Restoran Kapitan, Bayan Baru, Penang

We were up north for the weekend, and decided to drop by in Penang for a visit. Needless to say, food was high on the agenda. Some time back when the Aussie clan was here, bro-in-law (to be) took us to this restaurant called Kapitan, and we tasted the best chicken briyani we've ever had. So this trip, we decided to relive the mouth-watering experience (started salivating just thinking about it). The Restoran Kapitan that we went back then was the original HQ. This time around, we went to a new branch as we were famished and did not want to spend time searching for (and getting lost in the process!) the HQ somewhere in Georgetown.

We went to the branch next to Queensbay Mall, and like the original HQ, this place is famous for its Tandoori chicken, so hubby-to-be ordered that, with an accompaniment of plain briyani rice. The Tandoori chicken looked really good, a nice shade of red with crisp, slightly burnt edges. Taste wise, nobody had any complaints, but methinks the Tandoori paled in comparison to my order.

Yummy Tandoori chicken at RM7.50, inclusive of the briyani rice and dhal below.

Excellent briyani rice, not too oily and each grain is coated with spices and a nice golden hue. The rice went very well with a serving of dhal or fish/chicken curry.

Dhal, with a dollop of potato.

I HAD to HAVE the famous claypot chicken briyani. No other dish would do.

So here was my fixation, finally sated. The whole chicken leg resting upon the rice is grilled to perfection. It is slathered with spices (curry spices; cummin powder and such) that permeates into its flesh and retains its tender succulence. The flavour stays in the mouth and belly even after the meal is over......that's how good it is.

A close-up of my most favourite chicken briyani....ever! The menu says it's RM7.00/claypot, but when the bill came they charged us only RM6.50. More plus points!

We took away 3 additional boxes of the chicken briyani for the family (and ended up eating 2!). Oh what joy!

Restoran Kapitan

89G, Persiaran Bayan Bay,

Bayan Baru,

Penang, Malaysia.

Tel: 04-6463411

This branch is located at the row of shophouses adjacent to Queensbay Mall. It's a huge corner lot, not facing the main road, but you should be able to spot it if you are coming down the road from the small roundabout that leads to Queensbay Mall.

Other branches (all are open 24-hours):

Restoran Kapitan (HQ)

93, Lebuh Chulia,

10200 Penang.

Tel: 04-2641191

Gurney Drive (behind Starbucks cafe at Gurney Hotel area)

Mobile: 017-4777422

Our rating system for overall satisfaction with what we eat and where we eat....

1-bam = don't even bother
2-bam = good enough to fill the tummy
3-bam = a very good restaurant in its category
4-bam = excellent cooking, worth a detour
5-bam = exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey


We would give this restaurant a 5-bam rating for the best chicken briyani in Malaysia. We even recommended it to my uncle, aunt and cousin from KL who were also down in Penang last weekend.