Nasi Dalca & Briyani Khalis — Restaurant in George Town

Nasi Dalca Briyani Khalis is among Penang’s best Nasi Dalca and Briyani hotspots that still brings flavours and satisfaction for many locals, especially my wife, my friends and I. We usually visit Khalis around dinner time. (Note: I will share our photos when I find them in my storage.

Location: Although the outlet is just off the main road (Jalan Dato’ Ismail Hashim), you will easily find it using Google Maps or other navigational apps.

Opening Hours: Daily except Saturday (at writing), 12-4pm & 6-10pm. To be absolutely certain, it’s helpful to call them to reconfirm.

Parking: Free but a bit tight, and you can try to find some available spaces nearby.

Ambience: A very relaxed and fan-cooled casual dining environment beside a narrow, service road with a limited number of tables - a little over 10 tables.

Cleanliness: Very clean as servers will normally wipe the table before asking for orders.

Food Order: Customers will queue up and order from the food serving station. Then, you can proceed to occupy an available table before another waiter will ask you for your drink of choice. Lastly, you will pay at the cashier counter after your food and drink are consumed.

Food Quality: Being Penang-born, we are very selective and particular about the freshness, flavours and presentation of food that we order. I would usually order white rice with their signature fried chicken, squid curry and fish curry, and some lady’s fingers to complement my plate. If you prefer, you can request them to give you a variety of curry or sweet gravies on your rice, and topped up with fragrant, sautéed onion flakes.

Secret Tip for Maximum Enjoyment: Use your fingers instead of the usual fork and spoon to devour your food.

Drinks: You can pair your rice with teh tarik like I always do, but it’s entirely up to your preference: calamansi, coffee, etc.

Price: It’s very reasonable as Khalis is frequented by locals and workers around the Bayan Lepas industrial area.

Lavatory: Clean, coffee-shop standard.

Overall Experience:...

PARKIR - Sangat terhad. Mungkin hanya muat 10 buah kereta. Sekiranya nak parkir di belakang kereta lain, sila tinggalkan no telefon kereta anda.

RUANG MAKAN - Boleh muat sehingga 30 pax pada satu masa. Selesa dan berhampiran sungai kecil. Sangat nyaman selepas waktu hujan

PESANAN - Kaedah paling popular kedai makan di Pulau Pinang iaitu beratur untuk buat pesanan sama ada untuk makan di situ atau bungkus. Waktu puncak adalah pada waktu rehat tengahari. Jadi sama ada datang awal atau selepas jam 2. Menu popular sudah tentu nasi dalca. Ada juga nasi putih. Pilihan menu agak terhad tapi sesuai dengan hidangan.

MAKANAN - menu pilihan saya adalah nasi dalca, ayam bawang, kuah campur, bendi dan lada hijau. Sememangnya SUUUURRRR rasa makanan di sini. Dihidangkan semasa panas nasi dan lauknya menjadikan rasa lebih enak. Rasa kuah campur secukup rasa manis dari rasa bawang dan lemak manis gulai dan kehangatan rempah. Ayam gorengnya sedikit masin tapi memang rangup dan berjus. Nasi kuningnya empuk dan wangi. Kuah dalca yang pekat dengan kentang, lobak dan terung yang lembut. Anda mungkin lapar tapi makan dengan tenang dan cuba nikmati setiap kunyahan campuran hidangan. Ia akan membuat anda lupa penat berbaris dan perjalanan ke sini amat berbaloi.

HARGA - RM97.00. Itulah harga makanan tanpa minuman yang saya bayar untuk 13 orang. Harga mungkin berubah mengikut masa dan mahal atau murah bergantung kepada pengalaman serta kedalaman poket masing-masing. Boleh dibayar tunai, atau QR code MAE Maybank, Boost dan Touch ni Go.

KESIMPULAN - Gendang gendut tali kecapi, semua yang mengisi perut berpuas hati. Kalau datang dari Jambatan kedua, tempat ini lebih dekat dan kurang kesesakan lalu lintas. Masalah parkir agak mustahil untuk diperbaiki sebab kedai berhampiran jalan utama. Kualiti minuman boleh diperbaiki.

APAPUN TEMPAT INI SAYA SYORKAN UNTUK MENJAMU SELERA.

ENGLISH

PARKING - Very limited. Maybe only for 10 cars. If you want to park behind another car, please have courtesy to leave your phone number.

DINING ROOM - Up to 30 pax at a time. Comfortable and close to a small river. Very comfy after the rain.

ORDERS - The most popular method of restaurants in Penang is to queue to place an order either to eat in or take away. Peak time is at lunch break. So either come early or after 2 o’clock. The popular menu is of course nasi dalca. There is also white rice. The menu options are a bit limited but suited to the dishes.

FOOD - my menu of choice is dalca rice, onion chicken, mixed gravy, okra and green pepper. Definitely SUUUURRRR (beyond good) ... taste of the food here. The dishes served while its hot makes it taste better. The taste of the gravy mixed with enough sweetness from the onion flavor and the sweet buttery from the curry and the warmth of the spices. The fried chicken is a little salty but it is crunchy and juicy. The yellow rice is soft and fragrant. Dalca gravy is thick and filled with soft potatoes, carrots and eggplant. You may be hungry but remember to eat calmly and try to enjoy every chew of the dish mixture. It will make you forget tired of queuing and the trip here is well worth it.

PRICE - RM97.00. That’s the price of food without drinks I paid for 13 people. Prices may change over time and whether expensive or cheap depending on the experience as well as the depth of your pocket. Can be paid in cash, or QR code MAE Maybank, Boost and Touch n Go.

CONCLUSION - The fat drum of the harp strings, all that fills the stomach is satisfied. If coming from the second Bridge, this place is closer and less traffic congestion. The parking problem is quite impossible to fix because the shop is near the main road. Beverages quality can be improved.

THE PLACE IS HIGHLY...

The restaurant’s location, tucked away at a river’s bend, can be quite compact. Securing a parking spot during peak hours from 5 to 8 PM is challenging, so it’s advisable to park a bit further and take a short walk to the venue.

Renowned for serving some of the best Nasi Dalca Briyani on the island, this establishment offers an array of curries – including mutton, fish, sotong, and the signature curry dalca. Their curries of Malay influence, distinct from the popular ‘ Mamak curries’ add another facet to the symphony of flavours, with spices and herbs meticulously melded into the rich, aromatic gravy. Generous meat portions enhance the dish, while crispy fried onions impart a delightful crunch and an extra dimension of taste. The staff’s hospitality is commendable, especially their willingness to lavish guests with extra curry gravy. Considering the quality, the prices are quite reasonable. I’ve been a frequent patron, even choosing their catering for my Chinese New Year celebrations over the past few years.

Despite the minor inconvenience of parking, a visit to this curries haven is...