Nasi kandar is more than just a meal in Malaysia – it’s a flavour-packed tradition. In Kota Bharu, Kelantan’s bustling capital, the dish takes on a distinctive local twist, with rich Malay curries, Penang-inspired gravies, and fresh seafood from the east coast. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, these top 10 nasi kandar spots will satisfy your craving for perfectly spiced dishes served with fluffy rice and irresistible kuah banjir (flooded gravy).
1. N. Iman Nasi Kandar Melayu – Creative & Flavourful
Address: PT 15300 138, 139, Jalan Koperatif 3/29, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Must Try: Briyani lamb shank, ayam madu, mixed “banjir” gravy
Price Range: RM 10–20
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; closed Fridays
Facilities: No parking, no reservations, no smoking area
Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional nasi kandar, N. Iman offers unique options like lamb shank briyani and perfectly caramelised ayam madu, topped with generous ladles of rich curries.
2. LC Nasi Kandar Wakaf Che Yeh – Penang Recipe Since 1949
Address: Kampong Padang Enggang, Wakaf Che Yeh, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Must Try: Lamb shank curry, sotong, prawns, ikan
Price Range: RM 8–18
Google Rating: Not listed (highly reputed)
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; closed Monday
Facilities: Market-style seating, casual parking nearby
A household name in Kota Bharu, this spot stays true to the original Penang nasi kandar flavour, serving up rich gravies and a wide range of lauk since the late 1940s.
3. Nasi Kandar Melayu Timur – Local Curries at Their Best
Address: Jalan Dusun Muda, 15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Must Try: Telur ikan tenggiri, ikan tongkol curry, spiced fried chicken
Price Range: RM 8–15
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Facilities: Dine-in, takeaway, street parking
This local favourite offers intensely flavoured curries and unique East Coast ingredients, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
4. Nasi Kandar Depan Istana – A Royal Favourite
Address: In front of Kota Lama Palace, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Must Try: Kari ikan, daging kerutuk, kari ayam, crispy paru
Price Range: RM 7–15
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Facilities: Outdoor seating, casual setting
Eating nasi kandar while facing a palace adds an extra layer of charm, and their crispy paru with rich daging kerutuk is unforgettable.
5. Restoran Nasi Kandar Badey – Seafood Heaven
Address: Jalan Bayam, 15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Must Try: Crab curry, prawn curry, squid curry, lamb briyani (Fridays only)
Price Range: RM 12–25
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Facilities: Indoor & outdoor seating, parking available
If you love seafood, Badey will spoil you with choices – from crabs to squid, all drenched in mouthwatering curries.
6. Nasi Kandar Banggol 786 – Bold & Spicy
Address: Kampung Banggol, 15150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Must Try: Fish head curry, ayam goreng, solok lada
Price Range: RM 8–18
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Facilities: Dine-in, takeaway, ample parking
Spicy, rich, and packed with flavour – Banggol 786 is for those who love their curries bold.
7. Restoran Sri Kandar – Early Bird’s Delight
Address: Jalan Long Yunus, 15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Must Try: Fried chicken, paru, fish head curry
Price Range: RM 7–15
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Facilities: Casual dining, parking nearby
Come early to grab the best pieces of their crispy fried chicken and freshly cooked lauk.
8. D’Nan Nasi Daun Pisang Tanah Merah – Banana Leaf Charm
Address: Jalan Pasir Mas – Tanah Merah, 17500 Tanah Merah, Kelantan
Must Try: Chicken masala, fish head curry, mutton curry
Price Range: RM 10–20
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Facilities: Banana leaf dining, ample parking
Experience nasi kandar served Indian-style on banana leaves, complete with rich spices and hearty portions.
9. Nasi Kandar Hussin Beratur – Worth the Wait
Address: Jalan Sultanah Zainab, 15050 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Must Try: Honey chicken, black-cooked beef, fried chicken
Price Range: RM 8–18
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)
Opening Hours: 6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Facilities: Late-night dining, street parking
A favourite for supper crowds, this spot serves delicious Penang-style nasi kandar until the early morning.
10. Nasi Kandar KB Selera Melayu – Flavour Overload
Address: Jalan Hospital, 15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Must Try: Ayam India, ayam bawang, fried catfish
Price Range: RM 7–15
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Facilities: Dine-in, takeaway, casual seating
Generous portions and flavourful curries make this a go-to for locals who love their rice swimming in kuah.
Final Thoughts
From long-standing Penang recipes to Kelantan-style innovations, Kota Bharu’s nasi kandar scene offers something for every curry lover. Whether you’re after seafood extravagance, late-night feasts, or royal-front dining, these 10 spots guarantee a memorable meal.
