On 9 June 1995, Nasi Kandar Pelita first opened for business as a stall selling nasi kandar at a corner coffee shop at Taman Chai Leng, Perai, Penang. In a short time, word of Nasi Kandar Pelita's tasty dishes spread and some time later the restaurant was able to buy the coffee shop.

The growing popularity of Nasi Kandar Pelita's food led them to extend their business hours to 24 hours which helped transform the once sleepy hollow of Taman Chai Leng into a more lively and busy hub. People from all walks of life thronged to the restaurant just to taste their nasi kandar. Since then, Nasi Kandar Pelita has grown to become Malaysia's largest nasi kandar restaurant chain.

Nasi Kandar Pelita was established on the concept of bonding the old generation with the new generation of nasi kandar entrepreneurs. Combining the culinary knowledge of the older generation and the innovative business and management strategies of the new generation has resulted in turning a small scale business into a multi million Ringgit Malaysia international operation.

The men behind Nasi Kandar Pelita are two family friends, Mr. Kirudu Muhamed Bin Kuppaikanni or as regulars know him, Abang K. K., and Mr. Kaliq Jamal, popularly known as 'Pak Misai'. Abang K. K. has more than 40 years experience in nasi kandar cooking and is the very first person to introduce a fully wall to wall tiled 24-hour nasi kandar outlet located at Tamil Street next to the Penang Chowrasta Market. He introduced 'Kuah Campur' a specialty that definately give Pelita's nasi kandar its unforgettable taste. Pak Misai has more than 34 years experience in nasi kandar cooking and is a man of great culinary knowledge. Through his skill, he has improved and maintained the great taste of traditional nasi kandar.