Authentic Penang Nasi Kandar @ Restoran Kok Siong, Puchong

The truth is that it is hard to find a decent Nasi Kandar in Klang Valley, at least one that could satisfy a Penangite’s craving. I can understand the lack of enthusiasm towards Nasi Kandar among KL people because I have to agree with them that it is more like an overpriced curry rice over here. It is also sad to know that the more popular Nasi Kandar chains like Pelita and Kayu are being used as yardsticks for our famous Penang Nasi Kandar, when in fact a hardcore Penang Nasi Kandar lover would gladly choose Kampong Melayu or Shariff‘s on any given day for the authenticty and affordability.

So when a colleague recommended me a Nasi Kandar at a coffee shop in Puchong that actually tastes like Penang’s, I jumped to try it. I never doubted his recommendation at all because besides him being a Penangite, he is one of the hardcore Nasi Kandar lovers I mentioned earlier. Turns the boss did not put up the word ‘Penang’ on his stall for nothing, his curry dishes do carry that unique spicy flavor of a true Penang Nasi Kandar. Well, of course it is not great as Kampong Melayu’s or Shariff’s. But given that you don’t need to travel all the way to Penang for the best ones, this particular stall at Restoran Kok Siong is probably the next best thing.

Two of the better stuff here are the fried chicken and mutton curry. The fried chicken smells wonderful, has a crispy crust yet moist and tender on the inside. This pretty much explains why it is the most popular item here. And it is constantly being replenished with fresh ones from the kitchen nearby. I could say every fried chicken picked by the customers are the right-out-of-the-oil kind, so fresh that you can even see hot steam being released when the uncle chops them into smaller pieces.
The mutton curry on the other hand is cooked to the right tenderness, not too tough nor too soft. And we all know for a fact that a meal won’t be cheap if it has mutton. But over here, you will be glad to know that they don’t skimp on the portion – it is easily double of what other food operators would give.
Anyway, regardless of what item you took, the uncle will always sprinkle a spoonful of crunchy bits (from the fried chicken?) on your rice. Man, those stuff are really quite the awesome.

Now about the price, I wouldn’t call it cheap since it is still Nasi Kandar we are talking about here.. but at least it is reasonable enough that you feel you get what you paid for. For example, mutton + fried chicken + egg and some vege costs RM13, while mutton/fried chicken + egg and vege is RM7.50. So here’s a shout out to Penangites in KL, if you have been craving for authentic Penang Nasi Kandar you know where to look!

Penang Nasi Kandar (pork free)
Restoran Kok Siong (next to Tesco Extra)
Jalan Bandar 16, 47100 Puchong
GPS Coordinates: N3 02.165 E101 36.973
Business hours: 10am to 4pm daily