If there’s one dish that defines Malaysian comfort food, it’s nasi lemak—and Village Park Restaurant in Damansara Utama has earned legendary status for serving what many call the best nasi lemak in the country. But does it live up to the hype? I made the trip to find out.
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.
Breaking Down the Famous Nasi Lemak
1. The Coconut Rice (The Star of the Show)
- Rich, fragrant, and cooked with perfect moisture—not too dry, not too soggy.
- Uses high-quality santan (coconut milk), giving it a creamy, slightly sweet aroma.
- Pro Tip: They offer extra sambal on request—don’t be shy to ask!
2. The Fried Chicken (Crispy & Juicy Perfection)
- Marinated in a secret spice blend, then deep-fried to golden perfection.
- The skin is shatteringly crisp, while the meat stays succulent and flavourful.
- Best paired with: A drizzle of their sambal for an extra kick.
3. The Sambal (Sweet, Spicy & Balanced)
- Thick, slightly sweet, with a slow-building heat—not overwhelmingly spicy.
- Packed with umami from dried anchovies (ikan bilis) and shallots.
4. The Classic Sides
✔ Ikan Bilis & Peanuts – Crunchy and fresh, not stale or overly oily.
✔ Cucumber Slices – Cool and refreshing against the heat of the sambal.
✔ Hard-Boiled Egg – Simple but satisfying. 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 Ayam Goreng Berempah
What truly sets Village Park Nasi Lemak apart is also 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?
Village Park’s nasi lemak fully deserves its reputation. The rice is fragrant, the chicken is unbeatable, and the sambal ties it all together. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. 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
