Even a simple pack of nasi lemak can make your day. Malaysians from all walks of life would agree that nasi lemak is a food that represents our multicultural heritage and brings people together. It’s time to explore Klang Valley’s hidden gems for some of the best nasi lemak the city has to offer. Here are the top ten nasi lemak restaurants in Klang Valley to check off your list.
1. Nasi Lemak Bumbung
Nasi Lemak Bumbung is a popular late-night dining destination. Nasi Lemak Bumbung, located in Seapark’s back alley behind Maybank, provides a unique atmosphere. It is unavoidable to order its nasi lemak and fried chicken, which are accompanied by the spicy and aromatic sambal, which may be a little too watered down depending on your preferences.
2. Chinese Nasi Lemak Peel Road
Nowadays, it’s difficult to find authentic Chinese-style nasi lemak. But Nasi Lemak Peel Road will always provide a satisfying plate of fragrant coconut rice slathered with sweet sambal and served with wild boar curry. It is a good option for those who are sensitive to heat because the nasi lemak here is milder and less spicy than the Malay versions.
3. Nasi Lemak Medan Selera 223
Nasi Lemak Medan Selera is the place to take visiting friends. Nasi Lemak Panas Yati and Nasi Lemak Panas Suri are two stalls that serve freshly wrapped nasi lemak bungkus with hard-boiled egg, anchovies, peanuts, and a tasty dollop of sambal. Suri’s version is a little sweeter than Yati’s.
4. Nasi Lemak Ujang Corner
Nasi Lemak Ujang Corner has been around for decades and serves undeniably the best nasi lemak in KL. Its nasi lemak sotong variant is a must-try because the sambal is cooked longer than usual, resulting in a stronger umami flavour. This restaurant serves nasi lemak kukus, which results in fluffy and robustly scented rice that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments such as sambal, rendang, and curries.
5. Big Tree Head Mamak
This nasi lemak restaurant is a well-kept secret among Kepong residents. The nasi lemak itself is good – regular condiments topped with fried egg – but what makes this dish stand out is the signature fried chicken. The crispy fried chicken is worth the extra calories – the perfect complement to your nasi lemak.
6. Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kg. Baru
Nasi Lemak Wanjo has been serving nasi lemak in Kampung Baru for decades. They are open from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. and serve piping hot coconut rice along with a variety of delectable breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes. Add sambal sotong, ayam goreng berempah, and paru goreng to your nasi lemak (spiced fried beef lungs).
7. Nasi Lemak Saleha
Ampang’s Nasi Lemak Saleha is a hidden gem. Its owner, Kak Saleha, has been in the restaurant business for over 30 years; the restaurant has always been in the same location in Kampung Pandan, with a second location in Sri Rampai. It is well-known for its rendang chicken and a tasty sambal that complements the fluffy coconut rice.
8. Nasi Lemak Angah
Fadly Fuad, the company’s founder, grew his venture from a small stall at an LRT station to a full-fledged restaurant serving the humble nasi lemak bungkus. For added fragrance, each packet is wrapped in banana leaf. Aromatics such as pandan, lemongrass, and ginger flavour the rice. The sambal, on the other hand, is relatively mild, so you can enjoy each spoonful with ease. Serve with ayam sambal, sambal paru (beef lungs), and sambal kerang (cockles).
9. Nasi Lemak Tanglin
On a daily basis, city dwellers flock to Nasi Lemak Tanglin, so expect a long line in front of its Tanglin Food Centre stall. Many loyal customers remember when the stall was just a wooden shack in the same location in 1948. The dish’s winning component is its sambal tumis. Limpa berlada (spiced ox spleen), sambal kerang (chillied cockles), and kuah hitam daging are popular accompaniments (dark beef sauce with sambal tumis).
10. Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa
This is possibly the most well-known nasi lemak restaurant in KL, with multiple branches throughout the Klang Valley, but the original branch in Kampung Baru is the real deal. Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa serves delicious nasi lemak with a variety of accompanying dishes. The sambal here is sweeter, but you can spice it up with accompaniments like rendang, sambal sotong, and more.