Star attraction
NASI Kandar Bintang, established in 1998, is the go-to place in Air Itam, Penang, whenever one is on the hunt for a hearty, savoury and spicy treat.
Located along the Jalan Air Itam main road, it serves around 20 delicious and time-honoured dishes.
It is a great place to break fast this Ramadan.
And a visit would not be complete without sampling the signature item — Ayam Bintang — which proprietor Abdul Rahman Habeeb personally cooks each day.
“It was my father's special recipe. I learnt how to cook it when I was young, and still do it to this day.
“We've had customers from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and even Hong Kong, who come for takeaways of this,” he said.
The emphasis is on quality, not quantity, and diners will taste it in other offerings like the special Pakistani-style Ayam Tandoori, Daging Rendang, Perut Kambing and Murtabak.
“My grandfather and father had many recipes, and they passed them down. The crowds seem to love them.
“We initially started with one shop, but have since expanded our premises to two units," said Abdul Rahman.
On Fridays and Sundays, there is
Nasi Briyani, while Saturdays offer Nasi Tomato.
For Ramadan, diners can look forward to special items like Ayam Kurma and Jigarthanda — a special type of Air Bandunglike beverage from Tamil Nadu in India.
Nasi kandar dishes will be served from 2pm onwards during the holy month. After 10pm, there is Nasi Dalcha with curries like Ayam Kampung and Daging Rendang.
There will be a canopy set up outside the premises, for quick and convenient takeaways. So drop by, and savour the taste of a star.
Nasi Kandar Bintang
38 P, Jalan Air Itam 11500 Penang
Opens 6.30am to 1am daily