It was our last day in Penang. With one meal left, I had little space for errors and once again sought the help of the internet. One enviable food that was closely associated to Penang is the Nasi Kandar. But the question is, where about do I start? My favourite Nasi Kandar has always been Kayu Nasi Kandar but most people had recommended Nasi Kandar Line Clear located near the intersection between Campbell Street and Penang Road.
Bad signs seem to lurk near the areas recommended and it seems that I take little effort in learning them. With my tummy that hungry, I could barely blame myself. Walking in, the restaurant was quiet with my parents and I being their only customer. I hungrily pointed at the basics such as a great mix of curries and as well as a large piece of fried chicken.
Nasi Kandar with Fried Chicken and Kuah Campur Biting into the chicken here was pure joy. I love how large this Nasi Kandar stall’s chickens are. Bloody meaty and crunchy with a KFC beating marinade and batter. Crispy skin tend to be the best parts of a Nasi Kandar meal! The way I would eat my rice is to mix it all together as the flavours tend to be absorbed by the rice. This was where I started feeling disappointed. At Line Clear, the sauces are way too watery and the rice as well, felt a little wet. Definitely a big bummer. A favourite Nasi Kandar topping of mine which was the Kerisik, a grated coconut condiment bursting with flavours was not there. Lady’s fingers were OK but a little old.
All in all, coming in here for a great last meal did not quite turn out as I expected. Knowing how the island folks here rave about their famous Penang Nasi Kandar, I knew that I was at the wrong place. I guess my research was not done in depth as there are many others such as Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu as well as Nasi Kandar Beratur. Both of which has both so many good and bad press such that I was thrown into a dilemma (yes I get stressed when I eat). But little matters more than the fact that I found the food here to be EDIBLE, but great Nasi Kandar? Definitely a claim too FARFETCHED.
Still, I had no regrets as the earlier days of the trip were filled with some of the best meals ever. Check out the links below to see what I ate on my 4 day trip to Penang :)!
Penang Trip: Another Local Favourite @ Sin Keng Aun
Penang Trip: Ah Leng’s Char Kuey Teow @ Penang
Penang Trip: 2 Sister’s Char Kuey Teow, Yam Cake Hokkien Noodles @ Day 3
Penang Trip: A Heritage Experience @ 1881 Zhong Tian Lou
Penang Trip: Hameed Pata @ Fort Cornwallis @ Day 2
Penang Trip: Toh Soon Cafe @ Day 2
Penang Trip: Sin Guat Keong Hawker, Kimberley Road @ Day 1
WenY