Guarantee The Best Nasi Lemak In Kuala Lumpur & Petaling Jaya. Try Them NOW!

Nasi lemak, often hailed as Malaysia’s national dish, is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf. Traditionally served with sambal (spicy chili paste), fried crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts, and hard-boiled or fried egg, it often includes accompaniments like fried chicken, rendang, or sambal sotong (spicy squid). Its origins date back to the Malay farmers, who needed a hearty meal to sustain them through the day. Today, nasi lemak is enjoyed by all Malaysians, symbolizing unity and the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia. The key ingredients in nasi lemak, such as coconut milk, pandan leaves, and sambal, are essential in creating its unique, comforting flavor.

Top Nasi Lemak Spots

1. Village Park Restaurant

Village Park Restaurant, located in Damansara Uptown, is renowned for its nasi lemak. The sambal here is a bit spicier, adding an exciting kick to the dish. The portion sizes are generous, and the fried chicken is a highlight, crispy with “krup krup” – deep-fried spices like lemongrass, turmeric, and ginger.

• Ambiance: Overly crowded during lunch hour. Avoid!
• Price range: RM 10 to RM 15

2. Nasi Lemak Tanglin

Nasi Lemak Tanglin, situated in Menara TH, Uptown 3, is famous for its thick gravy rendang. They offer unique options like paru (lung) and limpa. The ikan bilis is nice and decent, though the paru can be a bit dry.

• Ambiance and setting: Quiet.
• Price range: RM 15 to RM 20

3. Nasi Lemak Bumbung

Nasi Lemak Bumbung is known for its spicy sambal, though it lacks a strong ginger aroma in the rice. The service is fast, and while the place is usually clean, there’s room for improvement in hygiene.

• Ambiance and setting: Fast service. Decent crowd.
• Price range: Reasonably cheap

4. Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu

Located in TTDI, Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu offers the best coconut rice fragrance. The sambal is thick, balanced between spicy and sweet. They are open till 3 am, making it a great late-night spot. However, finding parking during lunch hours can be challenging.

• Ambiance and setting: Open till 3 am. Queue is moderate.
• Price range: RM 15 to RM 20

5. Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa

This nasi lemak spot is popular but ranks decent compared to the previous four. The rendang ayam is satisfactory. It offers fast service with outdoor seating, which can feel a bit humid.

• Ambiance and setting: Decent crowd. Cheap and fast service.
• Price range: RM 10 to RM 15

6. Nasi Lemak 222

A famous nasi lemak bungkus place that opens till past 3 am, perfect for late-night cravings. The small packets are delicious and satisfying. Two stalls, known as the Red and Blue stalls, offer slightly different experiences: the Red Stall’s sambal is sweeter, while the Blue Stall’s sambal is spicier with more fragrant rice. (Our own personal verdict: We prefer team RED. Sorry team blue)

• Ambiance and setting: Can be crowded depending on the hours.
• Price range: RM 2 per small pack
• Location: Medan Selera 222, No 2, Jalan 51a/223, Seksyen 51a, PJ

Think You Can Make a Better Nasi Lemak?

Here are some cooking tips and tricks to perfect nasi lemak at home:

• Use high-quality coconut milk for rich, creamy rice.
• Cook the rice with pandan leaves for a fragrant aroma.
• Balance the sambal with sweetness from palm sugar and tanginess from tamarind.
• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Follow this simple tutorial to make nasi lemak at home with ease!
Ingredients

For the Rice:

2 cups of rice
1 cup of coconut milk
2 cups of water
2 pandan leaves, knotted
1 tsp salt
1/2 Ginger

For the Sambal:

2 tbsp cooking oil
2 shallots, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 dried chilies, soaked in hot water and blended
1 tsp belacan (shrimp paste)
1 tbsp tamarind paste mixed with 1/4 cup water
1 tbsp palm sugar
Salt to taste

Accompaniments:

1 cup ikan bilis (dried anchovies), fried
1 cup peanuts, fried
2 hard-boiled eggs, halved
Sliced cucumber

Preparation

Prepare the Rice:
    Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
    Combine the rice, coconut milk, water, pandan leaves, ginger and salt in a rice cooker.
    Cook until the rice is done. If you don't have a rice cooker, use a pot and cook over medium heat, then reduce to low until the rice is fully cooked.

Make the Sambal:
    Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
    Sauté the shallots and garlic until fragrant.
    Add the blended dried chilies and belacan. Cook until the oil separates.
    Add the tamarind water, sugar, and salt. Simmer until the sambal thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Prepare the Accompaniments:
    Fry the ikan bilis until crispy and set aside.
    Fry the peanuts until golden brown and set aside.
    Boil the eggs, peel, and halve them.
    Slice the cucumber.

Recipe

Step-by-Step Cooking:

Cook the Rice:
    Place the rinsed rice in a rice cooker or pot.
    Add the coconut milk, water, pandan leaves, and salt.
    Cook until the rice is soft and fragrant.

Prepare the Sambal:
    Heat oil in a pan.
    Sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant.
    Add blended dried chilies and belacan, cooking until the oil separates.
    Mix in tamarind water, sugar, and salt.
    Simmer until the sambal thickens, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Assemble the Nasi Lemak:
    Place a portion of coconut rice on a plate.
    Add a generous spoonful of sambal on the side.
    Arrange the fried ikan bilis, peanuts, halved eggs, and cucumber slices around the rice.

Conclusion

These are some of the top picks for the best nasi lemak in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. Whether you prefer traditional or modern nasi lemak, these spots offer a delightful culinary experience. Have a favorite spot we missed? Share your recommendations with us!

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