As-salamu'alaikum.
A very popular dish among Malaysians, this Indian Muslim speciality cuisine has its origin in Penang. And it has since become a mainstay of the economy for Indian Muslims all over Malaysia, particularly in the Klang Valley area. You will find it at every corner in developing areas, urban & suburban sprawls. As an enthusiast, I personally think the best nasi kandaq to go for would be in Penang, its birthplace. That said there are quite a few nasi kandaq sellers who have either migrated from Penang to Klang Valley or have opened branches & chain stores to look for a new target market since the early 1960s. There are differences of opinions among nasi kandaq enthusiasts on which is the best nasi kandaq in Klang Valley. So, recently I have embarked on a mission (more like a food investigation) to find out the best nasi kandaq in Klang Valley based on recommendations I'd found online (food reviews, food blogs). Please note that in this list I've only chosen nasi kandaq eateries that are often-mentioned in most blogs and reviews. Flagship restaurant will be considered if 1) it originated in KL/Selangor or 2) if there is only a single branch in Klang Valley. So here is the list..
1) Restoran Mohd Yaseem Nasi Kandar, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman KL
This is my numero uno on this list for the best nasi kandaq in KL/Selangor. I came here without high expectations, just wanted to try out its version of nasi kandaq and was blown away by the taste of its delicious nasi kandaq. The lauk (dishes) are appetizing and the curry selections certainly pack a punch. Like the usual nasi kandaq eateries, Mohd Yaseem serves a wide range of dishes; chicken, beef, mutton, squid, prawns, fish and vegetables cooked in few different ways. Its forte is their curry selections, and one can really taste the well-balanced, rich flavour of spices in the curries. The curries were not overpowering and at the same time not insipid either. And the price of the food here is definitely cheaper than most nasi kandaq eateries in KL, which is why Mohd Yaseem tops the list.
The place also provides a non-smoking air-conditioned dining section. Some people call this place as Mohd Yaseen (with an n), but I asked the cashier which is the correct spelling and he answered Mohd Yaseem (with an m).
Patrons waiting in line for their nasi kandaq. There are 2 lines for the nasi kandaq which is convenient for patrons.
The taste of Mohd Yaseem nasi kandaq is worthy of comparison to any good nasi kandaq eateries in Penang.
I had nasi kandaq + fried chicken + dark curried mutton + ladyfingers + fried omelet. The fried chicken was toothsome. The mutton was tasty and tender. The medley of curries was excellent, not overpowering, savoury and full of flavour. It couldn't do any wrong for me. Definitely the best in KL.
Price: Reasonably priced.
Curry mixture: 9/10
Dishes: 8.5/10
2) Zainul Nasi Kandar, Medan Selera MBPJ, Lorong Sultan PJ
Number two on my list goes to Zainul Nasi Kandar and a deserved one too. Zainul has been serving nasi kandaq since the 1960s. First they started selling in front of menara MBPJ, then they moved to the current location in 1983. They started serving nasi kandaq with limited range of dishes as early as 7AM and by 9:30AM the full range of dishes are being served. There is also another nasi kandaq stall nearby with the same name, within the medan selera. Zainul Generation Nasi Kandar. I asked one of Zainul's staff if both the Zainul stalls are linked to each other. She answered that the other stall (Zainul Generation) is owned and operated by a sibling of the current operator of Zainul's. They are connected in terms of blood ties but have nothing in common in terms of food taste and quality. Zainul's specialities are the crispy fried chicken, fish head curry and its selection of curry gravies.
I came at just before noon. Didn't have to wait long to get my nasi kandaq as it was not lunch time yet for patrons working at surrounding offices.
Unlike the usual nasi kandaq eateries, the staff that prepare and serve the nasi kandaq dishes are Malay ladies and not the usual Indian Muslim men.
I had nasi kandaq + crispy fried chicken + tempura fried squid + curried mutton. The mixed curries tasted awesome and the taste is certainly authentic Penang nasi kandaq flavour. The crispy fried chicken was outstanding but pricey. You can always ask for smaller/half portion though. The fried chicken is a must-try.
The curried mutton. Tastewise it was average. The mutton meat was tough and not as tender as I'd expected. Not their best feature.
Price: Slightly overpriced.
Curry mixture: 9/10
Dishes: 7.5/10
3) Restoran Nasi Kandar Ibramsha, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman KL
Another nasi kandaq eatery that offers authentic Penang nasi kandar flavour is Ibramsha Nasi Kandar. Ibramsha is located nearby the old Coliseum cinema and is just next to Gulati's Silk House in Jalan TAR. Ibramsha is famous for their robust, thick dark curry dishes. I rated Ibramsha at number 3 because of the distinctive taste of their dark curry that makes them unconventional from other nasi kandaq eateries in Klang Valley. So if you want to try something other than the usual KL nasi kandaq taste, you should check this place out.
Even though Ibramsha is located at the busy Jalan TAR, this place is hidden in plain sight and one might easily miss it if not attentive enough.
The inside of the restaurant.
I had nasi kandaq + dark curries + black sauce chicken (ayam kicap) + curried squid + salted egg. The thick medley of curries was a bit overpowering for me, so it is advisable to tell the staff who does the curry mixing, to not add too much curry gravies onto the plate. Otherwise the taste would've been ideal.
The seafood dishes such as squid and prawn are pricier than the usual, so please check the price first before ordering any.
Price: Slightly overpriced.
Curry mixture: 7.5/10
Dishes: 7.75/10
4) Restoran Raihan Nasi Kandar, Hicom Glenmarie Industrial Park, Shah Alam.
Nestled in an industrial-shophouses area, this eatery is surrounded by automotive workshops and car service centres in Glenmarie, not far from the Shah Alam stadium. Their patrons are mostly employees from the neighbouring service centres and offices. This eatery is self-service and offers authentic flavour of Penang nasi kandaq. For those who are not familiar with Glenmarie Shah Alam area, getting here can be a bit tricky. So do your research in advance on how to get here before you come.
No air-conditioned dining area at Raihan.
Raihan's variety of dishes. The fried squid was tempting but I opted for the curried mutton instead.
The main feature at Raihan's. The fried chicken is certainly mouthwatering.
I had nasi kandaq + fried chicken + bean sprouts + curried mutton + salted egg. The fried chicken is a must-have on the plate. The chicken meat was savoury, the skin was crispy but the portion was a bit small for me. The mutton meat was tender but the mutton curry was extra spicy. The mixed curries wasn't bad, but nothing exceptional. Overall a delicious meal.
Price: Slightly overpriced.
Curry mixture: 7/10
Dishes: 7.75/10
5) Restoran Hameediyah, Sunway Nexis, Kota Damansara (latest entry)
Famous for being the the oldest nasi kandaq establishment in Malaysia, Hameediyah opened their first outlet in Klang Valley in the later half of 2016. I went to the new outlet a few times on the opening week alone. Located next to Kota Damansara MRT station, patrons would be better off coming here via MRT than coming by car due to limited parking spots in this high-density commercial area. Although the recipes used in their curries and other dishes are the same as in Georgetown, I could still taste the subtle differences between Hameediyah Georgetown and Hameediyah KD in terms of flavour and the level of spiciness. Overall despite the slight differences in taste, Hameediyah KD could still deliver a decent authentic nasi kandaq similar to Penang.
Hameediyah KD (photo courtesy of eatdrinkkl.blogspot.com). Just like in Hameediyah Georgetown, air-conditioning dining area is available on both floors inside the restaurant.
First day opening: I had nasi kandaq + curried chicken + curried fish. The curry mixture was extra hot and spicy for my liking. The overall taste of the dishes was okay.
Price: Slightly overpriced
Curry mixture: 7/10
Dishes: 7.5/10
6) Restoran Kudu Bin Abdul Nasi Kandar, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman KL
This came highly recommended. Located just around the corner from Mohd Yaseem Nasi Kandar is the legendary Kudu Nasi Kandar. This eatery might be more famous than its neighbour few doors away but for me, Mohd Yaseem is THE nasi kandaq to beat in Klang Valley. Pricewise it's not as expensive as other nasi kandaq eateries but it certainly delivers in terms of taste. The place doesn't have air-conditioning, so on a hot-KL-day and with no wind blowing, eating here might be a sweaty experience.
The place is usually crowded during lunch hour. To avoid a long queue the best time to come is just before noon.
The selection of dishes served at Kudu. They're famous for their sambal bawang chicken. They also have Tandoori chicken served at lunch.
I had nasi kandaq + sambal bawang chicken + ladyfingers + curried mutton + fried omelet. The taste of this nasi kandaq was decent.
Price: Reasonably priced.
Curry mixture: 7.25/10
Dishes: 7/10
7) Restoran Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar (Flagship), SS2, PJ Selangor
This is where it started. SS2, Petaling Jaya. Kayu as it is commonly called by patrons, started out in 1974 as a nasi kandaq stall in a Chinese coffee shop next to their current building. It later became a household name in nasi kandaq chain restaurants in Malaysia. They have other branches in and around Klang Valley but SS2 is its flagship store, and that's why I came here instead of the branches. Famous for its foods but infamous for its overpriced menu. The place itself is presentable, offers clean and conducive environment. Air-conditioned dining area is available.
SS2 main restaurant.
Had lunch at 3:30PM, there wasn't much of a queue at this hour.
Nice selections of dishes, but the overpriced menu prevented me from adding more dishes to the plate.
I had nasi kandaq + fried chicken + some vegetables + curried mutton + fried egg. The overall taste was quite nice especially the curried mutton. The mutton meat was tender. The taste of the fried chicken was also good but I felt they charged too high for such a small portion.
Price: Alarmingly Overpriced.
Curry mixture: 7/10
Dishes: 7/10
8) LC (Line Clear) Restaurant, Jalan Raja Abdullah, Kg Baru KL
Next on the list is the famous Penang's Line Clear Nasi Kandar that had recently opened its KL branch in Kg Baru. We went to LC Kg Baru on the opening day itself. A month prior to its KL branch opening, I had the opportunity to eat nasi kandaq at Jalan Penang's Line Clear (original) in Georgetown. In my opinion for some of the dishes served in LC Kg Baru, there is a 75%-80% similarity with the Jalan Penang's LC in terms of the taste and flavour. This is understandable seeing that 70% of the staff including the cooks from Jalan Penang's LC was brought in to work in Kg Baru's LC, to me it seems more like LC moved to KL rather than opening a branch and that's why it is included on this list. But even with LC Jalan Penang, they were never my top pick for the best nasi kandaq in Penang. That said, with its popularity LC is certainly giving other nasi kandaq eateries in KL a run for their money.
The place is clean compared to the Jalan Penang LC. Maybe because it's a new place. Hopefully they can maintain the cleanliness at all times.
I had nasi kandaq + Ros chicken + Ros mutton + ladyfingers + Spiced fried chicken. The curries were a bit watery than usual. The taste was just okay though.
The wife had a plate of nasi kandaq + Ros mutton + fried chicken + salted egg.
Price: Slightly overpriced.
Curry mixture: 6.75/10
Dishes: 7/10
9) Deen Nasi Kandar, Platinum Lake Condo PV12, Taman Danau Kota, Setapak KL
Not to be mistaken with Deen Nasi Kandar in Jelutong, Penang. This is not a branch nor is it connected to Deen in Penang. They just have the same name and that's where it ends. Deen Setapak is listed on a couple of food blogs as "one of the must-try nasi kandaq in KL". That's why it made it on this list. But after trying out their nasi kandaq I would beg to differ. That said the place was clean and they provide air-conditioned dining area. The price of the menu was quite reasonable too. If nasi kandaq isn't your thing, they also have a variety of western and local cuisines served at their place.
The selection of dishes served at Deen. The fried chicken doesn't look tempting enough though.
I had nasi kandaq + sambal bawang chicken + curried mutton + salted egg. The mixed curries were not that strong and it lacked the savoury taste. The rest of the dishes were just average and nothing to rave about.
Price: Reasonably priced.
Curry mixture: 5.5/10
Dishes: 6/10
* This blog entry was originally posted in February 2016 and has since been updated.