Nasi Lemak @ Village Park Restaurant, Petaling Jaya

When nasi lemak enters the conversation, it is often that Village Park Restaurant will follow suit soon after. And why not? Being a staple in the PJ food scene, it has built a reputation which has grown beyond the Klang Valley.

Al fresco, Malaysian style

And with that reputation, one has to be prepared. And prepared you really need to be. This place is a popular lunch spot during the weekdays and a bustling spot when it is in the weekend for many a breakfasts. With limited parking and a tight eating spot that bleeds to the road pavements, there is some inconvenience that you need to consider when eating here.

Alot of variety. But we are here for coconut rice no? 

Was it worth that inconvenience though? Well, it depends on how much you like coconut rice. But I like it and I like it alot. So to me it was worth the hassle. Of course being well known for nasi lemak, that is the main thing you should order. The most common variant is the one with fried chicken, which is a favourite. But then again, who doesn't like fried chicken?

Star maker. 

The rice was cooked to perfection and each grain splits perfectly. the aroma of coconut permeates the air and it will envelop your mouth as you gobble through each grain. There is also a pandan after taste, which makes you want to head our for another spoonful of rice. 

A different angle, showcasing the chicken. 

The chicken is no second act either. The outer skin has a lot of flavour and has a great crunch. Flavoured with a combination of malay spices, this was also another flavour packed experience. The chicken itself was tender and moist. It was not overcooked and goes well with the rice.

Look at those grains, infused with that precious chilli paste. 

No conversation of nasi lemak is complete without the other main condiment, which is the sambal. Slightly sweet and tangy, this chilli sauce is the thing that binds it all together. it has a smoky flavour and a pesto like texture. it is definitely spicy, but it is not too overpowering. I really like a well balanced sambal. if it is too spicy, many a times the heat will take away alot of the flavour. This is not the case for this one. Some chilli heads may not approve, but many have given their seal of approval. And the the sambal is so good, that you have to pay for more sambal. A good job on this one.

Sotong on tow. Hope you like things with tentacles. 

If you would like a different take, there is also squid for you to try if you order the sambal sotong. I liked it as well, as there was alot of flavour in the sotong. However, it was a little overcooked for my taste and was not springy enough. If I were to choose among the 2 sides, the chicken would be a preferred choice. There is beef rendang to pick, but I have yet to try it so I will reserve any comments on it for now. The chicken and sotong plate mentioned has a price tag of RM10.50. 

The upstairs dining room. 2 minutes later, those vacant table were crammed with patrons. 

I have been here twice and on both occasions I was fortunate enough to get a seat inside. Eating at the pavement is fine, but you would be at the mercy of the elements if the weather decides to turn on you. As such, you would need a great deal of patience, or come here super early to try out some of the glorious nasi lemak here. 

A picture of some familiar faces having a meal here at the lower floor dining area. 

However, many have given this place a huge endorsement. Heck, even the Prime Minister has been here a few times. If it is good for Dr M, it would be good for you too. You would probably know where is this place by now, but for completeness sake, here is the address:

5, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor