Damansara Utama's Best: Malaysian Eats
When at Village Park, order Nasi Lemak Ayam (RM9)! The choice is a clear winner when your fragrant coconut rice arrives with sweet, spicy sambal and the beast of a delicious, crumby fried chicken leg. If you're not a fan of poultry, the jam-packed restaurant also serves a mighty Nasi Lemak Sambal Sotong (RM9) and warming Mee Rebus (RM7). Lunch hour turns this place into a battlefield so save this spot for afternoons when the boss is out, or for the weekend brunch.
Avg Price: RM10
Best for small groups looking for a rustic spot to dine, this cafe's Moo Moo Rice Bowl (RM17) takes you back to the good old days of eating rice with a bowl of piping hot ABC soup, plus tasty basil beef tenderloin. Another yummy choice is the Ulam Angel Hair Pasta (RM16), a modern take on the use of aromatic ulam herbs. The comfort food selection here extends to the dessert menu with Cempedak Spring Rolls (RM15) — deep fried cempedak-stuffed spring rolls served with vanilla ice cream.
Avg Price: RM30
Fans of Teochew cuisine, get your fill here at Auntie Sim Kitchen. Order the Teochew Braised Duck Rice (RM9.50) for tender, flavourful duck meat and don't forget to add a Braised Egg (RM1.50) to complete your meal! Otherwise, slurp up the Mixed Pork Kuey Chap (RM8.80) — an elusive yet delicious soupy dish typically enjoyed in the northern regions of Peninsular Malaysia. Dishes can also be ordered in bigger portions to share so if you're looking to please your family or a group of colleagues, this little kitchen will do.
Avg Price: RM20
A long time resident of Damansara Uptown's blocks, this humble restaurant specialises in the Eastern Malaysian favourite, nasi dagang. The rice dish comes with half an egg, villager's salad and spicy sambal with your choice of protein. Small-eaters, pair your nasi dagang with the must-try Gulai Ikan Tongkol (RM8.90) — mackerel slow-cooked in a spicy coconut milk gravy. Feeling hungry for an adventure? Spoil yourself with The Ultimate Nasi Dagang CAPITAL (RM19.90), which brims with a bit of everything from beef rendang to prawns and squids. Avg Price: RM20
Here's your next spot to have a family night out! This cosy restaurant serves delicious, homey meals, many with famed Nyonya spiciness, so make sure diners can take the heat! Have the family favourite Soft Shell Crabs with Butter Cheese Sauce (from RM30.60) — a crunchy, creamy delight for both adults and kids. Then, work on the Fried Cencaru with Chili Paste & Petai (RM26 for two pieces) for a piquant bite. There are also more mellow selections like the Chicken Pongteh with Gravy, Potatoes & Mushrooms (RM18.30) if you don't fancy too much spice. Avg Price: RM45
With over 15 outlets across Klang Valley, here's a household name for a value for money pan mee lunch that will hit the spot. Coming out tops on the menu is the signature Lat Jiu Pan Mee (RM7.80) — spicy, lip-smacking noodles topped with a perfect poached egg. For something a little more soothing, the Herbal Chicken Pan Mee's (RM10.50) soupy goodness is a staple bowl of comfort, particularly on rainy days. Wash your meal down with a tall glass of greenlicious Pandan Cincau (RM4)! Avg Price: RM15
What do you do when it's 11pm and your supper(natural) senses are tingling? Head here with friends who can stay out late for glorious, dark and handsome Hokkien Mee (from RM9). Open till 2.30am, this famous late-night hangout doesn't disappoint its namesake. Satiate hunger pangs with the most sinful of supper selections including Cantonese Fried Yee Mee (from RM9), the chef recommendation of Fried Lala (from RM18) and a cooling Iced Herbal Tea (RM2.20). Avg Price: RM20
Rice is given the authentic Malay treatment here with varied choices from traditional nasi kukus to Terengganu-style nasi dagang. Wrapped in banana leaf, the Nasi Kukus Hayaki (RM9.50) will fill you up with plentiful steamed rice, fried chicken and sambal. Come on a weekday with a colleague for lunch and kick back in the casual, comfortable space with a glass of Iced Teh Tarik (RM3.90).
Avg Price: RM15
The top picks, popular finds and newly opened places in Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines, curated by Burpple editors!