Whenever nasi lemak is mentioned, you might find yourself immediately craving for the rice dish, as it is one of the foods enjoyed by Malaysians, Singaporeans and Indonesians alike.
Nasi lemak is often seen as a breakfast staple but nowadays, it is more than just that, it can be eaten any time of the day – even at night while hanging out at your favourite mamak.
Even though this dish is typically served the same way, from the rice to the sambal, it’s actually not all the same. Sometimes there are variations or twists to the dish that makes it stand out.
In fact, some modern versions of it even come with creative touches such as the nasi lemak cake, nasi lemak burger and more.
Another trend that’s emerged in recent times in Malaysia is nasi lemak that’s cooked in bamboo, which is said to make the rice more aromatic and enticing.
So to those who want to try this nasi lemak buluh, you can head to the places we list down below.
Nasi Lemak Buluh Betong
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| (Photo source: facebook.com/MakanSedapJohorr) |
Let’s start from the South, with Nasi Lemak Buluh Betong that’s located in Kluang, Johor. This eatery is not the first to serve nasi lemak buluh, but it is the first to cook it with buluh betong (giant bamboo). What’s more interesting, it’s not cooked the typical steamed way like other nasi lemak is, it’s grilled instead. Apart from nasi lemak, the often-packed shop is also known for its special lemang, called Lemang KuBoR. So to anyone visiting or living in Johor, make sure to include this place on your must-try list.
Location & opening hours: Lemang KuBoR Hj Manan, Kluang (In front of Hj Manan cemetery) / 8.00am until stock finishes (Friday, Saturday & Public Holiday)
Nasi Lemak Buluh, Klang
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| (Photo source: facebook.com/restoransisik) |
For residents in the Klang Valley (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor), you can try the flavourful taste of nasi lemak buluh at Restoran SISIK in Klang, Selangor. It is said that the nasi lemak there is among the best in Klang. Whether this is true or not, you’re going to have to find out for yourself. A variety of accompanying dishes are available, such as grilled squid, sambal petai prawn, rendang chicken and more.
Location & opening hours: Restoran SISIK (In front of GM Klang) / 8.00am-12.00am (Daily)
Nasi Lemak Bamboo
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| (Photo source: facebook.com/nasilemakbambooo) |
Location & opening hours: Lintas Square, Imago Mall, Segama, Megalong Mall and Putatan / 7.00am-9.00pm daily (The operation hours differ between branches, visit Nasi Lemak Bamboo’s official website for more info.)
Nasi Lemak Buluh, Azfar Maju Corner
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| (Photo source: eddyrushfatboy.asia) |
Residents living around Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, go and get a taste of the delicious nasi lemak buluh served at the mamak shop Azfar Maju Corner. What makes their version stand out is it’s cooked with both santan and pandan leaves, which not only gives the rice a mouth-watering aroma but also a unique green tint. It is served with rendang chicken that is cooked fresh every day for four hours to ensure its quality.
Location & opening hours: Azfar Maju Corner, Bandar Manjalara, Kepong / 6.00pm-11.00pm
Nasi Lemak Buluh, Kuantan
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| (Photo source: astroawani.com) |
When Pahang is mentioned, Patin Tempoyak is the must-try dish that you might find yourself thinking of, especially if you’re living in or visiting Temerloh. However, at the Wan Patin Tempoyak stall in Kuantan, they not only serve the signature dish but also the nasi lemak buluh that went viral last year. Similar to normal nasi lemak, it can be eaten with other dishes according to your own taste. Be warned though, if you want to try the nasi lemak buluh here on the weekends, you’ll have to be prepared to wait a long time because every weekend, the stall will surely be packed with both locals and visitors from other states.
Location & opening hours: Wan Patin Tempoyak (Lorong Tun Ismail 1 Kuantan, Pahang) / 8.00am-6.30pm (Daily)