The Story of Pelita – A Taste of Tradition
In the bustling heart of Penang in the 1980s, two ambitious brothers from Tamil Nadu, India, set out with a humble dream — to bring authentic, flavorful South Indian Muslim cuisine to Malaysians from all walks of life. What started as a small stall serving roti canai, teh tarik, and spicy curries soon became something much more.
Their little eatery stood out not just for the food, but for the feeling — the warmth of freshly poured dhal, the crisp bite of fried chicken, and the aroma of curry leaves sizzling in oil. Locals began to refer to it lovingly as “Pelita”, meaning “oil lamp” in Malay — a symbol of warmth, light, and welcome.
As word spread, Pelita Nasi Kandar grew from one stall to multiple outlets, eventually becoming Malaysia’s largest nasi kandar chain. Unlike many others, Pelita kept its food grounded in tradition, while adding modern touches — clean, bright restaurants, 24-hour service, and a wide variety of dishes from roti bom to lamb curry.
But the heart of Pelita was always the same: generous portions of steaming rice, drenched in a glorious mix of thick gravies (“kuah campur”), paired with spicy fried chicken, tender squid, or sweet soy-braised beef.
Over time, Pelita even crossed borders, opening outlets in India and expressing ambitions for Dubai — proudly carrying the flavor of Malaysia to the world.
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43Pelita is famous for drenching your rice in a mix of different curries — fish, chicken, dhal, and more. This blend creates a rich, spicy, and deeply flavorful base that elevates any meal. No two plates taste the same — it’s a custom curry adventure every time.
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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a marinade full of spices — Pelita’s ayam goreng is a must-have. It’s the hero of many nasi kandar orders.
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Unlike many mamak-style eateries, Pelita restaurants are known for their bright, clean, and well-maintained spaces. It's a step above in comfort, making it more family-friendly and appealing to tourists and office workers.
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Pelita has become more than a restaurant — it’s part of Malaysian food culture. Locals associate it with family meals, late-night hangs, and everyday comfort food. Even overseas visitors often hear, “You’ve got to try Pelita.”
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5 Carpark
3lots of car parks available.
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You can take nice photo with Iconic KLCC.
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Order usually take less than 5 minutes to prepare.
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Pelita is the largest nasi kandar chain in Malaysia, and it maintains a high standard across all outlets. Whether you're in Penang, KL, or even Nilai, the taste is familiar and comforting — something many smaller shops struggle to replicate.
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Hungry at 2 a.m.? Pelita is open. It’s a go-to supper spot for Malaysians — students, night owls, workers, and families. Few places serve full meals with this kind of variety late into the night.
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From classic nasi kandar with fried chicken or squid, to roti bom, thosai, naan, tandoori, and even murtabak — there’s something for everyone. They combine Northern Indian, Southern Indian, and Malaysian flavors on one menu.
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