Connect with us

Events & Places

Did You Know That Nasi Kandar Was Actually a Breakfast Meal?

Published

Did You Know Nasi Kandar Was Actually a Breakfast Meal? - WORLD OF BUZZ 4
Source: Zilzar Life & Penang Nasi Kandar

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest stories and updates daily.

Nasi kandar is a well-loved Malaysian dish that everyone craves ever so often. It’s especially great for those late night mamak sessions or even after a night out drinking. With piping-hot steamed rice and an array of meats, fish, veggies and your favourite choice of kuah, it’s basically the perfect hearty meal! Aneh, kuah tambah banjir please! 

However, did you know that this famous Malaysian delicacy has humble origins that includes being a breakfast meal? Yes, you heard that right. Nasi kandar started out in the 19th century as a wholesome breakfast meal for immigrant labourers and coolies. And it all began in Penang!

Did You Know Nasi Kandar Was Actually a Breakfast Meal? - WORLD OF BUZZ 5

Source: Zilzar Life

Back in the 19th century, Weld Quay Port in Penang was already established as an international port. As a result, many immigrants worked at the port as labourers or coolies. Due to the long and tiring hours, workers needed meals that were cost effective, quick and easy. Seizing the opportunity to earn some money, a few men from the Indian Muslim immigrant community would make their way to the port shouldering a long pole with a big pot on each end – one with steamed rice and the other containing a curry dish with chicken or fish with brinjal and ladies’ fingers. And all of that used to cost only 5 sen per plate! Workers would then flock to these ‘stalls’ for a hearty breakfast before carrying out their daily duties.

The name ‘nasi kandar’ literally means ‘rice that is carried on the shoulder’. It is coined from the word nasi (rice in Malay) and kandar – an Urdu word which means ‘shoulder’, referring to the act of carrying the pole as well as the pole itself. Rice vendors would simply walk around on foot selling their ‘wares’ to whoever wanted a quick, easy and filling meal.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that the humble nasi kandar evolved into the restaurant businesses that we all know today. With over hundreds of nasi kandar outlets all over Malaysia, we are at no shortage of having our fill of rice, chicken and kuah banjir at any time. And to think, it was considered to be a poor man’s meal! Now, it’s about RM10 minimum per plate for the same thing – you call that poor ah?! @_@

Did You Know Nasi Kandar Was Actually a Breakfast Meal? - WORLD OF BUZZ 3

Source: The Star

Regardless of the time of day, you cannot deny that nasi kandar can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch AND dinner (but mostly supper of course). So, the next time someone judges you for eating nasi kandar in the morning, just tell them it used to be a breakfast meal and rub your history knowledge in their faces. Or you could just show them this article and tuck into your plate of nasi kandar too!

 

Also read: 7 Very Malaysian Ways We Enjoy Our Food

Did You Know Nasi Kandar Was Actually a Breakfast Meal? - WORLD OF BUZZ 2

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest stories and updates daily.



Just In

chloe FT 68 chloe FT 68
News17 hours ago

Johor Man Fresh Out of Jail for Attacking Wife Sentenced to Prison Again, Just Days After Release

A 45-year-old man is back behind bars after allegedly kicking his 18-year-old son and hitting him in Johor on July...

collage 4 1 collage 4 1
News18 hours ago

Bank Negara Reduces OPR to 2.75%, Expects Inflation in 2025 to Remain Moderate

Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC ) decided to reduce the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to...

collage 33 collage 33
News18 hours ago

“Najib’s era was the best” – Najib’s Son Says Everyone Wants His Father Back in UMNO Before Next GE

Former Prime Minister Najib Razak has been behind bars for nearly 3 years now. In between, efforts were made to...

chloe FT chloe FT
News19 hours ago

Malaysia’s Job Portal Goes Global: MYFutureJobs Wins Praise for Being AI-Driven & Future-Ready

Malaysia’s homegrown job-matching platform, MYFutureJobs, has been hailed as a model for digital employment services across the Organisation of Islamic...

collage 32 collage 32
News22 hours ago

Selangor Temple Priest Allegedly Molests M’sian Actress During a “Blessing”, Scolds Her for Tight Outfit

A Malaysian TV host and actress recently shared her nightmarish experience of being molested at a place of worship in...

chloe FT 64 chloe FT 64
News22 hours ago

UK Teen Mysteriously Vanishes in the Middle of A-Levels After Secretly Boarding One-Way Flight to M’sia 

A 17-year-old British student mysteriously vanished a month ago after secretly boarding a one-way flight to Malaysia. David Balisong was...

collage 31 collage 31
News2 days ago

PDRM Looking for Cyclists Who Reportedly Blocked Rapid Bus Driver’s Path in Viral Road Incident

Following Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd’s response to the viral confrontation between a bus driver and a group of cyclists, PDRM...

chloe FT 58 chloe FT 58
News2 days ago

Ampang Man’s Death Reclassified as Murder After Post-Mortem Reveals Foul Play, Father-Son Duo Arrested

A father and son have been arrested for allegedly being involved in the murder of a man in Taman Pandan...

Announcement

Latest Videos



TRENDING TODAY