I rarely cook on Sundays so we normally eat at our favorite haunts. As usual, my husband would ask me for suggestions so for a change, I suggested the famous Line Clear Nasi Kandar* place which has been operating for almost FIFTY years! After parking our car at Jalan Kampung Malabar, we took a slow walk to the alley off Penang Road via the back lane of the shops nearby.
Believe me - I could not believe it when we reached the place. The long line was not clear and the many long tables there were occupied by patrons who were happily devouring their nasi kandar. Grudgingly, I walked down the alley and kept asking my husband to go somewhere else. The line was almost endless and patiently he said, "It will clear very quickly. Don't worry. Waiting for our turn will help you to develop patience."
*gulps*
Obediently, I took my place in the line behind three Malay gentlemen from Kuala Lumpur who were on holiday in Penang. They told me that it was their fourth visit to Line Clear and that they would come again the next time they visit the island. I was very embarrassed that despite being a true blue Penangite, it was my first time there!
We waited for almost 20 minutes for our turn. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the pot of nasi bryiani before me which costs RM 6.50 per plate. Nasi Briyani is bismati rice that is cooked with spices and served withmeat, fish, eggs or vegetables. The name is derived from the Persian word bryiyani which means "fried" or "roasted".
Nasi Biryani was brought to the Indian Subcontinent by Muslim travelers and merchants. It is popular in South Asia, Arabia and within various South Asian communities in Western countries.
Nasi Briyani @ Line Clear
I had mutton, beef, cabbage and cucumber @ RM 12.50. Frankly, I am quite happy with the nasi kandar at Line Clear because the taste is just right, not too oily or spicy and the prices are quite reasonable.
The last time I had nasi kandar was two years ago @ Pelita. If you want to see pics of the food they serve at Line Clear, do visit THIS LINK OR OVER HERE.
Do leave a comment to share your comments about where one can get the best nasi kandar. If I remember correctly, nasi kandar operators may be facing difficulties in getting workers in the future due to changes in the requirements for foreign labour. Take care and have a lovely evening!
________________________________
Nasi Kandar is a popular northern Malaysian dish, which originates from Penang. It is a meal of steamed rice which can be plain or mildly flavored, and served with a variety of curries and side dishes. Sometimes, some nasi kandar shops also sell nasi briyani.
The word Nasi Kandar, came about from a time when the food hawkers or vendors would carry a kandar stick i.e. a pole on their shoulders with two huge baskets containing an array of dishes and rice. The name has remained and today the word Nasi Kandar is seen on most Tamil Muslim or "Malaysian Mamak" restaurants and Indian-Muslim stall meals.
Believe me - I could not believe it when we reached the place. The long line was not clear and the many long tables there were occupied by patrons who were happily devouring their nasi kandar. Grudgingly, I walked down the alley and kept asking my husband to go somewhere else. The line was almost endless and patiently he said, "It will clear very quickly. Don't worry. Waiting for our turn will help you to develop patience."
*gulps*
Obediently, I took my place in the line behind three Malay gentlemen from Kuala Lumpur who were on holiday in Penang. They told me that it was their fourth visit to Line Clear and that they would come again the next time they visit the island. I was very embarrassed that despite being a true blue Penangite, it was my first time there!
We waited for almost 20 minutes for our turn. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the pot of nasi bryiani before me which costs RM 6.50 per plate. Nasi Briyani is bismati rice that is cooked with spices and served withmeat, fish, eggs or vegetables. The name is derived from the Persian word bryiyani which means "fried" or "roasted".
Nasi Biryani was brought to the Indian Subcontinent by Muslim travelers and merchants. It is popular in South Asia, Arabia and within various South Asian communities in Western countries.
Nasi Briyani @ Line ClearI had mutton, beef, cabbage and cucumber @ RM 12.50. Frankly, I am quite happy with the nasi kandar at Line Clear because the taste is just right, not too oily or spicy and the prices are quite reasonable.
The last time I had nasi kandar was two years ago @ Pelita. If you want to see pics of the food they serve at Line Clear, do visit THIS LINK OR OVER HERE.
Do leave a comment to share your comments about where one can get the best nasi kandar. If I remember correctly, nasi kandar operators may be facing difficulties in getting workers in the future due to changes in the requirements for foreign labour. Take care and have a lovely evening!
________________________________
Nasi Kandar is a popular northern Malaysian dish, which originates from Penang. It is a meal of steamed rice which can be plain or mildly flavored, and served with a variety of curries and side dishes. Sometimes, some nasi kandar shops also sell nasi briyani.
The word Nasi Kandar, came about from a time when the food hawkers or vendors would carry a kandar stick i.e. a pole on their shoulders with two huge baskets containing an array of dishes and rice. The name has remained and today the word Nasi Kandar is seen on most Tamil Muslim or "Malaysian Mamak" restaurants and Indian-Muslim stall meals.
nick Ahh Yes! Sis,
The nasi kandar! How I long for the taste that's none other can provide except the original Penang nasi kandar.
Your post bring many memories of my time working in Penang during the 90's. Such an essential part of working and living in Penang to have nasi kandar. Somehow nasi kandar just doesn't taste the same if not eaten in Penang. Some would put it to the ambiance... Whatever it is, nasi kandar and Penang is something truly Malaysian (and no one that includes the people down south can claim as theirs).
Enjoy your meal Sis and have a great day!
Nick.