-long crisp roti, rich with ghee and drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. Sinful but delicious.
Address
Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar
15, Lebuh Nipah 6, Bukit Jambul, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +6012-555 8475
Open 24 hours
