Not going to lie, the few times I had nasi lemak in Klang Valley resulted in disappointments. See, as someone who grew up in Penang and loves nasi lemak, the expectation is a little bit different, especially when it comes to the sambal.

Nasi Lemak Ali, Penang, made fresh
Nasi Lemak Ali, Penang, made fresh

The Penang style nasi lemak sambal has one crucial difference compared to those in Klang Valley – there’s no element of sugar, sambal is simply never supposed to be sweet, but rather, it should be spicy and carries the sweet fragrant of quality balacan (shrimp paste).

Well, if you’re a fan of these type of sambal, and nasi lemak, then Ali Banana Leaf Nasi Lemak in Penang is one you should check out.

This humble nasi lemak stall is located at Beach Street’s Sri Weld Food Court, directly behind Royal Chulan Hotel. It’s famous among locals, and recently has became a huge hit with tourists alike thanks to being listed in Michelin guide.

We revisited it on our most recent trip to Penang.

6 options to choose from, which is your fav?
6 options to choose from, which is your fav?

Nasi Lemak Ali comes in six different flavors

  • bilis telur (anchovies with egg)
  • ikan (fried fish)
  • ikan masin (salted fish)
  • sotong (squid)
  • udang (shrimp)
  • ayam (chicken)

They’re all RM 2.50 each (year 2023).

Another great thing here is that they prepare the nasi lemak on location and since business is often pretty good, this is one of the few places you can get nasi lemak bungkus that’s still piping hot!

squid, prawn, anchovies, and salted fish nasi lemak
squid, prawn, anchovies, and salted fish nasi lemak

Between the two of us, we tried four different varieties. My favorite was the salted fish, not entirely sure what type of fish this was but it reminded me of the good quality kurau salted fish meat and was probably a good 2cm x 2cm square.

The sambal was of course fragrant and super spicy, just as you’d expect from food from Northern states, absolutely delightful when you eat it, and with a slight regret the morning after. Oh well…

Squid, prawns, and anchovies with egg were all very delightful as well, RM 10 well spent for breakfast for sure!

map to nasi lemak ali

Address:
Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang
Medan Selera Sri Weld
Beach Street,
10300 George Town, Penang
GPS: 5.41784, 100.34296
Tel: 016-407 0717

KY eats – Nasi Lemak Ali, Penang
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10 thoughts on “KY eats – Nasi Lemak Ali, Penang

  • September 24, 2023 at 4:28 pm
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    I am off nasi lemak now – can’t take the sambal owing to my skin affliction. In the past, my emphasis would be on the nasi. How on earth can it be called thus if the nasi is not lemak? Believe it or not, there are places here that serve plain rice for their nasi lemak. Of course I would not bother going for those.

    Reply
    • September 25, 2023 at 10:57 am
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      suituapui: You’re absolutely right, serving plain rice for nasi lemak should be a federal crime!

      Reply
  • September 26, 2023 at 2:07 pm
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    I’m okay with sweet Sambal as I’m a local KL people, haha!
    It’s quite a good portion for RM2.50 and I manage to eat maximum of 2.5 packets, for this kind of Nasi Lemak Bungkus. đŸ˜›

    Reply
    • September 26, 2023 at 3:36 pm
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      Choi Yen: How do you eat 2.5 bungkus, go for 3 instead when it’s like that!

      Reply
  • September 29, 2023 at 11:19 pm
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    This type of nasi lemak bungkus is the best! 6 options to choose from…which is my fav? Gimme all! đŸ˜‰

    Reply
    • October 2, 2023 at 11:10 am
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      eatwhateatwhere: that’s very true! Try the salted fish!

      Reply
  • October 17, 2023 at 5:19 pm
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    I dont think you can get rm2.50 nasi lemak anymore especially in Klang Valley. Looks nice but I dont see the sell my favourite nasi lemak paru or kerang.

    Going to check out this place when I go to Penang.

    Reply
    • October 23, 2023 at 2:56 pm
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      Satay: I guess nasi lemak kerang or paru is a bit less popular in Penang.

      Reply
  • October 26, 2023 at 12:09 pm
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    for rm2.50 I can eat six packs is no problem wan, but next year will rise to rm3.50 walau eh

    Reply
    • October 26, 2023 at 5:20 pm
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      kekeke: let’s hope not!

      Reply

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