The first round of the Ultimate Nasi Lemak Battle last year witnessed some strong contenders who went up against each other to get the title of the week.
Of course, the truth is, this is a battle without any losers. We’re all winners here for being able to feast on this marvellous delicacy any time of the day.
Without further ado, here are the five Nasi Lemak stalls battling it out in the second round of the Ultimate Nasi Lemak Battle.
Village Park Restaurant
It would be blasphemous to come up with a list of Nasi Lemak joints without including the coconut rice institution that is Village Park Restaurant.
Located in crowded Damansara Uptown, the restaurant’s signature Nasi Lemak has earned various accolades, including winning the Time Out KL Food Awards 2014 and being voted for Best Ayam Goreng by Blogger’s Choice in 2011.
Started by a Chinese-Muslim husband and wife, the Nasi Lemak here is revered more for the delicious fried chicken that goes with the dish than the rice or sambal.
Speaking of which, the sambal here is neither too spicy nor bland, keeping both spice-lovers and their opposites happy.
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 6.30am–7.30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 6.30am–6pm
Nasi Lemak Wanjo
There are a few options when it comes to Nasi Lemak in Kampung Baru but Nasi Lemak Wanjo is definitely the most respected, even more than Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa next door (sorry, not sorry).
Formerly known as Nasi Lemak Mak Wanjo, this humble eatery has been operating for 55 years since they started as a regular roadside stall.
Today Nasi Lemak Wanjo is highly regarded as the best Nasi Lemak in Kuala Lumpur. Much like most Nasi Lemak stalls, you will be served a standard plate of santan rice and essential ingredients like ikan bilis, boiled egg, and cucumber. There are loads of side dishes too. Read more about Uppre’s foodie trip to Kampung Baru here!
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 6.30am–1am
Closed every day: 12pm–3pm
Nasi Lemak Tanglin
Believe it or not Nasi Lemak Tanglin was featured on Michele Lean’s Food Wars Asia, where it was up for the “Best Nasi Lemak in Malaysia” title against none other than Village Park Restaurant. And Tanglin won!
The victory speaks of the Nasi Lemak restaurant’s history dating back to its formation in 1948 and the various types of sambal and rendang recipes they have perfected.
The best part of the dish however, is the fried chicken with its abundance of curry leaves. Cheekily located right in front of Pusat Kesihatan Tanglin, the eatery serves as a devilish temptation for patients who visit the health centre.
The portions here may be smaller in comparison to other vendors, but what Tanglin lacks in size, it makes up for in flavour.
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 7am–1pm
Nasi Lemak Peel Road
Boasting over 40 years of history, this non-halal Nasi Lemak destination features arguably the best wild boar curry and pork rendang in town. Now imagine that paired with fragrant, coconut rice.
The stall also has other dishes a la “chap fan” and two choices of sambal – spicy and non-spicy.
Opening hours:
Wednesday-Saturday: 2.30pm–8.30pm
Nasi Lemak Kukus SS2
Perched on the edge of the road alongside various other food stalls is Nasi Lemak Kukus SS2 (Seapark). Diners and foodies who want to “bungkus” flock here from early morning up till right before afternoon, when the stall runs out of its “lauk”.
Complement your Nasi Lemak with all sorts of gravies, from squid sambal to beef cooked with soy sauce. The chicken rendang however, is the crowd favourite, and the owners prepare a few containers of it to fulfil the large number of orders. Expect to enjoy some banter with the person preparing the Nasi Lemak for you as well.
Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday 7am – 12pm
Did you miss Part 1 of the Ultimate Nasi Lemak Battle? Check it out here: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2018/12/29/the-ultimate-nasi-lemak-battle-part-1/
*All images by UPPRE unless indicated otherwise.
This article first appeared in uppre.com