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If there’s any Malay dish that can rival nasi lemak for its devoted following, it’s the pride of Kelantan — nasi kerabu. Some say nasi lemak reigns supreme, but those who’ve seen the early morning queues at nasi kerabu stalls across KL and Selangor would beg to differ. The allure of blue-tinted rice, fragrant herbs, and smoky grilled meats seems to hold its own magnetic pull.
Continuing my little showdown series, I decided to do what any self-respecting food enthusiast would — feast like royalty while pitting two famed nasi kerabu spots against each other (all in good fun, of course).
Choosing Nasi Kerabu Moknab at Pantai Dalam was a no-brainer. It’s been a viral sensation for years, and the never-ending queues say it all. My second contender, Kak Su Nasi Kerabu Narak in Kajang, was admittedly a personal pick — conveniently close to home and, as I later learned, my family’s old favourite. The real surprise, however, is the fact that it actually outranked Moknab on Google reviews. A showdown worth having, indeed.
Nasi Kerabu Moknab
Nasi Kerabu Moknab sits unassumingly by the roadside in Pantai Dalam, reminiscent of Kampung Baru. I braced myself for the legendary queue that usually snakes toward the main road, but luck (and a heavy downpour) was on my side. The crowd thinned, though my shoes paid the price.
Ordering at both of these spots feel like a nasi campur or cai fan experience — you line up, point, and choose your sides before grabbing a seat. The main star is, of course, the nasi kerabu itself. The array of side dishes was simply irresistible — everything from grilled morsels to rich curries, glistening with spices and oil that whisper danger to your arteries but comfort to your soul.
My plate ended up with Ayam Gulai and their famous Lemak Bakar, costing RM16 in total — quite fair for the generous portion.
The rice, once mixed with ulam and fish coconut sambal, released a beautiful aroma and layered flavours, though I did wish the grains were a touch fluffier. The keropok on the side was a tad stale, likely due to storage mishaps, but that was easily forgiven once the Lemak Bakar entered the picture.
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Now this was the highlight of the day. Soft, fatty, and gloriously smoky, every bite melted on the tongue, perfectly balanced with just the right sweetness from the marinade. The Ayam Gulai didn’t lag behind either — tender, rich, and thoroughly seasoned.
Overall, Moknab impressed us the most with its side dishes, each plate brimming with bold yet balanced flavours that spoke of years of experience.
Kak Su Nasi Kerabu Narak
Over in Kajang, Kak Su Nasi Kerabu Narak — or “Su Narak,” as my parents fondly call it — carries a more neighbourhood vibe.
The stall offers an enticing breakfast lineup featuring nasi kerabu, nasi dagang, nasi lemak, and more. If nasi kerabu isn’t calling your name that morning, their nasi dagang is a solid backup. The queue usually builds early, but by 9.30am, we managed to avoid the crowd.
Compared to Moknab, their nasi kerabu side dish selection felt more modest, though the option to mix in nasi dagang accompaniments was a definite plus.
I went for Daging Bakar, Daging Goreng, and Gulai Ikan Tongkol — a hearty trio that cost RM12.
The rice was fluffier and moister than Moknab’s, a lovely texture that made every bite comforting. That said, I personally found Moknab’s ulam and coconut sambal a touch more flavourful.
The beef options were tasty and tender, but I couldn’t help missing Moknab’s charred, fatty indulgence. The Gulai Ikan Tongkol, borrowed from the nasi dagang menu, added a pleasant note that tied the plate together beautifully.
Verdict
Both Nasi Kerabu Moknab and Kak Su Nasi Kerabu Narak hold their own in Malaysia’s beloved breakfast scene. Kak Su wins for rice texture and overall balance, while Moknab steals the show with unforgettable flavours and irresistible side dishes. My final pick ended up being Nasi Kerabu Moknab!
If you ever find yourself in Pantai Dalam or Kajang, don’t pick favourites just yet — try both and let your taste buds decide. When it comes to nasi kerabu, there are no losers, only very, very happy diners.
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