Famous nasi ganja from Ipoh’s Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah
If you’re in Ipoh and not trying Nasi Ganja, you’re not doing it right. Officially, the famous rice dish is served at a stall that goes by Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah, but ask anyone in Ipoh – and even KL – and they’ll call it by its more famous name – nasi ganja.
As a true-blue Ipohite, I won’t gatekeep – here’s the lowdown on the beloved dish served from a restaurant that’s been dishing it up since 1957.
What is nasi ganja?
Before you raise your eyebrows – no, nasi ganja is not what it sounds like. The “ganja” in its name came from customers who joked that the food was so good, it made them feel sleepy and kinda addicted. Like, once you’ve had it, you’ll keep thinking about it.
Every time you’re in Ipoh? Boom, gotta have it again.
We got to chat with the current owner of Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah, Mohd Nihmathullah – the fourth-generation boss in charge – and he confirmed that the name came straight from the customers who indeed coined the term.
“They say they keep craving it and feel like they ‘kena’ something after eating,” he shared with a laugh. Safe to say, the name stuck.
Practically an Ipoh institution
Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah has been serving up nasi ganja since way back in 1957, when Nihmathullah’s grandfather, Kassim Mohamad, migrated from Tamil Nadu and started cooking hearty rice dishes for the folks in Ipoh.
And get this – those giant copper pots from back then? They’re still in action today. The pots have seen generations come and go, but the flavour stays banging.
The family has kept things old-school, too. They continue to operate from the same no-frills Kedai Kopi Yong Suan, feeding crowds from morning till late afternoon. No fancy chains, no rebranding. Just pure, spicy heritage on a plate.
The food at Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah
Nasi ganja sounds simple enough: fluffy white rice, a spicy ayam masak merah, half a salted egg, fresh cucumber slices, a generous splash of mixed curries, and – most importantly – a spoonful, or two if you’re a serious spice lover, of their iconic sambal kelapa.
Here’s the thing.
The ayam masak merah is slightly on the drier side, but that’s exactly what makes it so addictive. The spices don’t just sit there – they stick, soak, and cling to every bite, giving you full-on flavour.
And the sambal kelapa? Make sure to ask for extra. It’s creamy, spicy, and essential to the whole meal experience. It brings this whole medley of textures and flavours together in a way that just makes sense.
If ayam masak merah isn’t your thing, we’ll trrrrry not to judge.
There’s a whole list of lauk pauk to choose from, including crispy fried fish, tender beef, rich mutton, juicy prawns, sambal squid, and chicken liver. You can build your plate your way – go wild, go spicy, and just become your own nasi ganja artist.
A plate of nasi ganja is priced between RM7 to RM9, depending on what you decide to pile on.
Fun throwback: some old-timers remember paying RM1.20 when it first opened. Yup – different times, same cravings.
Worth the queue?
There’s always a line at Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah. Always. But it moves. And when you finally get that plate in front of you? Trust us – it’ll be worth it. After all, Ipoh’s nasi ganja isn’t just a meal. It’s a vibe. A story. A tradition. And most of all, it might just instill in you a craving you’ll never shake.
So, is Nasi Ganja worth the hype? We’ll let you decide. But ask most Ipoh locals, and they’ll tell you that it’s one of those iconic meals that just tastes like home.
Everything on the plate – the rice, the ayam, the sambal, and the curry – will flood and soak your plate and even your soul. It’s messy in the best way, comforting, and somehow always hits that sleepy, satisfied spot. You don’t just eat nasi ganja. You experience it.
Pro tip: Arrive early at Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah, go hungry, bring a portable mini fan, and don’t skip the sambal kelapa. And yes, the salted egg is a must.
Address: Inside Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah, 2, Jalan Yang Kalsom, Ipoh Town, 30250 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily
Contact: 016-595 9673
Watch our video feature:
Also check out these spots in Ipoh:
- The best Ipoh white coffee spots
- Noor Jahan Bakery, a century-old bakery with 90 sen snacks
- Things to do at the iconic Concubine Lane
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Chantirigaa (Chan).