6 Amazing Spots to Get Authentic Nasi Lemak in Penang
Malaysia is home to several iconic dishes from its cookbook, but one that you should try at least once during your visit here is nasi lemak. It’s the most iconic breakfast dish in the country and you can find it just about everywhere, whether it be from elevated restaurants to hawker stalls.
One place in particular that we highly recommend getting this dish from is Penang. Known for its steamboat restaurants (steamboat penang), coffee shops and overall vibrant food scene, this state offers some of the best nasi lemak you’ll find in Malaysia.
Alamak
— Media credit: nicngai
Address: 175, Jalan Argyll
Contact details: +60 18-231 8018
Operating hours: Sunday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $
Alamak is one of the most famous kopitiams in Penang, and it’s not hard to see why with its affordable prices and delicious authentic Malay dishes. Among these dishes is their famed nasi lemak, which is widely praised for its rich coconut milk aroma and huge serving sizes.
It also helps that the chicken that this dish comes with features an amazing crunch like no other. We don’t know how they do it, but they always tend to fry these drumsticks perfectly where they develop a crispy skin and a tender white succulent meat.
With that being said, we highly recommend getting here as early as possible to avoid the crowds, as the combination of the cheap price and delicious food is a recipe for success.
Pro tip:
If you want to eat something different than nasi lemak, we recommend ordering their signature ayam goreng. This is perfect if you have a knack for spicy food because it comes with the most amazing sambal!
Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang
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Address: Sri Weld Food Court, Beach St
Contact details: +60 16-407 0717
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Cost: $
Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang has been serving the country’s national dish for several decades now so if anyone knows how to nail this dish to a tee, it would be them. Their longevity can be attributed to their affordability and of course, their flavourful offerings.
For starters, their nasi lemak is different from others in the city, as they’re notably fragrant and spicy, thanks to the coconut milk and sambal, respectively. Also, the different ingredients you can munch on like eggs, prawns and fish make this a worthy contender on this list.
You really don’t have a reason to skip this too, as it’s located in the heart of George Town! If that’s not enough reason to entice you to visit this place, you should also know that they have a Michelin star under their belt.
Pro tip:
If you want to order the definitive nasi lemak from their menu, then you should get the anchovies-and-egg combo. It’s salty, spicy and filling, and the best part is that it will only set you back around RM1.80—talk about value for money!
Nasi Lemak Liverpool
— Media credit: nasilemakcafeliverpoolpng
Address: 92, Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim Jelutong
Contact details: +60 11-1143 0766
Operating hours: Daily from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Cost: $-$$
Football and nasi lemak are two things that I never thought would pair well together—until I discovered this spot. Nasi Lemak Liverpool combines the vibrant cuisine of Malaysia and the lively atmosphere of English pubs by televising exciting live games.
Of course, the biggest draw here is and will always be the nasi lemak—after all, the restaurant is named after it! Their version of this dish is by the book, from the coconut-y fragrance of the rice to the crispiness of the chicken skin.
What keeps us coming back here, however, is their spicy sambal! A small amount of this drastically makes the rice, ikan bilis, eggs and cucumber filled with heat—if you’re not sweating, you’re not doing it right!
Pro tip:
The easiest way to commute to Nasi Lemak Liverpool is by riding the bus and dropping off at the Flat Bata Merah. This stop is located directly next to the restaurant!
Wakzee Nasi Lemak
— Media credit: nasilemakwz
Address: Ms Food Court, Jln Macalister
Contact details: +60 10-909 4900
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Cost: $
Don’t be fooled by Wakzee Nasi Lemak’s unassuming look because this hawker stall serves a fantastic version of nasi lemak! It’s cheap, flavourful, messy and best of all, it doesn’t shy away with its abundance of ingredients.
Upon ordering from the stall, you’ll be presented with a messy plate stacked high with rice, peanuts, ikan bilis and our favourite addition, spicy sambal! They also offer a nasi lemak mix, which features all the ingredients including fried chicken, squid, anchovies, etc.
Try to fit each of these ingredients in a single spoon and think to yourself “How is this only RM3?” We wish we could give you a definitive answer but one thing we’re sure about is that you’ll keep coming back here after you’ve tried it.
Pro tip:
Don’t let the long queue discourage you from continuing your order! The stall does a great job of managing crowds and before you know it, you’ll be next in line.
Uncle Lanz Nasi Lemak
— Media credit: penangfoodie
Address: 82, Jalan Mahsuri, Bayan Baru
Contact details: +60 16-464 4476
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Tuesday: 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Cost: $$
Uncle Lanz has captured the hearts of Penangites with their wide variety of nasi lemak, some of which are unconventional. The best example of this is their nasi lemak burger, where instead of a juicy beef patty, the main meat of the sandwich is a huge succulent fried chicken fillet.
Furthermore, a runny fried egg is put on top of the patty and to top it all off, a generous amount of their spicy sambal is poured onto the chicken a la Big Mac sauce style. It may sound weird on paper but don’t knock it until you try it!
Gimmicks aside, however, this is still a solid spot to get nasi lemak because of its variety and generous servings. For instance, one of their signature dishes here is the deep-fried squid, which pairs perfectly with their fatty and fragrant rice—consider eating this on your cheat day.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for the quintessential nasi lemak, we recommend ordering their ayam goreng (fried chicken). They’re crispy, and juicy and pair perfectly with the fatty rice and the regular fix-ins of a traditional nasi lemak.
PANG Hainan Coffee & Nasi Lemak
— Media credit: penangtoday
Address: 501 K & L, Jalan Tanjung Bungah
Contact details: +60 17-452 4863
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $
Pang Hainan offers a traditional version of the country’s national dish. Here, you won’t see any fancy gimmicks or unconventional ways of preparing nasi lemak and that’s why it’s one of the go-to spots for OG Penangites.
Everything about their nasi lemak is nailed to a tee, from the crunchiness of their chicken drumstick to the fragrance of the rice. Not to mention the spicy sambal that adds some kick to the dish, elevating the flavour even further.
People also visit this place to enjoy its peaceful ambience! It’s one thing to enjoy a nice authentic plate of nasi lemak but it’s another experience to eat it in a serene spot that’s close to the water.
Pro tip:
If you want to burn calories after a hearty meal, you can cross the street and take a lovely stroll along Pantai Beach, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the glistening sea.