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Much like Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru is a hub of nasi lemak spots featuring both well-known and underrated ones. As someone who’s not local, more familiar names would be mainstream joints like Yummy Nasi Lemak House and Nasi Lemak Lobster. But where’s the fun in simply riding the wave of current trends?
Let me point you toward Nasi Lemak Al-Aisy in Iskandar Puteri — an unknown name to outsiders, perhaps, but a beloved staple among locals. With a 4.7-star rating from over 1.7K Google reviews (at time of writing), it’s clear this spot isn’t flying under their radar. They’re temporarily closed at the moment, so make sure to do a quick check before you drop by!
What I tried at Nasi Lemak Al-Aisy
Each basic plate at Nasi Lemak Al-Aisy starts at RM5, where you’ll get a choice between a sunny-side-up egg or a hard-boiled one. From there, the price gradually climbs as you add your protein of choice.
While the place is known for its sotong and kambing bakar, I’ve always believed that the truest test of a nasi lemak lies in its simplest form. So, naturally, I went with the Ayam Goreng (RM5.50). The first thing that caught my eye was the fact that the cucumber slices were deseeded. Didn’t change the game for me, but definitely a plus for the more picky folks out there.
Their rice was, for the lack of better word, undeniably tasty. Fluffy without being mushy, just the right amount of starch, and packed with flavour. You could taste the richness of the santan and the gentle aroma of ginger and onion woven through each bite.
The sambal was vividly red with a glossy ring of oil. It struck a balance between old-school and modern in terms of the flavour. There’s a touch of sweetness and tanginess, but the smokiness and heat from the dried red chillies definitely dominated the entire flavour profile. If your spice tolerance isn’t great, prepare for a full-on waterfall on your face.
As for the fried chicken, it was served cold (sadly), but made up for it with solid seasoning. The rempah was spot-on without being overwhelming, and the flavour carried through to the meat beneath the skin. That said, a crispier crust and juicier insides would’ve taken it to the next level.
The rest of the accompaniments were fairly standard. The sunny-side-up was cooked all the way through, the peanuts and cucumber were decent — but let’s talk about the real issue: no ikan bilis. I’m not trying to sound like a Karen, but come on. Unacceptable!
For my friend’s plate, she opted for Sambal Petai Ikan Bilis (RM6). The taste of the sambal was leaning more on the sour and savoury side. If you’re not a fan of petai’s traditional punginess (and the lasting effects of it on your body, quite literally), their version will be right up your alley!
The petai was on the milder side, making it lighter on the palate. My only gripe was that the anchovies used were of the smaller but cylindrical variety, giving it a chewier bite. So yes, it seems Nasi Lemak Al-Aisy’s ikan bilis game might need a little upgrade.
Final thoughts
While it might sound like I had a lot to nitpick, truth be told — I genuinely enjoyed my meal. It’s easy to see why the place stays packed, even after dark. That said, I have to admit (for once!) that the locals have a point — the prices do lean on the steeper side. Still, if you ever find yourself in JB craving a solid plate of nasi lemak, Nasi Lemak Al-Aisy is definitely worth a detour.
Expected damage: RM5 – RM11 per pax
