Nasi lemak is crowned as a national food of ours. It’s everywhere in Malaysia and eaten at any time of day by people from all walks of life and of different ethnicities. In Malay, lemak means “fat,” and the fat in this case comes from the fresh coconut milk used to cook the rice, making it fragrant and rich. The sweet-smelling rice is traditionally served with roasted peanuts, ikan bilis (fried anchovies), a bed of spicy and sweet sambal, hard-boiled egg, and cucumber slices. Let’s not also forget the usual side dishes like fried chicken, sotong, and cockles! Here’s our top five pick of the best nasi lemak in town. (The restaurants below are listed in no particular order.)

1. Nasi Lemak Bumbung @ Seapark, PJ

A.k.a. “Nasi Lemak Maybank” or “Bumbung P.J. Ibumie.” You can find it at Seapark, Petaling jaya., beside a Maybank, with its tables and chairs placed outdoors, in the alley along the row of shops. One of their best nasi lemak served with fried chicken as well as Indomie goreng.

2. Nasi Lemak Famous @ Bangsar

This is a local favorite since it’s value for money and relatively economical by Bangsar’s standards. There are many side dishes to choose from, but its fried chicken and Sambal Kering Peparu are among the most popular, especially with the first. It’s aromatic with all the spices, and crunchy with the deep-fried batter-coated skin.

3. Det Station @ Ampang

This has been around for over a decade. Started out as a small stall at Taman Seraya, it stayed that way for seven or eight years before relocating to its current location of four years in Ampang. Expect a waiting time of 10 minutes for a plate of piping-hot nasi lemak — that’s how good it is!

4. Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa @ Kampung Baru

In business since the Eighties, located in Kampung Baru. It’s a local must-try. Some of its signature side dishes here include Paru Goreng, Ayam Rendang, and more.

5. Nasi Lemak CT Garden @ Kampung Baru, KL

Situated opposite Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Baru, it’s somewhat challenging to locate as it’s concealed by a one-way street. The restaurant still keeps up with the Malaysian style nasi lemak in banana-leaf-wrapped brown-paper packet. Plus, there are abundant side dishes to choose from.