Best Ayam Masak Merah in Penang

Nothing screams Penang food more than nasi kandar and this humble restaurant in Little India has patrons from all over the country flocking for a taste of their ware. During peak hours, it’s a battle to nab empty tables, however it’s definitely worth the wait. With myriad curries and dishes to choose from, ensure that you do not miss their Ayam Masak Merah. This is a crowd favourite with tender pieces of chicken in a robust casserole of tomatoes, chillies, ginger, onions and spices - packed with flavours from the ingredients slowly simmered for that perfect crimson-red colour and rich consistency.

This prominent nasi kandar restaurant which operates 24 hours will have your craving for a plate with punch of spices satisfied at any time of the day. Opt for their famous nasi minyak with sides of dalcha – a popular Indian stew. Their fiery Ayam Masak Merah gives life and colour to the mellow oiled rice; the meat is moist, tender and loaded with special spices.  To amp up the heat, add a dollop of their chili chutney condiment.

“Beratur” simply means "to queue up". This unassuming joint draws curiosity with long queues of nasi kandar enthusiasts that allure you to be a part of it. If you think waiting is tough, be ready for the most challenging part as you face a smorgasbord of mouth-watering dishes. It’s close to crime leaving without tasting their Ayam Masak Merah. Meticulously fried and braised with a select concoction of hand-ground herbs and spices, the tender meat is coated in a rich and robust gravy that leaves a fiery aftertaste.

This comfy and colourful cafe is widely adored by Penangites as a Mecca for cakes. Before hopping onto desserts, drill down their local delights on the menu till you spot Nasi Lemak. Cleverly giving tomato rice and biryani rice a break, their succulent Ayam Masak Merah is served with a mound of coconut rice, anchovies, hard-boiled egg, papadam and fresh greens. The chicken is first pan-fried till golden brown and then coated with the mildly spiced concoction - a perfect pairing with the fragrant coconut rice of nasi lemak.

Housed in Glow Hotel with an innovative interior of artistic photos and vivacious furniture,  Zest Bar & Cafe's buffet has a booming reputation among Penangites, and this includes one of the best Ayam Masak Merah in town. Bathed in a thick gravy packed with herbs and spices, the tender pieces of chicken are so good; you’ll be going for seconds and perhaps even thirds!

A renowned push-cart stall which has recently moved to Gelugor Food Complex, Shariff Nasi Kandar Gelugor brings together their impeccable curries with nasi kandar buffs.  With plenty of side dishes to pick from, the Ayam Masak Merah clearly stands out. Rich in colour and spices, the juicy meat is infused with a subtle balance of spicy and savoury. Stick to the traditional formula of coating the piping-hot rice with a medley of curries that tickles your nostrils with the heavenly aroma.

Campbell Street is never a calm street. How can it be when you have the oldest nasi kandar shop in Penang tucked along? Think biryani, think Hameediyah! This fabled restaurant has been plying the trade serving one of the finest mamak meals that has a unique taste that will leave an ever-lasting imprint on your palate. Keep an eye out for their Ayam Masak Merah among the many pots of hearty fare. Huge chunks of chicken coated with a rich and spicy gravy, which gets you exploiting every shred of meat till the bone.