The nasi kandar outlet is the happening place to be if there is a live football match on TV. You will usually see football fans glued to the large LED TV screen, unabashedly cheering for their teams while sipping from a glass of hot teh tarik. Such is the familiar culture in our country that manages to draw in the participation of people from all races and walks of life. Not only that, nasi kandar outlets have been serving finger licking worthy kinds of food, some of which have stood the test of time. With origins dating back to the 18th century in Penang, nasi kandar remains a popular dish here, thoroughly enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The experience simply begins with ordering a plate of your preferred rice and the friendly server will add in the dishes you have picked before drizzling a mixture of gravy. This is where you tell them that you want 'kuah banjir' (flood of gravy). Most nasi kandar outlets are open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, so a sudden craving for the food can always be satiated at any time of the day. Here are five outlets that make the list of favourite nasi kandar hangout spots in Penang (click on the restaurant names for addresses and OpenRice members' reviews):

1. Line Clear Restaurant

Established in 1930, Line Clear Restaurant in Jalan Penang is one of the oldest and most famous nasi kandar outlets on Penang island. A simple dish consisting of rice, curry chicken, cabbage, and fried omelette, then doused with the various gravy choices can have you finishing it up in no time. Oh, and don't forget to add the poppadom (thin, crisp wafer) to complete a satisfying meal. Opening hours: 24 hours, daily

2. Nasi Kandar Beratur

Even though it only opens at 10pm, a line begins to form in front of the restaurant in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling about half an hour earlier. With more than 20 dishes in its selection, patrons won't be disappointed with the food here. Take your pick from the different curries available to go with your rice, meat and vegetables. Most people who have queued for a long time here for their turn would say that it was well worth the wait. Opening hours: 10 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., daily

3. Restoran Kapitan

Proudly claiming to serve world-class naan bread and biryani clay pot dishes, Restoran Kapitan in Lebuh Chulia does indeed live up to its name. Among the patrons' favourite dishes would be the garlic naan set that comes with roasted tandoori chicken. There are many varieties as well for the clay pot biryani, which you can have with beef, chicken, quail, mutton, fish, duck meat or prawns. They also serve Western food and among them is the Milani Chicken with Romali Roti that keeps the patrons coming back for more. Opening hours: 24 hours, daily

4. Hameediyah Restaurant

If you like murtabak, then pay a visit to the Hameediyah Restaurant in Lebuh Campbell. They have several types of murtabak - chicken, beef, mutton, vegetables, special prawn and special mixed jumbo. Just one piece of murtabak would be enough to make one meal due to its thickness and generous quantity of ingredients. Curry and onions are served on separate plates along with the murtabak. This restaurant, established way back in 1907, also serves nasi biryani that is much loved by its loyal customers. Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., daily (closed Fridays)

5. Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar

A popular gathering area for football matches, Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar in Lebuh Nipah, Bukit Jambul is usually packed with customers throughout the day. Whether it is nasi kandar or the different types of roti that you are hungry for, this restaurant offers an extensive menu. Those who frequent this outlet, on the other hand, would immediately place their orders for the steaming and sweet teh tarik, the incredibly high roti tisu or the roti naan with crispy tandoori chicken. There is even a creative message on the bill that reads: "If the food is good, please tell your friends. If the food is not good, please tell us." Opening hours: 24 hours, daily