I’ve heard a lot of good things about Nasi Lemak Shop in PJ – some would go to the extent of claiming it’s the best nasi lemak in town. It took me two attempts to try Nasi Lemak Shop as the place is perpetually crowded and parking is a challenge.
The crowd at 11am, when they just opened.
Jien and I managed to pop by recently over Chinese New Year, and we made sure we got there by 11am to secure a table; the queue can be as long as 1 hour during peak hours. Despite the crowd, I found service to be friendly and attentive.
Fried chicken fat rice
We ordered the nasi lemak lemak ayam goreng (RM15.90) and a side order of rendang daging (RM12.90) because I felt like eating a more “comprehensive” plate of nasi lemak that day. The fried chicken is delicious – I dare say it’s one of the best ayam goreng berempah I’ve eaten so far.
Good stuff. Periodt.
Chicken is fresh from the fryer so it’s piping hot and juicy, while the skin is crispy with a good amount of fried batter (kerak). I’m also quite pleased with the sambal as it’s adequately thick, fragrant and packs a punch; not the watery and sweet kind, which I detest.
A pleasing sight — also can’t help but admire their cucumber slicing details haha!
Rice texture is justly firm with a good aroma from the pandan leaves and coconut milk. Jien prefers it to be more lemak but I feel it’s alright as it is. The OCD in me likes the way the cucumbers are sliced and it’s also not wet or mushy, which I feel messes with the taste of the nasi lemak.
Beef rendang
I like that the beef chunks are nice and thick
Nasi Lemak Shop’s beef rendang is quite decent – beef chunks are tender enough as the gravy is thick, rich in spice and lemak. I won’t compare it to the roadside nasi lemak stalls as those serve a more “rustic” beef rendang. This one is flavourful, and the spices are more finely ground.
Ice tea
Hor Fun Soup
I wanted to try the Mee Siam, but it wasn’t available when I went. Since I was nursing a sore throat, I settled for the hor fun soup (RM14.90) which seems to be more Malay-style. Tastewise, it’s okay but not quite my cup of tea.
Comes with prawns, fishball and a good amount of scallions + coriander
Chocolate Bingsu
A friendly female staff named Sabrina offered to treat me to a chocolate bingsu. Texture is thicker than your regular bingsu – this one feels almost like ice cream. It’s also not overly sweet, so if you’re looking for dessert, try this. I reckon I’d go for the coconut bingsu if I go back as it’s more suited with nasi lemak.
They recently opened another outlet in SS15 Subang
Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Nasi Lemak Shop. The nasi lemak is one of the best I’ve eaten in its category. Best to go early (before lunch hour) as the place gets really crowded – there’s a waiting tent with a blow-fan for people waiting for a table so go figure.
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Ambiance: 6.5/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 7.5/10 (Muslim friendly)
Verdict: Keep your eye on the prize – the nasi lemak ayam goreng. If you can afford extra stomach space, get the beef rendang too.
Do you have a food recommendation? Tell us!
Nasi Lemp Shop.
G10, Oasis Business Center BU4,
Changkat Main City,
Main City,
47800 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 018-399 2828
Business hours: 11am till 10pm
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