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Nasi Kandar
Authentic Penang Nasi Kandar @ Restoran Kok Siong, Puchong
Oct 20th
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.
Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu @ Kampung Melayu, Air Hitam
Jun 5th
I have heard a lot about the famous Nasi Kandar at Kampung Melayu but never tried it before due to their operating hours from 6:30am to noon. Having Nasi Kandar early in the morning just seems kinda odd, don’t you think? Well, at least for me.
But hey everything gotta have its first time, right? Moreover it is said to be one of the best and also the hidden gem among the already well known ones like Hameediyah, Kayu, Pelita, Line Clear, Merlin and Shariff so there’s simply no reason to skip this.
A huge piece of chicken, some squids (full with eggs) and a portion of long beans cost RM8. Not too expensive considering its Nasi Kandar but not cheap as well. Reasonable at best, as I could be easily ‘chopped’ RM12-15 for the same dishes at other places.
First Pelita Nasi Kandar @ Chai Leng Park, Perai
Apr 2nd
Pelita Nasi Kandar is the largest chain nasi kandar restaurant in Malaysia that came a long way from a small stall in a coffee shop at Chai Leng Park, Perai. It is amazing how fast and furious a business can grow. In less than 20 years Pelita Nasi Kandar has 26 branches spanning over 5 states, plus an international one at Chennai, India too.
You would think that Pelita serves the same curry dishes throughout their chain of restaurants but that is not true. Just curry mutton alone I have tasted a few styles and the best one so far for me can be found at Pelita Giant Hypermarket at Bayan Baru.
The mutton is cut into smaller pieces instead of being served in one large chunk hence able to absorb more flavor from the spices and gravy when cooked. Simply delicious and addictive with ‘kuah campur’. It was my favorite Pelita restaurant when I was still in Penang.
6 To 10 Grill & Nasi Lemak @ Happy Mansion, PJ
Feb 11th
When I first heard about 6 to 10 Grill & Nasi Lemak, I thought they are open from 6am to 10pm. One Sunday I went the restaurant at 11am and didn’t see any customers around. Then I shat bricks. Little did I know, their business hour is actually 12pm to 2.30pm, then continued from 6pm to 10.30pm.
Being located within a rather quiet housing area, there was no where else I could go lepak while waiting for them to be ready. I couldn’t even find newspaper to read lol.
Luckily I was told that their nasi lemak was going to be available in half an hour’s time so I simply waited. It was their famous nasi lemak that I was anticipating anyway. If you don’t know, 6 to 10 Grill’s nasi lemak is well known for their rendang dishes especially pork rendang. The minced pork sambal was quite well received too. Besides, I think it is quite rare to see pork rendang and sambal made using pork, right?
Well it seemed like a bad day for me, as they were not preparing any pork rendang that day. But mutton rendang was the recommended alternative. I had no choice but to take it.
Anyway with minced pork sambal thrown in as well, this serving of nasi lemak actually cost me RM10.50. FYI that’s the defined price. Nasi lemak + 1 dish = RM7, additional 2 dishes for RM10.50 and 3 dishes for RM14. Not exactly cheap but lets see if it’s worth it.
