If Uppre were to pick one dish that represented Malaysia, it’s safe to say the humble Nasi Lemak would be it.
A simple everyday meal that’s easily found anywhere across the country, the recipe for this signature dish has been improvised over the years to suit different taste buds.
Although there are many variations out there, the original features of the Nasi Lemak are preserved at their best to maintain the dish’s originality – coconut-steamed rice, fried anchovies, nuts, cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, and of course, the chilli paste gravy known locally as sambal.
Let’s kick-start the Nasi Lemak battle by reviewing some famous stalls in the Klang Valley.
Nasi Lemak Kukus Ziemel Corner
Nasi Lemak Kukus Ziemel Corner is probably the most underrated Nasi Lemak stall in town. Located along Jalan Wangsa Melawati 2, locating this humble stall isn’t hard. Just look for a stall under a big tree with a long queue and you’ll know you’re at the right place.
Apart from the steaming hot Nasi Lemak served with spicy and semi-sweet sambal, the warung is known for its freshly-fried “ayam kampung” which runs out so fast they are continuously frying new batches.
If you plan to have Nasi Lemak for breakfast here, go as early as you can to avoid having to queue-up for your order. The Nasi Lemak here usually runs out by 11am.
Nasi Lemak Kukus Ziemel Corner
Taman Wangsa Melawati
53300 Kuala Lumpur
Nasi Lemak Panas Suri
When you head to Medan Selera Jaya 223 in Petaling Jaya, you will be torn between two stalls – Nasi Lemak Panas Suri and Nasi Lemak Panas Yatie.
Otherwise known as Blue Stall, Nasi Lemak Panas Suri is the second on your left from the entrance. As usual, there are lots of side dishes available.
If you prefer to eat your Nasi Lemak the classic way, piles of blue-printed ready-packed Nasi Lemak are placed on every table at the food court and you can simply pay at any of the nearest stalls.
Taste-wise, the sambal is spicier and the coconut fragrance of the rice stronger than that of Nasi Lemak Panas Yatie.
Gerai Nasi Lemak Suri
34, Selera Jaya 223
Jalan 51a/223
Seksyen 51a
46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Nasi Lemak Panas Yatie
Otherwise known as Red Stall, Nasi Lemak Panas Yatie is just two stalls away from Nasi Lemak Panas Suri.
The red-printed ready-packed Nasi Lemak here has a sweeter sambal. The coconut fragrance of the rice is lighter as well.
If you want your Nasi Lemak spicier, opt for some of the side dishes available here from 5pm onwards.
Gerai Nasi Lemak Panas Yatie
No. 6, Selera Jaya 223
Jalan 51a/223, Seksyen 51a
46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Nasi Lemak Cowboy Mamak
Not known to many, the ready-packed Nasi Lemak at Cowboy Mamak is probably one of the best in town.
Located along Jalan Kamunting, the Nasi Lemak packets are usually all sold out by 10am. Although it is just basic Nasi Lemak in a packet, the sambal kicks in with the right balance of spiciness and sweetness that tempts you to have more than just one packet.
Cowboy Mamak
Off Jalan Kamunting,
Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa
Last but not least, Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa is no stranger to Nasi Lemak devotees. Located along Jalan Raja Muda Musa in Kampung Baru, this business has been operating for about 45 years with a few other branches available in Ampang Point, Kota Damansara, Taman Melati, and many more.
You can either choose to have their basic Nasi Lemak or opt for side dishes like Rendang Daging, Ayam Masak Merah, Sambal Sotong, Sambal Kerang, Ayam Goreng Berempah, and many more.
Taste-wise, the sambal served here is sweeter than the classic varieties. If you prefer a spicier sambal, order the Sambal Sotong.
Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa
4, Jalan Raja Muda Musa
Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
This article first appeared in uppre.com