Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Malaysian Munching: Village Park for THAT Nasi Lemak

Remember when Madam Kwan's first arrived on the scene in KL? And how Nasi Bojari was the dish to have? Mainly because of that gorgeous chicken leg accompanied by the tasty mixed rice, sambal and acar combo. Come to think of it was a sorta version of Nasi Lemak. Well that heyday is well and truly over but have no fear because if there was ever a reinvention of the chicken leg, then Village Park in Damansara Uptown has done a Madonna.



Like other Malaysian restaurants in their boom period, there was a formidable queue when we got there at lunchtime. At least that gave us time to decide on our sides: beef rendang and curry sotong (squid).


The incessant bang-bang-bang of cleaver on chopping block throughout the visit was testament to how everyone was ordering Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken. The serviceman in charge of chopping up the leg before plating must have the muscley-est biceps. Looking around there was quite possibly over 100 seats accommodating hungry punters and no sign of the crowd waning.

But did the leg actually cut the sambal? Gorgeous skin that Saunders himself would have wept at, and deep-fried enough without getting dry. Though a tad sweet. The flavour is like dessicated coconut that's been caramelised which for some may actually be a picture of heaven. The sambal was also just that little too sweet. Rice was fluffy and fragrant with pandan. The beef rendang was stellar, as was the curry sotong which I am usually indifferent about.

I shall be back for some of this when back in KL next. These folks work hard to make great nasi lemak so hats off for working the crowd and keeping up the consistency (the second visit was equally delightful). Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng is circa RM8 and the sides come in around RM4 per serving. 

Village Park Nasi Lemak
5, Jalan SS21/37, Damansara Utama,
47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel : 03-7710-7860



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9 comments:

Raelene Loong said...

I always found the ayam to be quite skinny, but hot damn is that crispy ayam skin a winner. So glad you finally managed to get there before leaving!

HRHKK said...

Food Glorious Food! some magazine out there is hungry for a female like you to write for them....in the food column of course...I just know it.

Sean said...

arghhh! even though i'm in KL at least 300 days each year, i've not managed to taste the nasi lemak at village park. i know i should be hanging my head in shame, and my excuse is that it closes too early, at 7pm or 8pm, but i guess if i really wanted to, i'd still be able to make it at some point. your description of the dish just filled me with remorse though. i must visit this year! :D

The Sudden Cook said...

Gosh! I've heard so much about the nasi lemak there and have yet to try it!! To think I live like 20 mins away!

Hungry Female said...

Rae: You, me, Village Park next time in KL! Then Snowflake desserts later!

KK: You're too cute, thanks for the faith and yes I'm pushing on!

Sean: Whoa - there's a place in KL/PJ you HAVEN'T been to?! Get yourself down there this weekend young man!

Sudden Cook: Same goes to you!

missyblurkit said...

love the nasi lemak...but parking is such a bitch at DU. sigh...

dropsofcontentment said...

Oh yum! I'm usually too lazy to fight with the cars and crowd at Village Park, but I must remind myself that it's so worth it :D

Hungry Female said...

Miss Blurkit, DoC: Or convince/bribe a friend/relative to drop you off and pick you up after lunch!! Defo worth the effort either way:)

Indonesian Malaysian Restaurant Brighton said...

Amazing ! The colors are gorgeous & bright & the dish looks juicy & superb !Cheers !