Best Nasi Arab in Penang

Just a stone’s throw away from USM (University Sains Malaysia), this restaurant was initial opened to target Yemen, Palestine and Syria students. However today, all walks of lives are in hopes of chomping down their array of scrumptious Arabian meals. It would be insane to ignore their Nasi Arab, fluffy and aromatic basmati rice that can be paired with a meat of your choice, where their lamb tops the chart. Lamb is sinfully satisfying, juicy and just falls off the bone, complementing the feathery rice. The platter is complete with a bowl of soup and their homemade sambal for a spicy tap. To cut your calorie guilt, wrap up your meal with a glass of Arabian green tea. 

Speaking about delectable meals that enhance moment of togetherness among family and friends; Qasar Hadramawt is dubbed as one of the finest places to do so. They do score points with their immaculate interior and attentive hospitality, yet the main draw is their staggering choices of Middle Eastern cuisine under the stewardship of a chef from Yemen who has plenty of experience up his sleeves. Their Nasi Arab has splashes of engaging colours and the long rice texture gives a smooth mouthfeel. Among the most ordered dish to pair the huge mound of rice is lamb, mixed with heaps of spices and wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked in a brick oven. If grilled meat is your choice, opt for their mixed platter. 

This famed restaurant needs no introduction, the first and most successful Middle Eastern joint to touch down in Malaysia. Located at the water’s edge of Batu Feringgi, patrons soak up a breathtaking atmosphere while devouring succulent meals. Their Nasi Arab is among the top sellers, vibrant colours of basmati rice which permeates a mouthwatering aroma. Varieties are never-ending here, from grilled meats, slow-cooked lamb, Shawarma Chicken and many more; there is nothing that can never go along with your rice. After quelling your big appetite, stroll around the restaurant, adoring beautiful ornaments, decorations and sculptures that teleports you to the Middle East.

Looking to dine luscious Arabian cuisine in a grandeur backdrop? Make your way to Al-Araby, nestled in the ground floor of Tesco Seberang Jaya. Upon entering, be awed with large chandeliers, artful decorations, comfy cushion seats and elegant lights brightening the entire dining space, hands down time to flock your Instagram. Each dish in the menu is worth devouring yet Chicken Mandy is the pride of the kitchen. Huge slab chicken is topped on a bed of fragrance basmati rice and paired dollop of chili sambal and salad. Lamb lovers listen up! Their lamb is meticulously slow cooked after enrobed with rich spices, which results a fork-tender texture that tugs your heart straightaway. 

Sited at Plaza Ivory, undeniably this eatery is the closest rival to Nasi Bukhari Mendi Sajid Khan, which is just a few steps away. You’ll never know, they might take part in the Food War Program when it hits Penang. The menu is made up of Western, Malay and primarily Middle Eastern dishes, which comes in the hearty portion; eat till you drop. Regulars face a common conundrum, lamb or chicken to escort their aromatic Nasi Arab, as both are equally delicious. Easy, gobble them both, their Khabsah lamb and Chicken Shawarma are utterly tender and packed with flavours. Sprinkled with greens, sides of chili sambal and soup, which is the broth used to cook the lamb itself, it’s a soul-soothing meal. Their 3D art coffees are widely talked about too. 

Just Food in Gurney Paragon is a sophisticated food court with an extensive array of cuisines to devour. Among the stalls that crowd is never-ending is Mr.Shawerma, serving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with reasonable price tags. You’ll certainly clap eyes on a towering spit where mouthwatering meats are heaped and a variety of rice dishes. Their rice is gentled spiced and showered with a generous portion of Shawarma chicken chunks which are heavenly! Sides of fresh greens, chili condiment and thick mayonnaise finishes this appealing plate, it’s a worthwhile meal that lives up to its warm reputation. 

First of all, you wouldn't believe this stretched stall serves Nasi Arab as it exudes all elements of a nasi kandar stall. Tucked along the tranquil streets of Kepala Batas, locals make a beeline for their scrumptious spread of dishes, from cockles, squids, prawns, mutton and everything you fancy in a nasi kandar joint. Their fried chicken definitely comes out on top, huge slices of chickens are constantly dropped in a hot vat of oil.  Drench your mound of fluffy rice with a medley of rich curries and a slab of piping hot chicken, crispy on the outside and moisture sealed within, its lip smacking good. A frothy teh tarik is perfect for a happy ending.