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Nasi kandar (Kedah Malay: Nasi kandaq; Jawi script: ناسي كاندر) is a popular northern Malaysian dish from Penang, originally introduced by Tamil Muslim traders from India. The meal consists of steamed rice combined with an array of distinct curries, side dishes, and gravies. The selection of curries consists of various blends of vegetables, seafood or meat.
Other closely related regional variations of nasi kandar include nasi ganja (Ipoh), nasi dalca (Penang), nasi lemak royale (Alor Setar), nasi maduri (Perlis), nasi kalut (Kedah), and nasi tomato (Penang and Kedah).
In Malaysia and Singapore, nasi kandar is predominantly linked to Muslim-owned establishments that specialise in Indian curry rice, while the terms "banana leaf restaurants" and "curry houses" are typically used to describe establishments operated by non-Muslims. This distinction highlights the cultural and religious diversity that shapes the country’s culinary landscape.
The earliest form of nasi kandar initially contained fish curry with brinjals or okra, fried curry beef, fried fish and boiled eggs; it cost about 5 cents each. The rice hawkers would commonly set up stools at a jetty to sell breakfast to dock workers. By the 1930s, the rice peddlers would also commonly travel from home-to-home. It was also common for the seller to operate on the roadside or beneath a shady tree. They would carry brass pots by a bamboo or a wooden Carrying pole; on one end of the pole there were containers holding curry meals, with plain rice on the other end.
However by the mid 20th century, the traditional approach of transporting the rice and dishes on the shoulder began to wane off, as many sellers moved towards selling nasi kandar in Food booth and alleyways. In the 1970s more vendors invested in the restaurant industry, further departing from the Mobile catering origins of nasi kandar. The menu options have also progressed; a common present-day nasi kandar restaurant will sell up to dozens of distinct curries, gravy and side dishes.
Hameediyah is recognized as Penang's oldest nasi kandar restaurant, having originally started under a tree at a field in Lebuh Campbell, Penang in 1907.
Traditionally, nasi kandar is always served with its side dishes on a single plate. Nowadays, small melamine resin bowls are used for the side dishes. Nevertheless, the gravy mix is always poured on top of the rice directly.
In recent years, several chain restaurants have appeared such as Nasi Kandar Shaaz, Nasi Kandar Subaidah, Nasi Kandar Nasmir, Pelita Nasi Kandar, Nasi Kandar Astana, Q-Bistro Nasi Kandar and Kayu Nasi Kandar. Purists have disputed its taste compared to the original Penang versions.
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