The dish is easily one of the topmost food choices for breakfast (and even dinner) in Malaysia. Nasi Lemak spots are becoming more popular in JB than any other food spots. This iconic delicacy (typically served with half a boiled egg, coconut rice, spicy sambal, nuts and anchovies) is considered a classic among the nation’s local population.
You may or may not know that Johor Bahru has its fair share of renowned Nasi Lemak spots. Here are some of the most popular options.
Mughni Saujana Nasi Lemak Spot
Regulars can often be found calling this spot the Warung Sebelah Rumah Menteri Besar (in reference to it being right beside the Chief Minister’s Residence). It shouldn’t be very difficult to find, and it’s known for having one of the best Nasi Lemak dishes in Johor Bahru.
The eatery’s rustic “Kampung” style ambience apparently makes the food taste even better. An assortment of side dishes to choose from along with the famous Nasi Lemak, and fried chicken, rendang chicken, rendang lamb, chili sotong and chili cockles are all available. Just make sure that you arrive early before all the Nasi Lemak food is finished on the spots.
Closed on Fridays, 7 am – 12 pm
Address: 8, Jalan Abdul Rahman Andak, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru
Nasi Lemak Anggerik
Fancy some spicy delicacies? Nasi Lemak Anggerik, located right next to the Al-Rajhi Bank in Taman Molek, is where you can enjoy a dollop of thick sambal paste, along with an ensemble of other tasty treats to go with your Nasi Lemak. Patrons might often suggest that you give the fried selar kuning (a type of fish) a try.
Open daily from 5.30 pm – 11 pm
Address: Jalan Molek 2/4, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru
Restoran Mana Lagi Nasi Lemak Spot
Consider yourself a Bonafide foodie with a love for unique twists on local culinary favourites? Restoran Mana Lagi will give you a bang for your buck. Swing by Taman Perling and brace yourself for having to make your way through possible droves of hungry fans.
Expect it to be all worth it though. Look forward to aromatic Nasi Lemak and mouth-watering side dishes, ranging from Beef Rendang to Fried Chicken. The sambal may be a little on the sweet side so take note and give it a shot if that’s your kind of thing.
Closed on Fridays, 6 pm – 12 am
Address: 569, Jalan Persisiran Perling 1, Taman Perling, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Nasi Lemak Wak Kentut
The name may sound a little funny but the Nasi Lemak Kukus served in this eatery is purported to be seriously scrumptious. The key attraction that brings the crowds to its doorstep? It could be the ayam goreng berempah that’s cooked with a special spice mix.
Expect to be asking for seconds once you take a bite out of this dish. Nasi Lemak Wak Kentut is usually closed on Sundays but operations continue on other days from 6 pm till late.
Address: Jalan Susur Kulai 2, Taman Kulai Besar, Kulai, Johor
Opens daily, 5 pm – 12 am
Yummy Nasi Lemak House for Nasi Lemak Spot
This popular joint first opened its first branch in Ulu Choh, eventually expanding to Johor Bahru due to high demand. Aside from the authentic Nasi Lemak dish with fried chicken, there are other food choices (like Yam Cake) for those keen on exploring.
The signature Nasi Lemak is apparently often praised for its flavourful sambal (be sure to ask for generous amounts if you’re a fan).
Address: 104 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Century. 80250 Johor Bahru
Operation Hour: 7:30 am – 3:00 pm (closed on Tuesday)
Coconut Milk Café
Nestled in the picturesque Adda heights, this Malay cafe is where you should go to experience Nasi Lemak “buffet style”. Find a seat, grab a plate and choose from a huge variety of dishes to add on to your Nasi Lemak.
There’s giant deep-fried squid, fried chicken, rendang, and much more. On top of this, Coconut Milk Cafe is well known for its famous coconut shake so why not order some to wash down all that Nasi Lemak?
Address: 147, Jalan Adda 3/1, Taman Adda Heights, Johor Bahru
Operation Hour: 10:30 am – 12 midnight
Sambal House
There’s a reason this place is called the Sambal House. It apparently serves an amazing version of the Nasi Lemak dish that we know and love, but with a serious dose of spicy sambal that will rock your taste buds.
The squid sambal is highly recommended by regular patrons, and the price for all of this is purported to be not too bad either.
Opens daily from 11 am to 7 pm
Address: J2-16A, Level 2, City Square, Jalan Wong Ah Fook 80000 Johor Bahru
It’s a classic Malaysian dish and, when it comes to cooking up a fresh batch of Nasi Lemak, give their wares a try and you may just find that these restaurants know their stuff.
Be sure to check out as many of the spots mentioned in this list as you can during your stay in Johor Bahru. Don’t forget to continue exploring the many other food options that can be found throughout the state.
Share this article with your friends and ‘makan kakis’ who can’t seem to get enough of Nasi Lemak.
