The restaurant Nasi Lemak Tanglin in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, serves one of the best renditions you’ll ever eat, and I want to tell you all about it right away!
The flawless simplicity of “Rice in Cream” is almost unbeatable, and it is served on tens of millions of breakfast plates every day, perhaps from the southern part of Thailand all the way to Singapore.
Nasi Lemak Tanglin
A section of vendors providing breakfast and lunch items in the Malaysian style includes Nasi Lemak Tanglin.
The parking lot was jam-packed when we went to the restaurant on a Friday; we had to drive around it four or five times before we could find a spot.
Each booth has a unique specialty dish, and many of them seem incredibly tasty as well. However, based on the recommendations of friends who live in the area, Nasi Lemak Tanglin is the one you absolutely must go to.
Rain or Shine, Nasi Lemak Tanglin sells out Daily
Hundreds of people entered the dining area in search of tables while an awning was stretched to shield patrons from potential rain.
And it was barely ten in the morning!
You must be sure to arrive before it is truly time for lunch as friends who have recommended this restaurant ensure that the Nasi Lemak vendors always run out of ingredients and rice (it often sells out by 1130am).
Arriving early and waiting for a short while is not at all awful because there is typically a live band playing pop music (local Malay’s own version of “Pop Yeh Yeh”).
A Few Different Ingredients
Nasi Lemak is not just the national dish of Malaysia, but also what the majority of Malaysians refer to as their “comfort food.”
Nasi Lemak is a traditional dish that just requires a few simple ingredients to make, but I love seeing how much Malaysians still genuinely like it today.
By the way, Nasi Lemak is one of the more accommodating ways to eat locally while travelling anyplace in Malaysia on a tighter budget.
‘Fat Rice’
The word “Nasi Lemak” literally translates as “fat rice,” although the dish itself has so many variations throughout Malaysia that it could not have a more basic or demeaning moniker.
The rice is cooked first, using coconut milk to make it softer while it cooks and pandan leaf to give it its distinctive and mild scent.
Ingredients that are both salty and crunchy are required; typically, this entails salted fish, fried peanuts, and a few crisp cucumbers
Finally, while the sambal might seem straightforward at first appearance, it actually takes a lot of effort and skill to produce. The sambal is simply there to mix in with the rice and bring everything together. It is typically a little spicy, occasionally acidic, and also sweet if it contains a fruit element.
How To Order
Wait in line to order a plate of white rice at the counter in the food court.
Pick from a variety of curries, and don’t be surprised in the slightest if your dish is already too tiny to accommodate everything you want to try.
Your rice will be served with your choice of curries and meat, and you can quickly pay here while they hold your plate for you.
Although some diners might yearn for the traditional Nasi Lemak meal’s presentation on a banana leaf, using a plate instead reduces waste and takes far less time. You are supporting Malaysia’s efforts to prohibit single-use plastics as well as to curb the excessive removal of banana trees from protected jungle regions.
Always Ask for Extra Spleen
One of our friends states that the cockles are his favourite food, but another adds that he must eat at least one spoonful of “kolong” whenever he visits (beef intestines and spleen).
As a result, I was forced to choose the spleen, which was highly recommended because it was so extraordinarily rich and almost mushy in texture. You should always request extra spleen when you visit Tanglin since it is so delectable after being topped with a thick dark brown curry sauce on top.
My final meal choice was Rendang, which is also cooked leftover beef. I requested the Rendang curry as my “extra ladle” of curry liquid (which the chef will just pour over any exposed
Of course add an egg because nearly every dish in the world, most likely including Nasi Lemak, is improved by the addition of a fried egg.
When in Malaysia, always eat Malay-style by combining the ingredients and spreading the flavours throughout the rice with your fingers. With the curry broth coating each and every rice grain in a way that eating with a fork or spoon just can’t capture, the flavour is just so much more warm and full that way.
The Restaurant Experience
This location is fantastic for a weekday lunch because it’s both fun and peaceful at the same time. It’s a beautiful environment to simply eat your fill of deliciously regional cuisine.
A trip to Nasi Lemak Tanglin for an early lunch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, does not get much more authentic or tasty.
In Kuala Lumpur, it seems to be typical for lunchtime eateries to feature live music, which makes for a very pleasant lunchtime experience. The best way to unwind during the middle of the day is to sit outside in the open area, unwinding beneath the tents while taking in the breathtaking views of the jungle.
Don’t Miss Nasi Lemak Tanglin
Among all the delicious street cuisine in the metropolis of KL, Nasi Lemak Tanglin stands out in my memory. They offer a nearly identical version of the “classic” Nasi Lemak dish, but they also have a wide variety of excellent meats and curries that you may pile on top of your rice.
I adore the combination of both the traditional components for Nasi Lemak and the wide selection of trays featuring meats, curries, and fresh and steaming veggies; this restaurant’s versatility is what draws me in.
When visiting Malaysia, make sure to eat at least one meal of Nasi Lemak. If you find yourself in Kuala Lumpur, visit Nasi Lemak Tanglin at Kompleks Makan Tanglin.
