Best Thosai in Penang

Best Thosai in Penang - Gelugor Area : Nasi Kandar ISTIMEWA

This Indian dish is a delicacy all over India. Maybe that explains the many different ways this dish is called. From Tosai, Thosai, Dosa to Dosai. All sound pretty close. Looking at Wikipedia, the Tosai term is called in many different pronunciation, among them:

Hindi: Dosa / Dhosa (Hindi:डोसा )
Tamil: Dosai (Tamil:தோசை)

So what is Tosai anyway? Most would say it is a South Indian dish made from rice and lentils, can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is pretty light unless you have the Masala Thosai that is filled with Potato mainly. It's rich in carbs (carbohydrates) and protein. Note for a healthy version it would be wise to ask the chef to not add much oil. Maybe this would be something to consider after a workout at the gym?

Being in the Gelugor area in Penang used to be pretty frustrating, especially when you're looking for good Indian Food. Even though many shops sell Tosai, usually the Tosai is not really good. We used to go to Jaya for some time in Gelugor, but I've found the Thosai's not consistent, what more can I say about the service. I once complained and the waiter replied to me 'biasalah'. ie that's how it should be. :p

So one day we decided to go to Nasi Kandar Istimewa. It is located on Jalan Bukit Gambir / Yap Chor Ee at the Ivory Plaza Shoplots. Click here for Nasi Kandar Istimewa's map. We've come to experience that the waiters and chefs are very friendly as well. To name a few of the many friendly faces, is Pandi who's returned and Sajan. The owner is also a friendly person.

Typically when going to a 'Nasi Kandar' I would assume the Tosai's to be average at best. However Istimewa has surprised me in a very good way.

We ordered the tosai, and below is what we got. Crispy, and fresh. The flavour is also nice. The picture paints a thousand words. Delicious isn't it?

Here's a Video I took of the chef making the tosai. Enjoy!


Summary - if you're in town and craving for Tosai, Nasi Kandar Istimewa is a must.
The also serve other interesting and delicious dishes including my other favourites; Nasi Goreng Thai, Maqluuba and the normal Nasi Kandar dish. You can read about their Maqluuba by clicking here.
Most of the the other places selling tosai usually serve you soggy (lembik) thosai at best. Some might like that version but nope me.