Nasi Lemak (Fatty Rice)

The mere fact that it has earned the reputable Malaysia’s National Dish label, Nasi Lemak should be on top of any foodie’s list of must-tries.

As one would unwrap the banana leaf, the aroma of pandan leaves would waft in the air, whetting a hungry tummy’s appetite. Then a mound of fluffy, soft rice deliciously cooked in rich and creamy coconut milk, some side dishes of crispy dried fish, savory meat, cool cucumber bits, crunchy peanuts, and that noteworthy sambal paste will greet you.

A good sambal paste is made of anchovies, onions, chili, garlic, tamarind and lemongrass, which gives that distinct taste to Nasi Lemak. Have a bit of each ingredient in a scoopful and a myriad of flavors and textures would burst in your mouth.

Here are the best places to get your Nasi Lemak in KL.

• CHONG KOK KOPITIAM
  For delectable Nasi Lemak, breakfast bread and coffee
  What to order: Butter cakes, Kopi, Roti Bakar
  Price range: RM 3 to RM 10 ($0.72 to $2.40)
  When: 07:00 - 18:00 Mon to Sat, 07:00-14:00 Suns
  Where: 5 Jalan Stesen Klang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur
• 6 2 10 GRILL & NASI LEMAK at Aman Suria
  For delicious Nasi Lemak and Western grilled dishes
  What to order: Nasi Lemak, Pork Sambal, Pork Rendang, Steaks
  Price range: RM 11 to RM 20 ($2.64 to $4.79)
  When: 12:00 - 14:30 and 18:00 - 23:00 daily; Closed on Tuesdays
  Where: C-21, Block C, Jalan PJU 1/45, Sunway Mas Commercial Center, Petaling Jaya, Aman Suria, Kuala Lumpur
• NASI LEMAK PEEL ROAD at Cheras
  For Chinese-style Nasi Lemak and other out-of-this-world variety of dishes
  What to order: Nasi Lemak, Wild boar curry, Curry mutton, Sambal kerang
  Price range: RM 4 to RM 10 ($0.96 to $2.40)
  When: 16:00 - 20:30 daily
  Where: 96, Jalan Peel, Kuala Lumpur, Cheras