Uppre has chosen to start the year with the one dish that unites all Malaysians: Nasi Lemak.

The first and seconds weeks of the Ultimate Nasi Lemak Battle 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 third round of the Ultimate Nasi Lemak Battle.

Nasi Lemak Saleha

Nasi Lemak Saleha is probably one of the most underrated in town. It has two branches in Kuala Lumpur – one in Ampang (next to Tesco Ampang) and the latest in Taman Sri Rampai.

Most Nasi Lemak is paired with Ayam Goreng or Ayam Rempah but if you eat at Saleha’s, have their Beef Rendang instead – this cannot be emphasised more.

The tender and juicy Beef Rendang goes well with its slight punch of sambal spiciness – the real definition of a lip-smacking plate of Nasi Lemak!

Opening hours: Daily 7am-12am

Nasi Lemak CT Garden

When on the topic of Nasi Lemak in Kampung Baru, the reputations of Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa and Nasi Lemak Wanjo preceded all others.

Well, that’s not the case anymore. Located opposite the school SK Kampung Baru, Nasi Lemak CT Garden has become a household name. Resembling a school canteen, this place has been in operation for as long as 30 years.

The Nasi Lemak here is packed in small, old-school canteen-style banana leaf wrappers priced at RM0.50 each.

Like any other Nasi Lemak restaurant, CT Garden too offers a wide range of side dishes to go with their Nasi Lemak but it’s as good on its own as well.

Opening hours: Daily: 6pm-4am

R A Nasi Lemak

Located along Jalan Raja Abdullah right behind the Dang Wangi LRT station, the Nasi Lemak here is served buffet-style. You can take as much sambal (or as little) as you want. Word of caution – their sambal is a little on the sweet side.

Having a go at their Sambal Sotong would be a wiser decision to spice-up your plate of Nasi Lemak. Be sure to come early though as the Nasi Lemak here usually runs out by 10am.

Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 6.30am-3pm

Nasi Lemak Ayam Rempah Al-Azad

Located on the same street as R A Nasi Lemak is the famous Nasi Lemak Ayam Rempah Al-Azad. The stall located outside of the establishment usually begins operation at 5.30pm.

The chicken is fried hot and fresh, bumping-up the Nasi Lemak experience to a whole new high. The office crowd usually will grab a quick bite here before heading home or simply order takeaways.

Opening hours: Daily: 6pm till late

Nasi Lemak Nek Ma

Located within the premise of Satay Warisan, Nasi Lemak Nek Ma may not be as well-known as Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa or Village Park.

Nonetheless, the Nasi Lemak served here is almost on par with the rest. You can choose to eat the ready-packed ones or have yours served on a plate along with some side dishes.

The sambal is usually spicy but sometimes can be on the sweet side. Regardless, the Nasi Lemak here comes highly recommended.