If there is one dish that Malaysians can never say no to, it would be nasi lemak. Its ubiquitous flavours are something that many hold close to their hearts and you can have it any time of day.
It transcends racial boundaries in Malaysia as well. The Chinese version has its rice richer and oilier, while the Malay version is usually packed with aromatics like lemongrass, pandan and ginger. Nasi lemak cooked by the Chinese are typically served with curry; either chicken, pork or wild boar. But if you check out the stalls operated by the Malays, expect robust and intense dishes like rendang, sambal goreng and spiced fried chicken. The Peranakans have also their own version, usually served with kangkung belachan and sambal shrimp.
A humble pack of nasi lemak can even make your day complete. Malaysians from all walks of life would agree that it is one food that represents our multicultural heritage and one that brings people together. If you’ve already checked out the overly commercialised renditions served at Madam Kwan’s or Village Park, it’s time to venture out to hidden gems scattered around Kuala Lumpur for some of the best nasi lemak the city has to offer. Here are 13 spots in KL and Selangor that serve the best nasi lemak to tick off your list.
(Hero and feature images credit: Instagram/ @nalenasilemak)
13 Best nasi lemak spots in KL and Selangor to satisfy your cravings
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Nasi Lemak Tanglin
Nasi Lemak Tanglin is a city favourite, with a steady stream of customers regularly lining up at the Tanglin Food Centre stall. The stall, which started as a wooden shack in 1948, has been a constant source of nostalgia for its many long-time customers. The business is currently managed by Zainal Abidin Hassan, the second generation of the family, who has faithfully maintained the original recipe over the course of seven decades. The standout component of their dish is their Sambal Tumis, which strikes a perfect balance of flavours. Customers frequently pair their nasi lemak with Limpa Berlada (spiced ox-spleen), Sambal Kerang (chillied cockles), and Kuah Hitam Daging (dark beef sauce with sambal tumis). Given the ever-growing number of patrons, it’s not a surprise that new branches of Nasi Lemak Tanglin have sprung up across the city.
Nasi Lemak Tanglin @ Kompleks Makan Tanglin
Address: Kompleks Makan Tanglin, Gerai, No. 6, Jalan Cenderasari, Wilayah Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 7 AM – 12.30 PM
Contact: +6017 277 3176
Nasi Lemak Tanglin @ TTDI
Address: No. 25, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000, Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 6.30 AM – 10 PM (closed on Sundays)
Nasi Lemak Tanglin @ Uptown
Address: Bangunan TH Uptown 3, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 7.30 AM – 3 PM (weekdays), 7.30 AM – 1 PM (weekends)
Contact: +6017 608 0071
Nasi Lemak Tanglin @ Jalan Tun Perak
Address: 10, Jalan Tun Perak, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 7 AM – 10 PM (closed on weekends)
Contact: +6011 1309 6897
Nasi Lemak Angah
Founder Fadly Fuad started his business from a little stall at an LRT station to a full-fledge restaurant serving the humble Nasi Lemak Bungkus. Each packet is wrapped in banana leaf for an extra waft of fragrance. The rice is rich with aromatics like pandan, lemongrass and ginger. The sambal, however, is pretty mild – so you can enjoy each spoonful without any issues. Top it up with its signature Ayam Sambal, Sambal Paru (beef lungs) and Sambal Kerang (cockles).
Operating hours: 9 AM – 2 PM (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
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Nasi Lemak Saleha
Nasi Lemak Saleha is a hidden gem in Ampang. Its owner Kak Saleha has been in the business for over 30 years – the restaurant has been at the same spot in Kampung Pandan since it started, with its second outpost in Sri Rampai. It is famous for its Rendang Chicken, as well as a mean sambal that goes perfectly well with its fluffy coconut rice.
Nasi Lemak Saleha @ Ampang
Address: 3, Jalan Pandan Prima 1, Dataran Pandan Prima, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor
Operating hours: 12 PM – 6 AM
Contact: +6017 747 0100
Nasi Lemak Saleha @ Sri Rampai
Address: 8, Jalan Seri Rejang 5, Setapak Jaya, 53300 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 12 PM – 5 PM
Contact: +6017 747 0100
Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kg. Baru
Nasi Lemak Wanjo has been around for decades as one of the most popular restaurants for nasi lemak in Kampung Baru. They are open from 7 AM until 12 AM, serving piping hot coconut rice with a variety of delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Top up your plate of nasi lemak with its Sambal Sotong, Ayam Goreng Berempah as well as the Paru Goreng (spiced fried beef lungs).
Operating hours: 3 PM – 5 AM
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Big Tree Head Mamak
This nasi lemak place is a well-kept secret among folks living in and around Kepong. The nasi lemak itself is pretty decent – the regular condiments topped with fried egg – but what makes this a winning dish is its signature Fried Chicken. The crispy fried chicken is worth breaking your calorie count for – the perfect addition to your nasi lemak.
Operating hours: 3.30 PM – 3 AM
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Nasi Lemak Ujang Corner
Nasi Lemak Ujang Corner is a long-standing establishment in KL and is renowned for its outstanding nasi lemak. Their Nasi Lemak Sotong is particularly worth trying as its sambal is cooked for longer giving it a deep umami flavour. They serve Nasi Lemak Kukus (steamed) which results in a robust and aromatic rice that goes well with a variety of side dishes like sambal, rendang, and curries. They have recently opened a second branch in Bandar Baru Selayang, giving fans another location to enjoy their delicious dishes.
Nasi Lemak Ujang @ Taman Greenwood
Address: 3, Jalan Pandan Prima 1, Dataran Pandan Prima, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor
Operating hours: 8 AM – 12 PM (Tuesdays to Saturdays), 8 AM – 3 PM (Sundays), 4 PM – 12 PM (Mondays)
Contact: +6017 333 7791
Nasi Lemak Ujang @ Bandar Baru Selayang
Address: 26 & 28, Jalan 2/16, Dataran Templer, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor
Operating hours: 8 AM – 12 PM (Tuesdays to Saturdays), 8 AM – 3 PM (Sundays), 4 PM – 12 PM (Mondays)
Contact: +6017 333 7791
Nasi Lemak Medan Selera 223
If you’re looking for a place to bring visiting friends to, Nasi Lemak Medan Selera is where you need to go. There are two stalls – Nasi Lemak Panas Yati and Nasi Lemak Panas Suri – serving freshly wrapped Nasi Lemak Bungkus that comes with hard-boiled egg, anchovies, peanuts and a delicious dollop of sambal. Yati serves a spicier rendition while Suri’s version is slightly on the sweeter side. Another plus point is the ‘muhibbah’ atmosphere that is filled with live music and basking performances.
Operating hours: 7 AM – 1 AM
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Nasi Lemak Bumbung
Nasi Lemak Bumbung is a popular go-to place for your late night cravings. Tucked in the back alley behind Maybank in Seapark, Nasi Lemak Bumbung offers a nice atmosphere unlike any other — consider this a hippy mamak if you may. It is mandatory to have its nasi lemak and Fried Chicken, paired with the spicy and aromatic sambal that may be a tad bit too watered down depending on your preference.
Operating hours: 4 PM – 12 AM
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Nasi Lemak Peel Road
Reliable Chinese-style nasi lemak can be a rare find these days, but Nasi Lemak Peel Road is a dependable source for a gratifying meal of aromatic coconut rice served with sweet sambal and Wild Boar Curry. This is a great choice for those who prefer their nasi lemak to be less spicy than the typical Malay versions. Additionally, the eatery offers the comfort of air conditioning.
Operating hours: 11 AM – 8 PM
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NALE The Nasi Lemak Company
If you’re in the mood for a genuine Malaysian nasi lemak experience, consider dropping by NALE The Nasi Lemak Co. It’s known for its unique selection of sauces and sambals that add a new twist to the traditional dish. Don’t miss out on their signature dishes like the Nasi Lemak Ayam Bakar NALE, Nasi Lemak Ayam Bakar Gulai, and Nasi Lemak Ayam Bakar Sambal Hijau. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, they offer five different types of sambals, ranging from the classic Sambal Klasik to the fiery Sambal Superhot.
NALE @ Mid Valley Megamall
Address: G(E)-013, MIDVALLEY MEGAMALL, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +6010 661 7871
NALE @ Central i-City
Address: LG34-B Central i-City No1 Persiaran Multimedia i-City, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +6014 360 0835
NALE @ Pavilion Damansara Heights
Address: Lot 1.36.00, Level, 1, Pavilion Damansara Heights Rd, Damansara Town Centre, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +6010 206 3010
Nasi Lemak Alor Corner
Nasi Lemak Alor Corner has captivated our taste buds since its establishment in 1980. This stall offers more than 20 traditional Malay dishes that have been passed down through four generations. The sambal’s ideal spiciness, coupled with large servings of aromatic rice infused with coconut milk and succulent fried chicken, makes the nasi lemak here a true palate pleaser.
Operating hours: 8 AM – 11.30 AM
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Nasi Lemak Beratur Maluri
If you’re a night owl who loves staying up into the wee hours, Nasi Lemak Beratur Maluri is just the place for you. Having been in operation for over a quarter of a century, this unique stall only opens its doors from 4 AM to 5 AM. Make your way here for their Spicy Sambal Sotong, Chicken Rendang, and Fried Chicken, all served alongside a hearty portion of coconut milk-infused rice, for a meal that will invigorate your late night.
Operating hours: 4 AM – 5 AM (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
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Akka Nasi Lemak
For those who have a penchant for spiciness, Akka Nasi Lemak is your next stop! Their menu is filled with fiery dishes, from their top-selling Fried Chicken to their Masak Merah Chicken, Soy Sauce Petai Chicken, Curry Chicken, Sambal Prawns, and Sambal Petai Anchovies stir-fried and served over rice infused with the fragrant aroma of pandan leaves. To elevate the heat, add an extra helping of their spicy sambal.
Operating hours: 8 AM – 3 PM
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