Every question asked by tourists and travellers about local food will always have a nasi lemak mentioned along the line. This national staple is almost unavoidable when it comes to eating the best local dishes in town. Formed primarily with coconut-infused rice and opulent dollops of sambal, a common side of dried anchovies, nuts, and cucumbers also grace the plate with appetising elements. March of time and multiplying cravings have seen additional dishes like squid, fried chicken and curry as favourites for the nasi lemak too, where here are some of the best-recommended ones in Kota Kinabalu.
Nasi Lemak Kaki Lima
Under the stewardship of Mrs.Khoo, who started selling nasi lemak since the year 1993, Nasi Lemak Kaki Lima has turned into a household name among the locals. Be it the coconut milk-infused rice, sweet-spicy sambal or rudimentary ingredients like crunchy peanuts and fried anchovies, each and every component is given close scrutiny while preparation. If the basic serving isn’t up your alley, tart up the empty space on your plate with regular runners like fried chicken and squid sambal or homey-style components such as sambal petai and eggplant. Aside from the delicious combination of flavours, affordability is another forte of this spot.
Kandi 5 Cafe
This Indonesian-inspired cafe whips up some exquisite delights that will certainly tantalise your palate with traditional spices and herbs. Apart from their signature ayam belado and ayam penyet, the nasi lemak here is also thronged with fragrant and aromatic flavours, not to mention a dollop of sambal that will double your appetite. Be sure to give it a try for a refreshing take.
Restoran Ahmad Albab
Bringing in the wonders of nasi lemak kukus, which is steamed instead of using the conventional rice cooker, this place is host to some hungry locals who just cannot get enough of their favourite dish. The rice is utmost fragrant and infused thoroughly, sparing no tasteless spots on your taste buds. The variety of fried chicken, curry, and sambal also makes it a very much scrumptious meal.
Jasmine Restaurant & Catering
These little prism-shaped packs of nasi lemak are more than just a dish for breakfast, they are icons of the Malaysian local scene. For those who wish to start off the day with no frills, Jasmine’s is where you will wave in for a comforting meal of nasi lemak. You can also add some sides of curry and chicken to fill that tummy up even more.
Lido Morning Market
The nasi lemak stall here is often visited by many customers, albeit the hustle and bustle of the morning market might not be ideal. Despite that, it’s also one of the local daily routines- visiting the morning market for breakfast that is. Grab a packet of nasi lemak, pick some of your favourite kuih, and off you go with a delectable meal.
Olde Station
Although giving off an impression of being just another kopitiam chain, Olde Station tends to surprise when it comes to their nasi lemak. The serving of coconut rice, sambal, curry, and exotic flavours certainly packs a punch when it comes to portion and taste. If you think this isn’t indulging enough, feel free to toss in a fried chicken, because you only live once.
Sino Taste Kitchen
Sino Taste Kitchen is your everyday dining place, where you can indulge in grubs like fried rice and noodles, to exquisite dishes like seafood and many local foods. One of them is no doubt their nasi lemak, which facades an innocent look, but will immerse your palate in fragrant and savoury flavours. The fried chicken and sambal just enhance the entire meal with even more ambrosial tastes.
Putatan Tamu
In a place or rather a court, the food selection here seems endless from a quick scan around, but head on deeper and you will see individual stalls honing their own signature dishes. For some scrumptious nasi lemak, head on to where the crowd stands and you will find an almost factory-like preparation of nasi lemak as they go into their respective packs. Grab a couple and you will be as happy as ever.
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