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Calling all food enthusiasts and flavour adventurers! Get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey through Kuala Lumpur's vibrant culinary scene as we unveil the city's most delightful nasi lemak destinations. This beloved Malaysian dish, known for its mouthwatering combination of fragrant coconut rice, succulent fried chicken, spicy sambal, crunchy peanuts, refreshing cucumber, and a perfectly boiled egg, is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a boon for your health! Bursting with the goodness of coconut milk-infused rice, this delightful feast provides a nutritious dose of essential fatty acids, making it a guilt-free indulgence that will leave you craving for more. So, let's dive into this scrumptious exploration and discover the best nasi lemak spots that Kuala Lumpur has to offer – it's time to indulge in the sheer deliciousness of nasi lemak like never before!
8 best nasi lemak in Kuala Lumpur
1. Nasi Lemak Tanglin
At Nasi Lemak Tanglin, city dwellers flock daily, forming a line that stretches before the stall at Tanglin Food Centre. This charming spot holds cherished memories for countless loyal patrons, some of whom have been relishing its flavours since 1948 when it was just a simple wooden shack in the same exact spot. Now, lovingly managed by the second generation, the delightful Zainal Abidin Hassan, Nasi Lemak Tanglin proudly preserves its cherished family recipe, untouched for seven decades. The star of the show is undoubtedly the irresistible sambal tumis – a symphony of delightful spice and perfect balance. The crowd's favourites include the tantalizing limpa berlada (spiced ox-spleen), sambal kerang (zesty chilli cockles), and the rich kuah hitam daging (dark beef sauce with sambal tumis) that make each bite a heavenly delight.
Address: Kompleks Makan Tanglin, Gerai, No. 6, Jalan Cenderasari, Wilayah Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (7AM - 12.30PM)
2. Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa
Arguably one of the most well-known Nasi Lemak eateries in Kuala Lumpur, Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa boasts several branches across the Klang Valley. However, for an authentic experience, make your way to their original location in Kampung Baru. Here, you'll be treated to an incredible array of Nasi Lemak varieties, accompanied by a diverse selection of mouthwatering dishes. The sambal served at this delightful spot leans towards a sweeter flavour profile, but fear not, as you can easily turn up the heat by adding accompaniments like rendang, sambal sotong, and more to spice up your plate to perfection.
Address: 4, Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Fri (8AM - 12AM)
3. Nasi Lemak Wanjo
Exuding a charming rustic charm and ambience, Nasi Lemak Wanjor has stood the test of time, surpassing many other ordinary eateries in downtown KL. With a rich history dating back to 1963, this beloved stall never ceases to delight its devoted fans with its legendary Nasi Lemak. Picture fluffy rice infused with a delicate pandan fragrance, perfectly complemented by their delectably sweetish sambal sauce. Believe me when I say, it's an absolutely fantastic culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression!
Address: 8 Jalan Raja Muda Musa | Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (6AM - 12PM | 4PM - 1AM)
4. Nasi Lemak Angah
From a small stall at an LRT station, the visionary founder, Fadly Fuad, transformed his business into a full-fledged restaurant, specializing in the beloved nasi lemak bungkus. Each flavorful packet is thoughtfully wrapped in a banana leaf, adding an extra delightful fragrance to the experience. The rice itself is a symphony of aromatics, boasting hints of pandan, lemongrass, and ginger. While the sambal may be on the milder side, fear not, as this allows you to relish every spoonful without any concerns. To complete your feast, indulge in their signature ayam sambal, sambal paru (beef lungs), and sambal kerang (cockles). Mmm... yummy!
Address: Pasar Batu 2 1/2 Ipoh, Jln Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Wed-Sun (9AM - 2PM)
5. Nasi Lemak Saleha
Tucked away in Ampang, Nasi Lemak Saleha shines as a true hidden gem. For over three decades, its owner, Kak Saleha, has passionately crafted culinary wonders. The restaurant remains firmly rooted at its original location in Kampung Pandan since its inception, and a second outpost now graces Sri Rampai. The fame of Nasi Lemak Saleha stems from its delectable rendang chicken, paired beautifully with a bold and flavoursome sambal that perfectly complements the fluffy coconut rice.
Address: 3, Jalan Pandan Prima 1, Ampang, Selangor | 8, Jalan Seri Rejang 5, Taman Sri Rampai, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (7AM - 12AM)
6. Nasi Lemak Bumbung
Nasi Lemak Bumbung, nestled in the vibrant food hub of Seapark, commands an entire alley and truly comes to life in the evenings. Setting itself apart from ordinary Nasi Lemak stalls, they offer a remarkable twist on fried chicken. Their speciality lies in the tantalizing fried chicken, artfully coated with an array of aromatic Indian spices, stealing the spotlight as the star of their delightful show.
Address: Jalan 21/11b, Sea Park, 46300, Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: Mon-Sat (5.30PM – 4AM) | Sunday (5.30AM –12.00AM)
7. Nasi Lemak Ujang Corner
Nasi Lemak Ujang Corner has stood the test of time, boasting decades of existence, and indisputably securing its place as one of Kuala Lumpur's finest Nasi Lemak destinations. A definite must-try is their remarkable Nasi Lemak sotong variation, where the sambal undergoes a longer cooking process, infusing it with a heightened umami flavour. What sets this place apart is their preparation of Nasi Lemak kukus (steamed), resulting in irresistibly fluffy rice with a robust aroma that perfectly complements an array of accompaniments such as sambal, rendang, and curries. Prepare for a truly memorable Nasi Lemak experience at Nasi Lemak Ujang Corner.
Address: Gerai MPS No. 1, Gerai Taman Greenwood, Jalan Batu Caves, Taman Greenwood, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (8AM - 12PM)
8. Nasi Lemak Medan Selera 223
Nasi Lemak Medan Selera 223 is the ideal spot to take your visiting friends for a delightful culinary experience. Here, you'll find two stalls – Nasi Lemak Panas Yati and Nasi Lemak Panas Suri – both offering freshly wrapped nasi lemak bungkus, complete with hard-boiled egg, anchovies, peanuts, and a delectable dollop of sambal. While Yati serves up a spicier rendition, Suri's version leans slightly towards the sweeter side. Adding to the charm is the warm 'muhibbah' atmosphere, enhanced by live music and captivating performances, making your dining experience truly memorable.
Address: Jalan 51A/223, Seksyen 51A, 46100 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (7AM - 1AM)
From the humble roadside stalls with decades of history to the modern eateries blending tradition with innovation, each Nasi Lemak spot has offered a unique culinary adventure. Whether you savour the classic rendition or embrace exciting twists, Kuala Lumpur's Nasi Lemak landscape never fails to tantalize taste buds and warm hearts. So, don't miss the chance to embark on your own flavorful exploration and discover the diverse and delightful world of Nasi Lemak in this vibrant city!