7 Best Nasi Lemak Places in KL and Selangor That Won’t Disappoint

It's safe to say that nasi lemak is the one dish that no Malaysian would ever refuse. Its flavours are loved by many, can be enjoyed anytime, and are sure to make someone's day. Nasi lemak is a dish that symbolises Malaysia's eclectic background and unites Malaysians from all walks of life.

Nasi lemak literally means "fatty rice" in English. Fat refers to fragrant coconut cream cooked with rice. The term "lemak" refers to the rice's luscious, creamy texture.

To satisfy your everyday cravings, here are some of KL's best nasi lemak.

Nasi Lemak Tanglin

Expect a lengthy wait at the stall selling Nasi Lemak Tanglin, a popular dish among city dwellers. Loyal customers, some of whom have been coming to the shop since it opened as a wooden shack in the same site in 1948, have fond memories of the place. The dish's sambal tumis is the real show-stopper; it's both spicy and well-balanced. The serving size is somewhat small. In any case, more rice and anchovies can be ordered upon request.

Location: Nasi Lemak Tanglin, Kompleks Makan Tanglin, Gerai, No. 6, Jalan Cenderasari, Wilayah Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Contact details: +6019 397 2781

Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kg Baru

One of Kampung Baru's most well-known nasi lemak eateries for years is Nasi Lemak Wanjo. They serve steaming bowls of coconut rice alongside an array of tasty entrees such as sambal sotong and ayam goreng berempah from 7 AM to 12 AM, covering all three meals of the day. No wonder they always have a steady stream of customers waiting in line since morning.

Location: Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kg Baru, 8 Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur

Contact details: 011-6336 1963

Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa

Visit the original location in Kampung Baru to get the real deal at what is arguably the most famous nasi lemak restaurant in KL, with other locations throughout the Klang Valley. During lunchtime, this Nasi Lemak stand sees a swarm of customers. The delicious nasi lemak at Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa is served with a wide variety of side dishes. While the sambal itself is on the milder side, you can add heat to your dish with the other condiments available, such as rendang, sambal sotong, and others.

Location: Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa, 4, Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Contact details: +60 115 111 1991

Nasi Lemak Saleha

Customers rave about the crispy and delicious fried chicken at Nasi Lemak Saleha which is no surprise. A decent nasi lemak (RM2.80) can be judged by how it tastes when served in its most basic form: wrapped in banana leaf and paper. That's the way it's served here, too. Additionally, there are the typical nasi lemak side dishes such as sambal, chicken rendang, and beef rendang.

Location: Nasi Lemak Saleha, 3, Jalan Pandan Prima 1, Dataran Pandan Prima, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor

Contact details: 017-747 0100

Nasi Lemak Bumbung

If you're ever hungry for some late-night nasi lemak, you should check out Nasi Lemak Bumbung (the place opens until 4 AM). Hidden in an alley behind Maybank in Seapark, it has a laid-back vibe and serves up mouth-watering food. Must-orders include fried chicken and nasi lemak, which are best doused in the restaurant's spicy and aromatic sambal that some may find a little too watered down.

Location: Nasi Lemak Bumbung, 6, Jalan 21/11b, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Contact details: 011-2311 3576

Nasi Lemak Village Park Restaurant

Fans of nasi lemak undoubtedly have heard of this restaurant. Village Park Nasi Lemak is a popular restaurant in the heart of Uptown Damansara. The crunchy chicken here is legendary, but the chicken rendang isn't far behind.

Location: Nasi Lemak Village Park Restaurant, 5, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Contact details: + 012-273 8438

NALE The Nasi Lemak Co

Stop by NALE The Nasi Lemak Co. for some authentic Malaysian nasi lemak and a taste of their distinctive sauces and sambal if you're in the mood for something new. Try their signature Nasi Lemak Ayam Bakar NALE, Nasi Lemak Ayam Bakar Gulai, Nasi Lemak Ayam Bakar Sambal Hijau, and more! If you're looking for something spicier, they have five distinct sambals ranging from Sambal Klasik to Sambal Superhot.

Location: NALE The Nasi Lemak Co, G(E)-013, MIDVALLEY MEGAMALL, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur

Contact details: [email protected]