Pappa Rich, a Malaysian kopitiam chain, has a broad menu with popular dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, curry laksa, and kaya toast. But nasi lemak remains a favorite.
“I’m always proud of our nasi lemak, but the roti canai is my heart and soul,” says founder Rich Tan, who was born in Ipoh. “It’s the first thing I eat when I go back. I want to have it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But it’s a breakfast dish. I love the softness of the bread and the crispiness on the outside. It’s perfect to go with curry and dhal.”
Pappa Rich’s teh tarik is made with condensed milk and a special blend of teas, a recipe developed by Tan’s father, the original Pappa Rich (Rich means “Uncle” in Chinese), who set up the first stall in the 1970s. “When we were growing up, we’d smell the tea leaves in the morning,” Tan recalls. “We’d wake up to the sound of the milk being pulled.”
Sate Kampar (Philadelphia)
Courtesy of Paolo Jay Agbay
Branca’s first restaurant, Sate Kampar, was a 2017 James Beard Award nominee for Best New Restaurant. “The skewered meats got people through the door, but the nasi lemak made them come back,” Philadelphia Magazine wrote in a rave review of her first eatery.
In addition to skewered meats, Kampar offers a choice of five sides with nasi lemak: beef rendang, spice-roasted fried chicken, sardines in spicy tomato sauce, greens fried with sambal, or pickled vegetables. The sambal is basic: shallots, onions, and chile paste from both dried and fresh chiles.
Kampar is dinner-only, and Malaysian-style cocktails include whiskey tarik, which includes Japanese vermouth infused with banana leaf charred in a wood-fired oven, black Malaysian tea, coconut cream, and lemon and orange juices.
The UNESCO recognition of Malaysian breakfast as an Intangible Cultural Heritage has brought attention to the diverse and flavorful morning cuisine of Malaysia. Nasi lemak, roti canai, and teh tarik are just a few of the popular dishes that make up this beloved breakfast tradition in the Southeast Asian country.
Nasi lemak, Malaysia’s national dish, is a flavorful combination of coconut rice, sambal, peanuts, anchovies, boiled egg, cucumber, and a meat dish like fried chicken or beef rendang. Roti canai, a flaky flatbread served with curry or dal, and teh tarik, a frothy tea made with condensed milk, are also staples of Malaysian breakfast.
In the United States, there are several restaurants where you can experience authentic Malaysian breakfast dishes. SanDai in Walnut Creek, California, offers a unique twist on nasi lemak with blue-tinted coconut rice and ultra-crispy fried chicken marinated in koji. Kampar in Philadelphia serves nasi lemak on a banana leaf with a choice of five sides, including beef rendang and spice-roasted fried chicken.
Pappa Rich in Irvine, California, is a Malaysian kopitiam chain known for its nasi lemak and roti canai. Sate Kampar in Philadelphia, the sister restaurant of Kampar, offers a similar menu with skewered meats and a variety of sides to accompany the nasi lemak.
These restaurants not only serve delicious Malaysian breakfast dishes but also provide a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Malaysia. Whether you’re a fan of spicy sambal or crave the comforting flavors of coconut milk and curry, Malaysian breakfast is a must-try for food enthusiasts looking to explore the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia. Nasi lemak is a beloved dish in Malaysia that is enjoyed at any time of day, including late at night when people go out for drinks. This flavorful and comforting food consists of fragrant coconut rice served with a variety of accompaniments such as spicy sambal, crunchy anchovies, roasted peanuts, cucumber slices, and a hard-boiled or fried egg.
While nasi lemak is a staple in Malaysia, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including the United States. Two notable Malaysian restaurants in the US that serve delicious nasi lemak dishes are Food Terminal in Atlanta and Damansara in San Francisco.
Food Terminal, with four locations in Atlanta, offers a cozy and casual dining experience with a menu full of Malaysian favorites. Chef-owner Amy Wong’s nasi lemak is a standout dish, featuring a choice of fried chicken, beef rendang, chicken curry, or spare ribs with tofu curry. The restaurant’s industrial-chic decor and generous portions have earned it praise from the Michelin Guide.
In San Francisco, Damansara has made a name for itself with its unique twist on traditional Malaysian cuisine. Chef-owner Tracy Goh serves nasi lemak with blue coconut rice, turmeric chicken leg curry, pickled vegetables, and sambal belachan. Originally a pop-up restaurant, Damansara has now found a permanent home and continues to delight diners with its authentic flavors and creative dishes.
Whether you’re in Atlanta or San Francisco, be sure to seek out these Malaysian restaurants for a taste of nasi lemak that will transport you to the streets of Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying dish any time of day, just like the locals in Malaysia do.
Stay informed with the latest in health news, insurance insights, pharmaceutical developments, and food trends. Our platform delivers expert analysis on healthcare breakthroughs, guidance for choosing the right insurance plans, updates on the pharmaceutical industry, and tips for nutritious eating. Empower your lifestyle with knowledge to make healthier choices and secure your well-being.
