In the last 2 months, the Fungry TV team has taken its viewers through a 360° video experience of Hameediyah. We were treated to a colourful and mouth-watering spread that promises to trigger that feeling of nostalgia unique only to Malaysians.
Those who have heard of Hameediyah restaurant, have it high on their list of go-to places for an authentic Nasi Kandar experience complete with murtabak drenched in rich curries and sauces. Unhealthy, you say? Discover the health benefits here.
Hameediyah restaurant first opened its doors to customers in 1907 at lot number 164-A, Campbell street, Penang. The small restaurant, over the years, grew and now has found its way to Kota Damansara. Although the restaurant has been established for more than 100 years ago, it is safe to say that Hameediyah still holds true to its colourful and wholesome flavors.
My first dining experience at Hameediyah was when I lived as a student in Penang. After an endless search for the oldest nasi kandar around town, I finally arrived at a yellow-ish building with a huge signboard that read “Hameediyah Restaurant”. I was then greeted by a man who was flipping murtabaks (he was terribly good at it and being someone who is intrigued by most things, I decided to take pictures of him). I can still recall the ambience of the restaurant and was shocked to see a posher side to the Nasi Kandar experience in that clean 2-storey floor building. As most Malaysians know, Nasi Kandar spots are always are usually found in the filthier parts of town.
After assessing the colourful food and curries on display, I knew then that I was going to enjoy the Nasi Kandar served there. As per my usual habit, I selected a typical combination of food that gives Nasi Kandar its name: rice, half-boiled egg drenched in a colourful curry mixture. I then, opted to try their beef murtabak. It was so rich. Imagine moist beef fillings smothered under layers of eggy batter. The murtabak was served with a side of chopped pickled onions that definitely added an extra ‘kick’. I can honestly say that Hameediyah’s murtabak is among one the best I have ever had in Penang.
It is sacrilegious to not try this when you are in Penang. To enjoy Nasi Kandar without going over-budget, here are some tips for first-timers to follow.
- Always ask if the meat you are taking is duck or chicken (they charge quite a bit more for ducks and I learned this the hard way).
- Go there before noon as to save yourself from the trouble of finding a parking space. Being there early means you get to sample their flavourful ayam ros before it gets sold out.
Apart from that, just enjoy and have a great Nasi Kandar experience!
That is my own personal food journey to Hameediyah Restaurant. If you have tried the one in Kota Damansara, please tell us your experience. Is it the same as the one in Penang or is it better?
For those who want to try Restaurant Hameediyah, you can find them here:
Penang branch :
A: Lebuh Campbell, George Town,
10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
T: 04-261 1095
OH: 10 am – 10.30pm
Kota Damansara branch :
A: Unit A-GF-01 Sunway Nexis,, No 1 Jalan PJU 5/1,, Damansara,
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
T: 03-6151 7766
OH: 11am – 11pm
