Heavenly rice that wafts of coconut essence, a sprinkle of crunchy ikan bilis and humble peanuts, one modest slice of hard-boiled egg, topped off with a generous dollop of savory sweet sambal.
You know what I’m talking about. In fact, I bet you can even smell them right now at this very second. Many have claimed their personal favourite eatery to serve the best nasi lemak in town, but honestly guys – let’s just call it truce and perhaps, try some of them out? This list is just the thing you need to get you started!
1. Nasi Lemak Bumbung
If you don’t mind sweating it out for some mouth-watering nasi lemak, squeeze your way through the bustling hordes of youngsters and find yourself a table to sample the delectable Nasi Lemak Bumbung. A well-known humble street eatery that basically every PJ-lite have patronized since its inception, there’s simply nothing like the combination of delish ayam goreng and spicy sambal to kick your weekday blues away.
Where: Jalan 21/11B, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
2. Village Park Restaurant
Basically the superstar of all nasi lemaks, Village Park has been THE staple eatery whenever one steps foot into Damansara Uptown. The ayam goreng here is said to be legendary, with its deliciously crunchy exterior and tender meat – regular patrons usually ask for added fried batter to be sprinkled on top of the rice for an extra oomph.
Where: 5, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
3. Nasi Lemak Jalan Peel
Arguably serving one of the best non-halal nasi lemak in town, Jalan Peel is well-known for its mouth-watering plethora of food offerings – one of which is an interesting Chinese twist to this local favourite. Slather on their signature wildboar curry, rending ayam and sambal sotong; just be sure to come on down early as their dishes really do sell like hot cakes on a busy day.
Where: 88, Jalan Peel, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
4. Nasi Lemak Tanglin
Located at the humble Tanglin foodcourt, this age-old eatery is considered as a heritage foodie stop for fellow KL-lites with a history spanning all the way back to 1948. Spruce up the classic rice-peanut-anchovies ensemble with delectable choices from their signature sambal sotong, beef rendang and ayam goreng.
Where: Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Malaysia
5. Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa
An authentic foodie’s experience wouldn’t be complete without the street-side view, sweltering heat, and city noise – Antarabangsa offers up all these with a piping hot nasi lemak meal as the deserving reward. Strangely, it is one of the few eateries that doesn’t include peanuts in their assembly, but fret not as their jaw-dropping variety of side dishes will surely make up for it in no time.
Where: 4, Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia