Nasi Lemak Royale @ Restoran SMR, Alor Malai, Alor Setar.

This place was a local recommendation from one of my friends who was based in Kedah. And since I am in Alor Setar why not? This is a different take to the classic Malay staple and it does have some things going on for it.

The line is yet to form yet, and its before 12 pm. 

Nasi Lemak Royale is a type of flavoured rice which is getting alot of traction, especially as of late, as it is now the favourite of the Agong at this time. But the name Royale has been around for a long time and legend has it that it was a favourite of the Kedah sultan as well, which is how it got its name. So what makes this different? Well, it is the rice. Instead of coconut milk, which is the main ingredient, the "lemak" here is flavoured oils and pandan. So, it tastes alot more like a "nasi minyak" or a briyani dish. And because of this, this carb killer is a really hefty meal on its own.

Look at the pot of rice!

Once plated, it is then drenched with various sauces, chicken curry gravy and sambal seems to be the usual favourite. And I did it as well. You can then pick what side dishes you would like to have with this, and for me, I was in the mood for squid. With two sides of veggies and half a boiled egg, my final plate was complete. And this monster was for RM16.00. Not the cheapest thing I know, but there is an entire squid in it. Why not?

Messy! But good. Still messy though...

And I actually enjoyed it. The rice was definitely not what I am used to. It was fragrant and was strangely addictive. The sauces however, were the ones that contributed the most when it comes to the flavour factor. Especially the sambal. Smoky and a bit sweet, it was the thing I liked the most about this dish. And the squid to me, was the icing on the cake. Do take note that it was not gutted though. So be warned. Unless if you can take in squid guts, probably opt for something else like fried chicken instead.

A view from the inside. 

This was a local haunt that deserves the praise it gets. There are many branches how popping everywhere. But the OG is the place that you need to go. So if you are willing to make that trip up north, then the address is as follows:

10, Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, Alor Malai, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah

The front of the house.