Nasi Lemak Wanjo – the viral one that is older than Dory!
Paul and Khat grinned when they said that!
Cheeky!
According to Google, it was a mere 6 minutes from Corus Hotel, where we had parked.
And according to the skies, it was just the right time to pour on a Saturday night in KL.
Paul’s car slowly made its way through the driving rain and turned into Kampung Baru.
Restaurant Nasi Lemak Wanjo. Photo: Paul Ang
Nasi Lemak Wanjo History
Located in Kampung Baru, Nasi Lemak Wanjo is one of the oldest stalls since 1963.
There’s no shortage of good Malay food in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur.
Paul and Khat brought me to Jalan Raja Muda Musa, foodie heaven.
The famous food stretch in Kampung Baru has been home to generations of Malay families in the city.
Here the aroma of grilled fish and charred banana leaves wafts through the air (even in the rain).
The vendors call out “Jemputlah rasa,” Malay for “come and taste.”
The biggest challenge is the rains; traffic is almost at a standstill when it rains heavily.
It was late at night when we finally found a parking spot (worth more than gold); so blessed and grateful.
We gingerly navigated the many puddles, and Dory’s canvas “Kung Fu” shoes were not ideal for a rainy night.
Anyways, I digress – things are more memorable when we sludge through the rains to hit the joint.
We made it to Nasi Lemak Wanjo (c 1963) which was older than me!
The humble stall, known for breakfast and late supper, operates from early morning until midnight.
Started by the current owner’s grandmother as Nasi Lemak Mak Wanjo.
It is now renowned as the best Nasi Lemak in Kuala Lumpur, thanks to viral YouTube videos.
Nasi Lemak Wanjo queue. Photo: Paul Ang
Nasi Lemak Wanjo Menu
The nasi lemak is pretty standard.
You get a plateful of Santan-infused fluffy rice, essential ingredients ikan bilis, an egg, and cucumber slices.
An essential element next to the rice is the Sweet Sambal, which is thick and rich.
At Wanjo, the sambal is a bit too sweet for my taste.
After that, you can top up with more side dishes, like building up your plate of deliciousness.
Nasi Lemak Wanjo Side Dishes. Photo: Paul Ang
Nasi Lemak Wanjo Taste
Each grain of this Nasi Lemak is perfectly cooked.
The steamed rice that’s soft, fluffy, and infused with fragrant pandan and coconut milk.
The Sweet Sambal offers a milder alternative to fiery sambal.
It enhances the rice and accompanying dishes with its flavorful, less spicy kick.
Nasi Lemak Wanjo Dining Area. Photo: Paul Ang
We got the standard Nasi Lemak with 3 Eggs, seriously.
And an excellent side dish of the Sotong Sambal.
The Sambal Sotong was cooked to the right tenderness and soaked up the sambal.
The sambal was quite spicy, and I could feel the heat on my tongue as I tasted it.
But if you mix it with the aromatic Nasi Lemak, it tastes okay.
Nasi Lemak Wanjo. Photo: Paul Ang
In terms of deliciousness, it was okay for me.
Maybe it was a cold and dark stormy night.
Maybe I was stuffed to the gills (literally for a fish) from a beefy dinner at Samba earlier with Paul.
Maybe I don’t eat Nasi Lemak past midnight.
As I sat there while Paul and Khat lined up, ordered, and brought food – I was grateful.
A quote from Maya Angelou came to mind.
‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’
And Paul drove down to KL from Subang to see me.
Khat followed much later and took the LRT down.
Nasi Lemak Wanjo’s sambal seemed sweet.
However, these two dishes are even sweeter and more special than any viral food I’ve tried worldwide.d.
Paul, Khat, and Dory in KL
Did I yearn for a spicy kick?
Sometimes.
Did I enjoy walking in the rain, searching for the Warung?
You bet.
Memories are the best when they are made of these little stories – the best friendship is forged over midnight suppers at the Mamaks and Warungs and drinking copious Teh Tarik.
Suddenly I remember the day I met Paul.
Another night after some event (where he was the photographer), we clicked and birthed Smartdory.
After we ate and trudged in the drizzle to the car.
Khat remarked that we wanted to bring you to the famous Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa, a short distance away.
I didn’t know any better and thought, “Why not?” – before Khat and Paul said in unison, “That’s for another night in KL.”
I cannot think of the best Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kampung Baru in KL without remembering the night I met Khat.
Nasi Lemak Verdict
With all the hype of Nasi Lemak Wanjo going viral and our hype for shared supper.
We remember that Nasi Lemak is such a personal choice.
Maybe it’s because we’re from the North.
Maybe we like salty spicy rather than sweet sambal sauce.
Or we like rice that’s sticky and clumpy, not fluffy.
Nasi Lemak Wanjo. Photo: Paul Ang
Nasi Lemak Rice – nice and fluffy.
Sambal Sotong – tender and spicy
Missing peanuts with the Ikan Bilis.
Overall it was not cheap or expensive for the portion of the food we had.
The standard plate is RM9.00.
We might visit again in the morning, but not a must-go in the pouring rain kind of place.
Nasi Lemak feels different without a piping hot piece of fried chicken.
Nasi Lemak Wanjo
8, Jalan Raja Muda Musa,
Kampung Baru, KL
Hours: 6.00 AM to 12.00 PM , 4.00 PM to 1.00 AM
Facebook: Nasi Lemak Wanjo
