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I have a confession to make — despite living in Malaysia my whole life, I never developed a taste for nasi lemak until I graduated from high school. The credit for this goes to my childhood friend, who, after living in Qatar for 13 years, returned home with an obsession for nasi lemak. Honestly, it proves the saying, “distance makes the heart grow fonder,” because how is it that someone who’s spent most of her life abroad loves our national dish more than I do?
After being dragged by my dear friend to nearly every nasi lemak spot in the Klang Valley, I can now proudly say I’ve developed a real appreciation for it. Which leads me to wonder: do other states in Malaysia have nasi lemak as good as this? With that in mind, I’ve prepared a little something for my fellow nasi lemak enthusiasts, especially those planning a trip to Johor Bahru soon — my top 9 nasi lemak spots in JB!
1. Alang Tunggal Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah
True to its name, Alang Tunggal Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah is beloved by locals for its signature Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah (RM8.80). Its loyal customer base helped the business survive the challenging Movement Control Order (MCO) in 2021, a time when many others had to close their doors.
Now situated along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur, it’s also the nearest breakfast option for guests staying at Shobi Hotel — making it an ideal spot to kick-start your morning.
The standout dish here is, without question, the Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah. Frequently praised by locals as “the best nasi lemak in JB,” it’s a simple yet irresistible combination. The fragrant coconut rice is rich without being overpowering, paired with perfectly marinated fried chicken, a sunny-side-up egg, crunchy anchovies, peanuts, and, of course, sambal. Don’t miss out on the crispy fried chicken kerak, a true indulgence!
For those seeking an authentic nasi lemak experience without any frills, Alang Tunggal Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah is a must-visit. However, be aware that their sambal has a sweet and spicy flavour, which might not appeal to everyone.
139C, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur 1/1, Pusat Bandar, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
+6019 786 5918
Sun to Thu: 7am – 2.30pm
Fri: 7am – 3pm
Closed on Sat
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2. Yummy Nasi Lemak House
In my opinion, any JB Nasi Lemak list will never be complete without Yummy Nasi Lemak House. Even recommended by locals for general makan places you must visit in JB, this established spot located in Jalan Dato Sulaiman has rightfully gained its reputation through their yummy nasi lemak!
Their Basic Nasi Lemak (RM8) offers aromatic coconut rice, a fried egg, roasted peanuts, sambal, and an unexpected twist — papadom. You can also opt for other protein choices, such as Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Biasa (RM12), Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah (RM13), or Nasi Lemak Ayam Rendang (RM13.50).
Fun fact: their nasi lemak is interestingly influenced by Indian and Indonesian cuisine — so if you’re into that, Yummy Nasi Lemak House is the one for you!
104, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
+607 332 9375
Thu to Tue: 8.30am – 3pm
Closed on Wed
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3. Nasi Lemak Hantu
I’m sure some of you TTDI nasi lemak fans might perk up at the name — but no, this isn’t your beloved Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu. Located in Taman Pelangi, Nasi Lemak Hantu is known in JB for its unique concept and eye-catching neon green exterior. The place is hard to miss, thanks to its mascot — a bright green ghost in a playful, old-school Ghostbusters style, which never fails to grab the attention of passersby.
What really keeps customers coming back, though, is their nasi lemak! Nasi Lemak Hantu offers classics like Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng and Nasi Lemak Ayam Rendang, but the crowd favourite is the Nasi Lemak Ayam Cili Api. The best part? All 3 dishes are priced at just RM9.80.
Interestingly, the “hantu” in their name also hints at the spiciness of their food, making it a paradise for spice lovers. Unlike traditional nasi lemak stalls, Nasi Lemak Hantu embraces a modern, chic vibe with its creative concept — perfect for young people or anyone who enjoys a fun, playful dining experience.
141, Jalan Sri Pelangi, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
+6016 786 2427
Tue to Sun: 6.30pm – 3am
Closed on Mon
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4. Nasi Lemak Wak Kentut
Yes, you read that right. Despite the name being rather unusual, don’t let that stop you from visiting probably the most famous nasi lemak spot in Kulai. With a 4.1-star rating from a whopping 4.9K Google reviews (at the time of writing), I think it has cemented its worth enough for it to be considered as a must-try!
Nasi Lemak Wak Kentut keeps its menu simple — a Basic Nasi Lemak Set starts at just RM3.50, and you’ll be charged for each side dish you add to your plate. Some crowd favourites include Fried Squid (RM10), Fried Chicken (RM5.50), and Fried Egg (RM1.50).
Their tender, crispy fried chicken is lightly battered, and in my opinion, resembles the classic mamak fried chicken, just without the Red Dye 40. They also cut the chicken into smaller pieces, making it easier to enjoy. The sambal can be a bit divisive, though, as it leans toward the sweeter side.
Curious about the hype? Drop by and try it for yourself. And don’t worry — despite the name, no one’s farting in your food!
2130, Jalan Susur Kulai 2, Taman Kulai Besar, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia
+6012 754 3818
Daily: 3pm – 11.55pm
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5. Restoran Serai Kampung
Restoran Serai Kampung has gained a loyal throng of followers throughout their impressive 10 years of operating in JB. What piqued my interest is their bestseller — Nasi Lemak Ayam Berempah!
With only RM12, you can enjoy a plate of nasi lemak with their signature Ayam Berempah. If that’s not enough, add RM1 more for a succulent piece of fried egg. Honing an impressive rating of 4.2 stars from 485 Google reviews (at the time of writing), their nasi lemak is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser.
The rice is perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of richness from the santan, without overwhelming the dish. Each grain remains firm and not mushy, which is a win for foodies who care about texture. Like any good nasi lemak, the plate comes with anchovies and peanuts, but their sambal really stands out. It’s sauteed into a thick, flavourful mixture that strikes a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and just a hint of sour.
Everyone’s palate is different, but I’d say Restoran Serai Kampung is definitely worth a try.
59, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Austin Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6013 777 4044
Daily: 7am – 10pm
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6. Coconut Milk Cafe
With its store sign reminiscent of Old West saloons from the movies, you might assume that Coconut Milk Cafe serves Texas-style Western food. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The cafe is actually well-known for its local delicacies, particularly its signature Coconut Shake and buffet-style Nasi Lemak Berlauk, where you can build your own plate.
You can enjoy a basic Nasi Lemak before adding your choice of protein or lauk. Coconut Milk Cafe offers a wide variety of options, ensuring you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Pair the fragrant coconut rice with Fried Chicken, Sotong King, or a simple sunny-side-up egg. For the full experience, don’t forget to indulge in their signature Coconut Shake (from RM10) for a refreshing and satisfying treat.
Jalan Adda 3/1, Adda Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
+6012 727 7734
Sat to Thu: 9am – 6pm
Closed on Fri
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Nasi Lemak Alor Corner: KL’s beloved nasi lemak stall that’s been operating since 1980
7. Warung Nasi Lemak C.I.Q Kg Melayu
Warung Nasi Lemak C.I.Q takes pride in maintaining the tradition of wrapping nasi lemak in banana leaves. This spot is a popular hangout for JB night owls, staying open until 2am for dine-in and 4am for delivery.
Their nasi lemak is a hit not only because of the taste and the affordable price, but the variety of options available for you to complement your nasi lemak with. Starting from RM3, you can get a plate of rich coconut rice, anchovies, roasted peanuts, their flavourful sambal that packs just enough heat, and a piece of omelette.
Their other choice of protein features classics like Hard-Boiled Egg (RM3.90), Fish (RM5.90), Paru or beef lung (RM5.90), Shrimp Sambal (RM6.90), Beef Rendang (RM6.90), and Fried Chicken (RM6.60) — all included with nasi lemak.
If you can’t drag yourself out of bed early in the morning for breakfast, Warung Nasi Lemak C.I.Q is the perfect place to satisfy your nasi lemak cravings for supper!
42-38, Jalan Utama, Kampung Melayu Majidee, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
+6011 1270 7344
Mon to Sat: 10.30pm – 4am (2am for dine-in)
Closed on Sun
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8. Nasi Lemak Rosmerah
Another nasi lemak berlauk place has entered the villa! With a rating of 4.3 stars from 333 Google reviews (at the time of writing), Nasi Lemak Stall in Jalan Ros Merah is relatively underrated yet considered the best nasi lemak by its regulars. Of course, if we take every claim at face value, then all nasi lemak spots in JB are the best ones — which is impossible. But hey, this just simply cemented the fact that Nasi Lemak Rosmerah is a must-try.
Their nasi lemak options feature classics like Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah, Nasi Lemak Ayam Daging, and Nasi Lemak Telur. The sambal here has a tangy flavour from the tamarind rather than heat, making it perfect for those who prefer sour over spicy.
Located near Public Bank, Nasi Lemak Rosmerah is a popular supper spot for locals, with a sizable crowd often seen clamouring for a plate come dinnertime.
16, Jalan Ros Merah 3/2, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
+6013 908 2590
Daily: 5pm – 11pm
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9. Nasi Lemak Kura
Relatively new to the JB food scene, Nasi Lemak Kura is here to impress! Located in Taman Molek, it has been steadily getting good reviews from customers — with some even saying it’s comparable to Village Park in Petaling Jaya. Whether it’s true or not, everyone’s taste is different, though such bold claims would mean that this spot is definitely worth visiting.
Their bestseller is certainly the Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah (RM8.90). The coconut rice is cooked to perfection — fluffy yet each grain is separated, with the rich taste of the santan. Paired with crispy, succulent fried chicken, it’s a no-brainer that everyone will instantly fall in love with Nasi Lemak Kura’s nasi lemak.
You can also complement your nasi lemak with other sides they have to offer, like Mutton Curry (RM8.50) and Beef Rendang (RM6). They also have Sambal Tempe Goreng (RM3) as a plant-based alternative for Sambal Sotong (RM5.50), so don’t hesitate to bring your vegan friends as well!
71, Jalan Molek 3/1, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6016 238 0300
Sat to Thu: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Closed on Fri
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