[Updated 3 June 2021] It's always a treat to find the best nasi lemak in Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Selangor. If you don’t have it for breakfast, you can have it any other time of the day. There's no specific rule as to how you should enjoy a plate of mouth-watering nasi lemak, and that's actually one of the best part! So, here are our top picks for the best nasi lemak in KL and Selangor that are absolutely worth visiting ?
1. Village Park Nasi Lemak
Everyone who likes nasi lemak is definitely familiar with this place. Tucked in the busy area of Uptown Damansara, Village Park Nasi Lemak stands graciously as one of the most popular eateries in the area ? Although the parking can be a hassle, the quest for the best nasi lemak in Klang Valley is definitely worth it. While the place is absolutely famous for its crunchy chicken, the chicken rendang also comes a close second! #HHWTTip: To avoid your car from getting towed, it is advisable to park at Uptown 7 Multilevel Parking or the Starling Mall. Halal status: Muslim-owned Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 6.30AM - 7.30PM, Sat-Sun; 6.30AM-6PM Address: 5, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Contact: +603 7710 7860 Instagram
2. Nasi Lemak Saleha
Tucked in the bustling Kampung Pandan Dalam, Nasi Lemak Saleha is quite the talk of the town. Prepared in the traditional wrapping, or as we call it "bungkus", the fragrance of the nasi lemak is pleasantly sweet, attracting many walks of life! Prepared in a pack of sambal, peanuts, anchovies, cucumber and hard boiled egg, it's a classic combination that's hard to resist. Your meal would not be complete without the fried chicken with flavours reminiscent of herbs and spices ? Halal status: Muslim-owned Opening hours: Open daily; 7AM - 10PM Address: No. 2, Jln Seri Rejang 4, Taman Sri Rampai, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Contact: +6017-747 0100 (WhatsApp only) Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kampung Baru
With a breakfast queue that snakes till its entrance, Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kampung Baru is a local favourite and a place you shouldn't skip when exploring Kampung Baru. Catering to your cravings day and night, their nasi lemak is a winner and made even better with delightful side dishes. The moment it reaches your turn, tell the helpful mak cik that you'd love your nasi lemak with fried chicken, sambal sotong or beef rendang. Topped your selections with a piece of fried egg, and you've pretty much found your favourite meal of the day. Halal status: Muslim-owned Opening hours: Open daily; 6.30AM-12AM Address: 8, Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Contact: +603-2602 3494 Instagram
4. Nasi Lemak Tanglin
Founded in 1948, this small stall named Nasi Lemak Tanglin is located around Kuala Lumpur’s historical garden not only attracts the locals but also the foreigners! The rice gives out hints of coconut milk and herbs, exuding a sweet aroma ? The fragrant rice is then topped with fried anchovies. The portion is a little small. However, you can always request for extra rice and anchovies. Some of the famous side dishes are beef rendang and fried cow lungs. #HHWT Tip: It's best to come early in the morning as parking is limited. Once you’re done feasting on the nasi lemak, you can talk a walk around the Lake Garden as you can visit some of KL’s famous tourist spots like The Bird Park or The Butterfly Park. Halal status: Muslim-owned Opening hours: Open daily; 7AM - 1PM Address: Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Contact: +6019-397 2781
5. Nasi Lemak Bumbung
Despite its odd name, Nasi Lemak Bumbung still places itself in the top nasi lemak places in Klang Valley. This small stall often has long lines of customers waiting to be served, and that is a plus for nasi lemak lovers ? The most significant dish in the nasi lemak is the runny yolk on its side up fried egg. Placed on a banana leaf, the fragrance of the rice is enhanced while the dish is accompanied by its juicy fried chicken and sweet and spicy sambal. The portion of anchovies is a little small but you can always ask for more! #HHWTTip: Look out for Maybank Seapark and you’ll be able to spot this gem of a place. Since it is located on the road side, it can get very hot so dine at your discretion. Halal status: Uses ingredients sourced from halal-certified suppliers Opening hours: Daily, 5.30PM - 4AM Address: Jalan 21/11b, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
6. Botak Nasi Lemak
It's hard to resist a good plate of nasi lemak, especially when it looks like the one served at Botak Nasi Lemak. Self -proclaimed as the second best nasi lemak in Petaling Jaya, some of the best-selling dishes include nasi lemak ayam goreng and nasi lemak sotong sambal! Don't forget to pair your meal with iced Thai green milk tea, iced kedondong and iced white coffee to cool down after finishing a plate of spicy nasi lemak. Halal status: Muslim-owned Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 8PM-3PM (Closed on Mon) Address: 13, Jalan SS 3/37, Taman Universiti, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Facebook | Instagram
7. Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock
The 1Malaysia concept that Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock brings is enough to lure you in. Located in Oasis Damansara, this vintage decor style that conceptualises the theme “KopiTalk” is popular for its fragrant nasi lemak. Just like any other kopitiam, you are required to order though the ordering chit! When you’re there, get a taste of its famous nasi lemak ayam berempah. Nicely seasoned and fried to a crisp, the nasi lemak is flavourful. Unlike other nasi lemak places that serve sweet aromatic sambal, Ali Muthu & Ah Hock prepares the sambal with many spices that will give your taste buds a nice kick. Halal status: All ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers Opening hours: Open daily; 8AM-5PM Address: B-G-01 Block B, Oasis Square, Jalan PJU 1A/7, Oasis Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Contact: +603-7832 3138Facebook | Instagram
8. Nasi Lemak Famous
The title is pretty self-explanatory. Located in the hustle and bustle of Bangsar, the hype around Nasi Lemak Famous is definitely worth a try. The nasi lemak is sometimes referred to as “nasi lemak ganja” only because it makes you keep coming back for it ? For a change, try the nasi lemak with the sambal sotong. Although the ayam berempah is best-selling, Nasi Lemak Famous also serves a wide variety of side dishes besides the chicken that would tickle your tastebuds. Halal status: Muslim-owned Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 5PM-5AM (closed on Sun) Address: Jalan Telawi 1, 59100 Kuala Lumpur Contact: +6012-230 3864
9. Nasi Lemak Suri, Medan Selera 223
If you’re around Petaling Jaya, you should not miss the opportunity to go to Medan Selera 223 for a great nasi lemak experience. A 24-hour food court, visitors can see many nasi lemak vendors at this medan selera but our best pick is definitely Nasi Lemak Suri ? Run by Mohd Lutfi, he inherited the nasi lemak business from his mother and has since gained a name for their spicy but flavourful sambal. Add a begedil (fried potato ball) and fried fish in your nasi lemak and you’ll experience a whole new level of taste! Halal status: Muslim-owned Opening hours: Tue-Sat; 12PM-5AM, Sun; 12PM-12AM (closed on Mon) Address: 34, Jalan 51a/223, Seksyen 51a, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Contact: +6012-385 4541
10. Nasi Lemak Pak Hassan
You know you're getting a plate of delicious nasi lemak when every seat is taken at Nasi Lemak Pak Hassan. To increase your chances, come during off-peak hours to avoid the breakfast and lunch crowds. When you do, start off with the crowd-favourite nasi lemak, which you can enjoy with a side of ayam rendang, sambal sotong or ayam goreng berempah. For foodies with an appetite for more, Pak Hassan also serves really good roti canai. When you savour these dishes one after the other (if you can), you'll know this humble eatery in Kampung Baru is worth queuing up for. Halal status: Muslim-owned Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 7AM-1PM (closed on Mon) Address: 47, 39, Jalan Raja Abdullah, Bandar Wawasan, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Contact: +6010-226 6391
11. Nasi Lemak CT Garden
It doesn't take much to make a Malaysian happy. Give them this little packet from Nasi Lemak CT Garden, and they'll remember your kind deed from the rest of the week. For those who prefer to have their nasi lemak after sundown, this unassuming eatery is where the locals go with their family and friends. Simply grab a packet from the table and unwrap this parcel of savoury goodness. To accompany the humble portion, follow everyone else's order or settle for fried chicken, sambal tempeh and beef rendang for a firework of flavours. Halal status: Muslim-owned Opening hours: Open daily; 1PM-12AM Address: 12, Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Contact: +6012-622 2228Facebook The nasi lemak culture in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor has gotten increasingly creative over the years and it is no surprise that the locals and even foreigners still can’t get enough of this staple dish. You can pretty much try any type of nasi lemak and still experience different flavours that'll tickle your taste buds! So, tell us... how do you like your nasi lemak? ?