If there’s one place in Kuala Lumpur that’s synonymous with nasi lemak, it’s Village Park Restaurant. This unassuming eatery in Damansara Uptown has built a reputation as one of the best nasi lemak spots in Malaysia, drawing in long lines of eager customers daily. From locals to tourists—and even politicians and celebrities—everyone comes here for one thing: their signature nasi lemak with ayam goreng berempah (spiced fried chicken).
This nasi lemak was on my must-try list this time in Kuala Lumpur. There are many locals who have raved about Village Park Nasi Lemak with claims that they sell up to 10,000 plates of nasi lemak daily. We went there on a Wednesday afternoon around 2.50pm, there was no available street parking so I dropped off the wife and 2 girls while I parked at the nearby Starling Mall. From there, it was about a 5 minutes walk to Village Park and I saw two queues – 1 was a queue at the cashier while the other queue was to select other dishes to add to your nasi lemak.
We got a table fairly quickly and the place was turning tables fast as well. The food was served in just 5 minutes and the first thing I noticed was the coconut-y fragrance of the rice. Having had many variations of nasi lemak in Singapore and a few in Malaysia, this was a first for me.
The Nasi Lemak Experience
At Village Park, the nasi lemak is kept simple but done exceptionally well. The coconut-infused rice is fluffy and fragrant, cooked to perfection with just the right amount of lemak (richness). It’s served with the classic sides:
✔ Sambal – Their sambal is mildly spicy with a hint of sweetness, making it approachable for most palates. It pairs beautifully with the rice without overpowering the dish.
✔ Crispy Anchovies & Peanuts – Freshly fried to perfection, adding a nice crunch to every bite.
✔ Hard-Boiled Egg & Cucumber Slices – The cooling cucumber helps balance out the richness of the dish. First time seeing a hard-boiled egg with my nasi lemak but goes great with the sambal.
Having had many different variations of nasi lemak from hawker centres and from famous chains, I would dare say Village Park Nasi Lemak certainly lived up to its hype. It is definitely not easy to maintain such standards.
The Showstopper: Ayam Goreng Berempah
What truly sets Village Park Nasi Lemak apart is their famous ayam goreng berempah. This deep-fried spiced chicken is marinated with a secret blend of herbs and spices, resulting in a golden, crispy skin and incredibly juicy, tender meat. The best part? The generous sprinkle of fried spice crumbs (kerak ayam) on top, which adds extra flavour and crunch.
Is It Worth the Hype?
Absolutely! Village Park’s nasi lemak is a must-try, whether you’re a KL local or a first-time visitor. The combination of fragrant rice, flavourful sambal and their crispy, juicy ayam goreng berempah makes for an unforgettable meal. While it can get crowded during peak hours, the turnover is fast, and the wait is well worth it.
Rating: 4.25 / 5
Village Park Restaurant
5, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama
7400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4WRs8ffTRQmFtcem8
Follow Me on Instagram
