If you’re a Penangite, trying nasi lemak in the Klang Valley might result in some disappointment. You might have certain expectations, especially when it comes to the sambal.
You see, Penang-style nasi lemak has a crucial difference compared with its counterparts outside of the state: the sambal contains absolutely no sugar.
Instead, the quintessential chilli paste has a mighty strong kick and carries the sweet fragrance of quality belacan, or shrimp paste.
Well, if you’re a fan of this type of sambal – and of nasi lemak in general, of course – then Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang is one place you should definitely check out.
This humble stall is located in the Sri Weld Food Court on Beach Street, directly behind Royal Chulan Hotel. It is very popular among locals, and has recently become a hit with tourists, too, thanks to being listed in the Michelin guide!
So, what’s good here? All of it! Nasi Lemak Ali serves up six tasty flavours: ikan bilis telur, ikan goreng, ikan masin, sotong, udang, and ayam. No need for English translations, surely!
As of press time, they’re all priced at a very affordable RM2.50 each.
Another great thing is that the nasi lemak is prepared on location, making this one of the few places where you can get nasi lemak bungkus served fresh and piping hot.
This writer’s favourite was the salted fish variety. While the type of fish was unclear, it was reminiscent of good-quality kurau salted fish meat – and generous, too (relatively speaking, given the overall serving size): a good 2cm x 2cm square.
The best part, of course, was the sambal, which was fragrant and super spicy. You’d expect nothing less from food in the northern states: the kind that’s absolutely delightful when you eat it, but will fill you with a slight regret the morning after, ahem.
The squid, prawn, and ikan bilis with egg were all delicious as well. All in all, RM10 well spent for breakfast, without a doubt!
Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang
Medan Selera Sri Weld
Beach Street,
10300 George Town, Penang
Business hours:
- 7am-2pm (Mondays to Fridays)
- 7am-1pm (Saturdays)
- Closed on Sundays
Read more articles by KY Speaks on FMT Lifestyle here.
Trying to influence your cravings since 2005, Kar Yeong was Guest Judge on Versus 1001 Rasa Baba’s 2018, R.AGE Food Fight Judge 2015 and NTV7 Foodie Blogger 2014. To read more about Kar Yeong’s food journeys, visit his blog at KYspeaks.com.