Malaysia
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The simplest local delights like Nasi Lemak are what truly hits home. Who would’ve thought a humble dish made solely of coconut rice, sambal, ikan bilis, cucumber and peanuts would be so sought after?
Well, at Nasi Lemak Kukus on Selegie Road, you can expect a full house day in and out, especially during dinnertime. And, the best part about this joint is the fact that you can get unlimited servings of rice and sambal chilli, without being charged additionally.
But more than anything, the fragrant and fluffy coconut rice paired with delicious side dishes, is what really keeps customers returning time and again.
From the outside, you won’t notice anything different about this humble establishment but once you step in, you’ll find yourself surrounded by walls that are plastered with tons of marker-drawn illustrations.
Indeed, this is the work of customers that have left scribbles behind after finishing their meal. Adds a homey touch, doesn’t it?
Prepare to help yourself to the food because this joint runs with a self-service concept. If you’re dining in, pick up a plate and pile on as much coconut rice from the rice cooker as your heart desires.
As soon as the rice hits the plate, an aromatic scent of fresh coconut will waft through your nostrils. That’s because, they adhere to the traditional methods of steaming rice, which results in grains that are softer yet have more bite to them.
While the rice could easily be cooked in a rice cooker without having to go through such a meticulous process, the makciks here do it anyway.
After you’re done with the rice, you can choose from a wide selection of A La Carte Sides (priced $0.50 to $3.50) over the counter. Just tell the staff what you would like and they will add that on for you.
If you don’t fancy adding any of the fried stuff or are just spoilt for choice, you can simply opt for the standard Chicken Wing Set ($4) they offer.
Of course, you can also choose to drench your Nasi Lemak in six different house-made curry sauces that are freshly whipped up. You have a choice of Prawn and Potato Curry, Chicken Rendang, Beef Rendang and Egg Curry.
What better way to complete the dish than with some Nasi Lemak staples? Pile on some Cucumber, Ikan Bilis and Kacang for a good crunch. And, don’t forget to spam as much sambal as you want!
To cater to different spice tolerances, they have kindly set aside a sweet version of the sambal in addition to the spicy one. If you’re like me and you like both, mixing the two is not out of the question either.
So, there we have it. A plate of customisable Nasi Lemak topped with additional ingredients of seaweed chicken, sausage, otah and chicken wing. True to form, the rice was indeed the very pinnacle of this entire dish. The grains were chewy and had a hint of coconut milk, which came in an adequate amount.
While most of the sides were pretty standard, the chicken wing was definitely something to shout about. The wings were succulent and boasted a crispy exterior that had a nice crunch to it and wasn’t overtly oily, making it all the more so enjoyable.
I’m sure you’ll need a drink to quench your thirst after wolfing down your meal. So, wash everything down with a cup of Teh Tarik ($1 for hot, $1.60 for cold), pulled the traditional way. And, if Teh Tarik is not your cup of tea, you can also opt for their Vietnamese Drip Coffee that’s pretty solid too.
One word to describe Nasi Lemak Kukus would be: unpretentious. Everything from the industrial setting to the home-cooked food and open-concept kitchen makes for a homely atmosphere that is, certainly hard to find anywhere else.
Plus, you can tambah as much rice as you want so, leaving this place without feeling stuffed to the brim is nearly impossible!
Expected Damage: $4++ per pax
