🇲🇾 Two Icons. One Nation. Endless Love.
If there’s one thing Malaysians agree on, it’s this — we love our rice dishes.
From morning markets to modern malls, two timeless favourites continue to unite us: nasi lemak and nasi kukus.
Both are unmistakably Malaysian, but each tells a different story, cooked with a different spirit. At NALE and NAKU, we celebrate both sides of that story.
🍚 Nasi Lemak — The Pride of Malaysia
Fragrant, rich, and comforting, nasi lemak is more than food. It’s our national identity on a plate. At NALE, we took this beloved classic and refined it, pairing freshly steamed coconut rice with flame-grilled proteins, like Ayam Bakar and Wagyu Bakar, and our signature sambal.
Key Traits of Nasi Lemak:
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Rice: Cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves
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Flavour Profile: Creamy, aromatic, slightly sweet
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Hero: Sambal — slow-cooked, rich, and balanced
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Serving Style: Usually plated, with multiple sides
🍗 Nasi Kukus — The People’s Favourite
Humble, hearty, and fast! nasi kukus brings a different kind of comfort.
It’s all about freshly steamed rice (“kukus” means steamed), spicy curry, and crispy fried chicken, served piping hot in paper wrap or banana leaf.
At NAKU, we kept that kampung authenticity alive while making it convenient and affordable for the city crowd.
Key Traits of Nasi Kukus:
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Rice: Steamed fresh in small batches
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Flavour Profile: Spicy, bold, and saucy
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Hero: Curry — fragrant curry poured generously over rice
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Serving Style: Mixed, hearty, fast
🔥 So, What’s the Real Difference?
| Feature | Nasi Lemak (NALE) | Nasi Kukus (NAKU) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Rice cooked in coconut milk | Rice steamed fresh in batches |
| Main Sauce | Sweet-spicy sambal | Bold, aromatic curry |
| Protein | Grilled (Ayam Bakar, Wagyu, Sotong) | Fried (Ayam Goreng Berempah) |
| Texture | Creamy, balanced | Spicy, saucy, rustic |
| Vibe | Refined indulgence | Everyday comfort |
| Experience | Dine-in & lifestyle experience | Fast, casual, affordable |
❤️ Why Malaysians Love Both
Because both dishes reflect who we are, diverse yet united.
Nasi lemak brings the refinement of tradition, while nasi kukus brings the heart of the people.
One reminds us to be proud. The other reminds us to stay humble.
Together, they’re the perfect balance — just like Malaysia itself.
“Nasi lemak connects Malaysians to pride.
Nasi kukus connects Malaysians to home.”
— NALE & NAKU Team
🍴 Experience the Best of Both Worlds
📍 NALE Nasi Lemak — Mid Valley, Pavilion Damansara Heights, Central i-City Shah Alam
📍 NAKU by NALE — AEON Mid Valley, AEON Shah Alam
Whether you’re in the mood for grilled elegance or crispy kampung comfort — we’ve got you covered.
Follow us on Instagram:
NALE Nasi Lemak — @nalenasilemak
NAKU by NALE — @nakunasikukus