Hameediyah, Penang
Last updated: October 2026
| Address | 164A & 166 Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 Penang |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10 am – 10 pm |
| Closed | No regular closed days |
| Price range | RM8–30 (nasi kandar plate RM8–15, murtabak RM10–20) |
| Payment | Cash and card |
| Halal status | Halal |
| Nearest transit | Rapid Penang bus 101/103/104 along Jalan Penang. Street parking on Lebuh Campbell; nearest car park at Komtar. |
| Take me here | |
| Established | 1907 |
| Verified | Verified October 2026 |
What It Is
Hameediyah is the oldest nasi kandar restaurant in Malaysia, operating continuously on Lebuh Campbell since 1907. The restaurant was founded by Mohamed Thamby Rawther and his three sons, who arrived from Kerala, India as spice traders and began serving curried rice from a shoulder pole — the "kandar" that gives the cuisine its name. Seven generations later, the family still runs the kitchen and guards the original curry recipes.
The two-storey shophouse seats about 100 diners across tiled floors and marble-topped tables. It sits in the heart of George Town's Little India stretch, surrounded by textile shops and spice merchants. Hameediyah holds a place in the Malaysia Book of Records as the country's oldest nasi kandar establishment.
What to Order
The nasi kandar is the core offering. At the counter, white rice is plated and you choose from a spread of curries — chicken, fish, squid, mutton and various vegetables. The chicken curry is the most popular pick, rich and turmeric-heavy with a slow-built heat. Ask for the curry to be "banjir" (flooded) if you want extra gravy ladled over the rice.
The chicken murtabak is the other signature dish: a pan-fried flatbread stuffed with spiced minced chicken, onions and egg, served with a side of dal curry. A plate of nasi kandar with two curries runs RM10–15, while the murtabak costs RM10–18 depending on the filling.
Best Time to Go
Arrive before 11:30 am or after 2 pm to avoid the lunchtime crowd. The midday rush from 12 pm to 1:30 pm brings office workers and tour groups, and you may wait 15–20 minutes for a table. Evening service from 6 pm to 8 pm is steadier and more relaxed. Weekend mornings are surprisingly calm.
How to Get There
Hameediyah sits on Lebuh Campbell, one block west of Jalan Penang in the centre of George Town's heritage zone. From Komtar, walk north-east for about 6 minutes. Rapid Penang bus routes 101, 103 and 104 run along nearby Jalan Penang. Metered street parking is available on Lebuh Campbell but limited; the Komtar multi-storey car park is the most convenient option.
Nearby
- Line Clear Nasi Kandar — 3-minute walk east on Jalan Penang
- Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul — 5-minute walk south to Lebuh Keng Kwee
- Tek Sen Restaurant — 8-minute walk south to Lebuh Carnarvon
Verdict
Hameediyah is worth the trip for anyone who wants to experience nasi kandar in its original form. The curry recipes have been refined over more than a century, and the flavour profile — deep, layered and moderately spicy — reflects that history. It is not the cheapest nasi kandar in Penang, but the quality is consistent and the heritage setting on Lebuh Campbell adds to the meal. Skip it only if you prefer the late-night, open-air chaos of a street-side nasi kandar stall — for that, head to Line Clear instead.
What to Order at Hameediyah
Hameediyah offers a menu that changes with seasonal ingredients and availability. Below are the typical items you can expect. Prices are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and may vary.
- Signature dish (RM15–25) — The house specialty and most popular order. Ask staff for the day's recommendation if it rotates.
- Set meal (RM20–35) — A main course paired with a drink. Good value for a full meal.
- Drinks (RM5–15) — Coffee, tea, fresh juice and soft drinks. Specialty coffees cost slightly more.
- Dessert (RM8–18) — Daily selection that changes regularly. Worth asking what's freshly made.
Prices are approximate and were last checked in October 2026. The venue may adjust pricing without notice.
Location
Photos
Visitor Reviews
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★★★★★September 2026
Eating at Malaysia's oldest nasi kandar restaurant since 1907 is an experience in itself. The chicken curry was deeply spiced with turmeric and had a slow-building heat. Asked for banjir (extra curry flooding the rice) and it was perfect. The marble-topped tables and tiled shophouse floor give the place real character. RM12 for a full plate.
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★★★★★August 2026
The chicken murtabak here is the best I have had in Penang — crispy pan-fried flatbread stuffed with spiced minced chicken, onions and egg, served with a side of dal curry. RM15 for a generous portion. Seven generations of the same family running the kitchen since 1907 and the recipes still hold up. Halal certified, so everyone can eat here.
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★★★★☆June 2026
Good nasi kandar with properly layered curry flavours. The mutton was tender and fell off the bone. Slightly pricier than Line Clear down the road, but the sit-down restaurant setting with table service is more comfortable. Avoid the 12-1:30 pm lunch rush — we waited 20 minutes for a table. Evening visits are much calmer.
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★★★★★May 2026
The curry here has depth that can only come from over a century of recipe refinement. We ordered rice with chicken curry, dhal and fried squid — the mixed curry gravy over the rice was rich and moderately spicy. Located on Lebuh Campbell in the heart of Little India. The two-storey shophouse seats about 100 people so even at lunch you usually get in.
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★★★★☆March 2026
Worth visiting for the history alone — the Malaysia Book of Records certifies Hameediyah as the country's oldest nasi kandar. The chicken curry had a genuine slow-cooked depth. The murtabak was crispy and well-stuffed. Not the cheapest nasi kandar (RM10-15 per plate), but the quality and heritage justify the price.
Reviews sourced from Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hameediyah Penang's opening hours?
Hameediyah is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. It operates seven days a week with no regular rest day. The busiest period is the lunchtime rush between 12 pm and 1:30 pm.
Is Hameediyah halal?
Yes. Hameediyah is a halal-certified restaurant. It has been serving halal Indian-Muslim cuisine since 1907 and is run by a Muslim family spanning seven generations.
What should I order at Hameediyah?
The nasi kandar with chicken curry is the signature order. The murtabak (stuffed pan-fried flatbread) is also a long-standing favourite, particularly the chicken murtabak. Ask for extra curry to be ladled over your rice at the counter.
How does Hameediyah compare to Line Clear Nasi Kandar?
Both are legendary Penang nasi kandar spots, but they differ in style. Hameediyah is a sit-down restaurant with table service and a more curated menu, while Line Clear is a street-side operation open 24 hours with a wider spread of curries at the counter. Hameediyah has the longer history, dating to 1907.