Nasi Kandar Merlin

Nasi Kandar is Always a Feast

*This post was scheduled to be posted earlier but wasn't. Gremlins in the system? Oh well, happy eating in 2019! #makanalls

Mention Penang and if Char Koay Teow does not come to mind than Nasi Kandar will.

What is it? It is rice and dishes at its most decadent form.

A generous helping of rice served with meats of your choice and fresh vegetables. The entire dish is then drowned in curries to produce a flavour orchestra on the palate. 

One of the best versions is the one served at the Hotel Merlin ground floor at Lebuh Union. It is no stranger to "Best of" lists. Come early as lines start forming even before lunch time as workers from the nearby offices rush to sate hungry bellies.

I went there to catch up with former colleagues and to laugh about the present social-political situation, a story for another time (perhaps). 

Even though I arrived before the official lunch hour of 1pm, there was already a line snaking out from the place. I took my place and waited. Thankfully, service is fast and efficient and my turn came shortly after. 

The server will scoop a heaping plate of rice out from a huge metal bowl and then you pick out what you want from the array of dishes. There are curries galore; beef, mutton, chicken, fish and squid, and a medley of vegetables for balance. 

If you are in line, make your choice beforehand and don't wait until your turn to decide what you want on your plate. Don't be that guy.

I went with fried chicken, a sotong (squid), stir-fried cabbage and curried brinjals. As a matter of course, I told my server to "banjir" (flood) my order with all gravy from all the different curries. This is normal (for me at least) but some prefer theirs without turning it into a spicy soup. To each their own.

My server with my order. Forgive the blur as the picture was hurriedly taken due to the number people waiting their turn.

Some things never change. This is a good thing in this case. Although it has been some time since I patronized the stall here, it is as good as ever. Despite loading up on almost all the curry gravies available - fish, beef, chicken, squid - the combination did not clash. They combined harmoniously in a beautiful spicy mess on the palate.

The squid was nicely done, not too tender but not rubbery either. Cabbages added a welcome crunch while the brinjals were cooked until the flesh collapsed to soak in all the wonderful curry flavours.

Now, I love me some fried chicken and this is among the best there is. I don't know what was used to marinate the chicken but ginger and turmeric stood out. Every bite was just crispy skin and juicy meat, awesome stuff.

Rice with fried chicken, squid, cabbage and brinjals.
All drowned in a mix of curries? Why yes, yes please.

It was so good I ordered a second piece of fried chicken to finish the meal. Was considering a third piece but that would be gluttony. 

I don't know when I'll go again as it is a bit out from where I work but is it worth the travel? Why yes, yes it is. #makanalls