PenangTime.com: Recipe Guide
NASI KANDAR
Authentic home-style preparation with local flair
CHEF'S SNAPSHOT
This recipe reflects Penang's vibrant street heritage. Master heat control, prep everything first, and work with confidence for authentic flavour that captures the soul of Malaysian cuisine.
Have all ingredients within reach for speed and smooth execution.
High heat brings depth and the signature "wok hei" — don't over-stir.
Follow the sequence — timing and order shape perfect results.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients before you start cooking. Quality ingredients make all the difference. If an ingredient has no measurement, the amount is up to your discretion.
- Steamed rice
- a variety of curries (e.g. chicken curry, fish curry, beef curry)
- fried chicken
- fried fish
- okra (lady's fingers)
- hard-boiled eggs
- sambal.
Method
Follow each stage deliberately. Technique and timing shape the final texture, aroma and depth of flavour.
- Cook the Rice: Cook plain steamed rice.
- Prepare the Curries and Side Dishes: This dish is all about variety. Prepare or purchase a selection of different curries and side dishes. Popular choices include chicken curry, fish head curry, beef rendang, fried chicken, fried fish, stir-fried vegetables like okra, and hard-boiled eggs with sambal.
- Assemble the Dish: The signature of Nasi Kandar is the mixing of various curry gravies. Start with a plate of steamed rice. Then, add accordingly to your choice of meat and vegetable side dishes to be placed on top of or next to the rice.
- Flood with Gravy: The most important step is to ladle a mix of different curry gravies over your entire plate, a practice known as 'banjir' (to flood).
- Serve: Enjoy the complex and rich flavours immediately.
Insider Tips
Expert advice to elevate your cooking and achieve authentic restaurant-quality results.
- Nasi Kandar is more of an experience than a single recipe.
- The key is the combination of different flavours.
- Don't be shy to mix the gravies; that's the authentic way to enjoy it.
- It's traditionally eaten with hands, which many believe enhances the taste.
Tried this recipe?
Head over to the food guide page to discover top spots serving authentic Nasi Kandar in Penang and compare flavour profiles.