Hello foodies! What comes to mind when we talk about nasi lemak is definitely the legendary Village Park Restaurant located in Damansara Utama! It’s amusing to see how this restaurant is always packed with people and even the amount of delivery orders they get is crazy! Curious and determined, we went to ask the owner a simple question: what makes the nasi lemak at Village Park so popular?
Legendary Village Park Restaurant Has Been Around Since 2002
Village Park Restaurant opened its door in 2002 by a lovely couple, Datuk Seri Mohd Shamil Ngoh Abdullah and Datin Seri AIshah Chong. Surprisingly, both of the owners came from a music and fashion background with no experience in running a restaurant! When they first started business, Datuk Shamil shared that it was tough as they didn’t know how to manage it.
“I didn’t know anything but I have the passion to cook.”
But what led them to Village Park’s success is also their “passion to cook”, and of course a series of trial and error over the years.
What Makes The Nasi Lemak At Village Park So Popular?
Village Park has a strong customer base with returning customers who love their nasi lemak served with deep fried chicken with spiced crumbs, sambal, fried peanuts and anchovies.
Their ‘Ayam goreng berempah’ will make you drool with its juicy meat and the crunchy lemongrass and ginger crumbs. The restaurant is generous in the portion they serve too! Datuk Shamil explained that they fried the whole chicken leg with its drumstick and thigh for customers. That’s how we all can enjoy a whole chicken leg with juicy and tender meat even after it’s cold!
If you have had their nasi lemak before, you might have noticed the fluffy steamed coconut rice they make is on another level. And when we ask the ultimate question “What makes the nasi lemak at Village Park so popular?”, Datuk beamingly shared that it’s the rice!
The highlight of Village Park’s nasi lemak is definitely their fluffy rice. Each grain is separated perfectly when it’s cooked and you won’t get that wet and sticky texture.
“Kids love it!” said Datuk Shamil.
Pairing the rice with their sambal is everything!
Which Rice Brand Is Village Park Using?
If rice is the soul of this nasi lemak, we couldn’t help but to ask which brand they are using and Datuk Shamil willingly shared that it’s Hayati Siam Wangi!
They have been using Hayati Siam Wangi since day one until today and there’s a good reason for them to stick with the same brand all these years. Datuk simply explained that Hayati Siam Wangi absorbs water well when it cooks. The rice won’t get too soft and won’t stick together to create a very fluffy texture. The fragrant aroma of the rice is also one of the reasons why they chose Hayati too!
If you are wondering how to cook the rice perfectly, Datuk kindly shared their secret with us, which is to measure 1 cup of water to one cup of rice when you cook it! We’re definitely trying this method when we cook rice later!
Does Village Park Serve The Best Nasi Lemak in Malaysia?
This question goes to all of you, foodies! Village Park has been a go-to nasi lemak spot for many folks over the years. Their customer’s willingness to queue and wait to enjoy their nasi lemak might say something about the quality there.
Head to Village Park to find out now. Don’t forget to get Hayati Siam Wangi rice and try cooking it with the 1 to 1 ratio tips too!
Village Park Restaurant
Address: 5, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansaara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 6:30am – 5:30pm (Daily)
Status: Muslim-owned restaurant
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