Phê Vé
April 29, 2026 • 3 min read
Discover the differences between Nasi Kandar Pelita and Nasi Kandar Shahana, two popular dining spots in Malaysia. Which one is the better choice for food lovers?
Introduction to Nasi Kandar
Nasi Kandar is one of Malaysia's iconic dishes, especially popular in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Although it originated in Penang, finding delicious plates of nasi kandar in major cities is not a challenge. To explore this culinary scene, I decided to compare two standout locations: Nasi Kandar Shahana, a recently opened spot on Jalan Imbi, and Nasi Kandar Pelita, a well-established chain that has been serving customers for over 30 years.
Introducing Nasi Kandar Shahana
Nasi Kandar Shahana opened its doors in early 2025, located on Jalan Imbi, close to The Exchange TRX. Despite being in a bustling area filled with tourists and offices, the restaurant offers a more tranquil atmosphere compared to other popular dining spots. Initially, I was a bit disappointed with the limited food selection here. Instead of the array of dishes I had imagined, there were only a few options available.
I ordered white rice with ayam madu (honey chicken), cabbage, and kuah campur (mixed curry) for around RM11 (approximately 60,000 VND). The highlight was the rice, which was incredibly soft and fragrant. The mix of curries was quite impressive, with just the right amount of spice without being overwhelming, while the sauce from the ayam madu was sweet and harmonious. The chicken was cooked just right, although the outer layer was a bit soggy due to the sauce. Overall, I felt quite satisfied with my meal here.
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Introducing Nasi Kandar Pelita
Nasi Kandar Pelita is a household name among Malaysians. This brand started from a small stall in Taman Chai Leng, Perai, Penang in 1995 and has since grown into one of the largest nasi kandar chains with over 25 branches. The branch I visited was located at C180 and offered a larger space with a more diverse menu compared to Shahana.
I ordered white rice with ayam bawang (onion chicken), petola goreng (fried sponge gourd), and kuah campur for about RM13.85 (approximately 75,000 VND). The rice was also soft, but the sauces were saltier. The ayam bawang was well-seasoned, but the chicken was a bit tough, and the sauce was a bit watery. The variety of dishes here is a significant plus, but I felt the meal became a bit heavy after a while.
Comparing Nasi Kandar Shahana and Nasi Kandar Pelita
| Category | Nasi Kandar Shahana | Nasi Kandar Pelita |
|---|---|---|
| Diversity | Limited selection | More varied options |
| Price | Depends on the dish | Depends on the dish |
| Sauces | Balanced with a hint of spice | Rich but saltier |
| Chicken | Tender and slightly sweet | Tasty but a bit tough |
| Vegetables | Surprisingly seasoned | Tasty but a bit salty |
| Overall Experience | Simple yet satisfying | Traditional but heavy |
Conclusion
I must say that Nasi Kandar Shahana is the better choice for me in this showdown. This doesn't mean that Nasi Kandar Pelita is of poor quality, but the variety and service style at Shahana left a stronger impression on me. In reality, everyone has their own preferences when it comes to nasi kandar; some enjoy rich sauces while others seek a lighter, more balanced experience. So, which one will you choose: the traditional Nasi Kandar Pelita or the fresh Nasi Kandar Shahana?
Article adapted from: Seth Lui Food
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