Wedged in a narrow alley along Penang Road in disconcerting proximity to open drains, Line Clear may be both an agoraphobe’s and a germophobe’s nightmare but resist the temptation to flee because the nasi kandar here is literally very cheap and exceedingly good. A heaped plate of rice with bull’s eye fried egg, fried chicken, vegetables and a slathering of mixed curries will set you back only RM 6.50, and as if that’s not mouthwatering enough, it’s also open around the clock and boasts a much vaunted range of daily specials that encompasses voluptuous fish, chicken, mutton and beef curries. You’d be well served to visit this vendor in comfortable old clothes with an elasticated waist because the chances that you will overindulge are more than a little high.

Don’t let the all-day queue of Nasi Kandar aficionados lining up for their food put you off sampling some of the best Indian-Muslim (‘Mamak’) cuisine in town as there’s plenty of seating space towards the back of this heritage restaurant that’s been around since the early 1930s. Curry is the order of the day here (there’s chicken, prawn, fish head and many others on offer) and you can ask for your plate of rice to be doused in multiple curries or whatever vegetables and other condiments you please. As we were a rather large group, they offered to bring the dishes to our table which saved us having to queue up.

Sekiranya anda travel ke Penang dalam misi menerokai kesemua destinasi nasi kandar yang sedap di Pulau Pinang, Nasi Kandar Line Clear adalah salah satu restoran yang perlu dimasukkan ke dalam bucket list anda. Walaupun kedai makannya hanya biasa-biasa sahaja & tidaklah elegan seperti di sebuah restoran mewah, tetapi percaya atau tidah destinasi ini mempunyai pelanggan setianya yang sangat ramai. Kedai makan ini yang diusahakan oleh Encik Hamid bersama keluarganya yang berlatar belakangkan India Muslim telah berniaga nasi kandar di Penang sejak 50 tahun yang lalu.

Line Clear, probably the most famous Nasi Kandar in Penang (image from Facebook). Possibly even more famous thanks to its location near the junction of Penang Road and Chulia Street, the popular Penang backpacker enclave, Line Clear is a simple, albeit popular joint for Penang Nasi Kandar. To be honest, it’s good, but not THAT GOOD — even though the famous late food and travel critic Anthony Bourdain came to eat here when in Penang.

In an episode of No Reservations, he visited Penang and went to a restaurant called Line Clear. Line Clear specializes in an Indian-Malay food called Nasi Kandar, which Wikipedia tells us is essentially some kind of meat over top of rice, with multiple sauces poured over everything. His experience there looked so unusual that it was one of the top things for us to do when in George Town.

Also, I don't go for the already famous nasi kandar stalls in town, such as Line Clear and Beratur, because they have grown too big. Instead, I search out the standalone stalls that have been part of the Penang nasi kandar culture for over a century. These are the stalls where you can find authentic Penang nasi kandar, using secret recipes handed down over the generation.

The best part about Penang Nasi Kandar is the mix of curries that the seller heaps on your plate of rice. The similar fiery-red orangy-looking gravy is hot and heavily spiced, not for the faint-hearted. The best Nasi Kandar restaurants are located around Little India along Jalan Penang, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Queen, and Lebuh Chulia.

Mention the word “nasi kandar”, and don’t be surprised if the Penang locals tell you that Line Clear Nasi Kandar is one of the best places to go for. From plain white rice to the savoury nasi briyani, Line Clear is packed with lots of mouth-watering dishes. You name it, there’s the succulent fried chicken, beef, squid, fish and much more.

Hameediyah nasi kandar has been dishing up delights since 1907 and has a huge following locally. From opening in mid-afternoon to late at night, whenever we walked past there was a substantial queue, always well out the door and down the street. Hameediyah is the kind of place that gets me figuratively hot and bothered about food.

Known to be the oldest nasi kandar in Penang, you know Hameediyah definitely won’t disappoint. Different from other nasi kandar stalls which lacks of hygiene, Hameediyah is clean and air-conditioned and the staffs are really friendly and welcoming. Walk into the restaurant to be fascinated by the wide selection of dishes.

Located down a narrow alley I almost walked past this location, but luckily the friendly workers knew what I was looking for and waved me in. My most expensive nasi kandar while in Penang. While, I do have to take into consideration I had the prawn with this nasi kandar, it was still by far the most expensive.

In 2017, Line Clear was forced to close by the Penang Health Department over serious hygiene concerns. Located in a narrow alleyway along Penang Road, you may hesitate to go in to eat at first. Since then, the restaurant has bounced back to attract regulars and visitors with its “limited time” offerings.

One sleepy afternoon years ago, we were watching Anthony Bourdain on “Parts Unknown” stuff his face at Line Clear in Georgetown and decided then and there that any trip to Asia would have to include Penang. After all, it was street food heaven right?. We had five nights planned!.

Well, the line here is most certainly not clear most of the time!. Expect to wait patiently for your turn when dining at Line Clear, which is snugged at a gritty alleyway along Jalan Penang. Come here for the daily specials that range from mutton curry to boiled okra.

Georgetown has hundreds of Nasi Kandar, and each one offers an aspect that they manage to nail better than most. Nasi Kandar Line Clear surfs the crest of doing everything pretty damn well.Their fried chicken is definitely worth getting greasy fingers over.

Restoran Nasi Padang Minang: This restaurant serves authentic Indonesian cuisine, with a focus on the Padang region. Their nasi padang (rice with various dishes) is a must-try, as well as their rendang (slow-cooked beef in coconut milk).

This alleyway eatery is a cult favourite among locals and visitors alike. This nasi kandar on Penang Road is known for its long queues extending to the street. They prepare the food traditionally with a mix of various curries.

Food: Chin's Stylish Chinese Cuisine, 1885 Restaurant, New Lane Hawker Centre, Nasi Kandar Line Clear, Farquhar Mansion Fine Dining and Lounge, Macalister Mansion, Joo Hooi Cafe, 32 at the Mansion, Suffolk House Restaurant.

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Nasi kandar is a meal of biryani (flavoured) rice that is served with curries and side dishes. It’s a Malay meal, and it originated in Penang.

Alamat: Beside 161 & 177 Penang Road, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang. Waktu Operasi: 24 jam. Jika anda orang Penang dan anda tak pernah dengar nama restoran ini, anda memang rugi.

Nasi Kandar Line Clear – Good spot for a quick and cheap meal. Try the delicious chicken and beef with Okra. The sauce is fantastic, but the beef can be chewy.

You can try this at Deens Maju Nasi Kandar, Hameediyah Restaurant (check out our experience here), Nasi Kandar Imigresen, and Restoran Nasi Kandar Line Clear.