Tucked under the literal big rain tree on Persiaran Mergastua, Kepong Baru, Gerai Big Tree Head Mamak (locally known as 大树头嘛嘛档) has been a Kepong supper institution for decades.
It’s not a nasi lemak specialist in the Kampung Baru sense — it’s a full-blown mamak with pasembur, roti canai, murtabak, and mee goreng — but the draw is clear: fragrant nasi lemak crowned with a whole freshly-fried chicken leg, served with not one but two types of sambal.
On weekends the sea of red plastic tables spills onto the roadside; come 10:00 pm it’s pure KL lepak energy.
Big Tree Head Mamak is a well-loved choice among folks living in and around Kepong.
The nasi lemak itself is pretty decent – the regular condiments topped with fried egg – but what makes this a winning dish is its signature fried chicken.
The crispy fried chicken is worth breaking your calorie count for – the perfect addition to your nasi lemak.
First Impressions & Ambience
This is classic open-air mamak territory — zinc roofing, harsh fluorescent lights, stacks of stainless steel containers, and the constant clatter of woks and blender ice.
The nasi lemak/rice counter is separate from the roti and drinks section; you order nasi lemak at the glass display, collect your plate, then grab drinks separately.
It gets packed from 8:00 pm onward, especially Friday–Sunday. Service is fast and brusque in true mamak fashion.
Seating is first-come; sharing tables with strangers is normal during peak hours. Cash preferred, though Touch ‘n Go e-wallet is accepted at most counters now.
The Nasi Lemak
Mild Coconut, Crispy Leg Takes Centre Stage
Big Tree Head’s coconut rice is mildly santan-forward — less rich than Wanjo’s and less fluffy-separate than Bumbung PJ’s.
The grains are soft, faintly pandan-scented, and intentionally understated so the lauk and sambal do the heavy lifting.
A standard plate (RM6.50 – RM8.00, chicken leg version RM11 – RM13) comes with a sunny-side-up (telur mata), cucumber, ikan bilis, and peanuts.
The rice portion is modest — this is designed to be eaten with that glorious fried chicken leg, not as a standalone hero.
The Twin Sambal
Sweet-Onion & Salty-Dry
What sets Big Tree Head apart is the two-sambal setup:
Loosely textured, onion-shallot-forward with a mild chilli kick and a definite sweetness — similar in spirit to Bumbung PJ’s but slightly fruitier.
The combination is the point — you alternate between sweet-savoury on the rice and salty-pungent on the chicken skin.
Sambal portions are modest (regulars know to ask for extra of the wet one!), but the duality is genuinely thoughtful and uncommon at most nasi lemak stalls.
The Star
Whole-Leg Ayam Goreng
The whole chicken leg (ayam goreng berempah-style, no thick flour coating) is the main event — marinated in a mild spice blend (cumin, coriander, a whisper of fennel), then deep-fried to order in a high-turnover wok.
The skin is shatter-crisp without being greasy; the thigh meat stays juicy.
It’s not Village Park’s turmeric-only style — it’s more of a mamak rempah fry with a thinner, crunchier crust.
You can also order a smaller drumstick piece (RM8–RM9) if a whole leg feels too much, but most go for the full leg.
Freshly fried = best; avoid the tail-end-of-the-night batch if the wok’s been idle.
Other Things Worth Ordering
Prawn fritters (cucur udang), fried tofu, potato, bean sprouts, all doused in a thick, nutty peanut sauce with a chilli kick.
Standard mamak canai — thin, flaky, good tear-ability.
Location & Hours
Gerai Big Tree Head Mamak (大树头嘛嘛档) at Persiaran Mergastua, Kepong Baru — a legendary late-night mamak famous for its nasi lemak with whole-leg fried chicken and twin sambals.
| Big Tree Head Mamak | |
|---|---|
| Persiaran Mergastua, Kepong Baru, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. Google map | |
| 3:30 pm – 3:00 am | |
Practical Tips:
• Look for the giant lit rain tree and sea of red tables.
• Parking: Roadside along Persiaran Mergastua fills fast; evenings can be tricky. Many park slightly further down toward the Kepong Baru commercial row or Grab in. Takeaway has a separate counter.
• Pro Tip: Go 4:30 – 6:30 pm for a quieter first seating, or after 11:00 pm once the initial supper rush settles. Friday/Saturday = expect a wait.
Verdict
Gerai Big Tree Head Mamak isn’t trying to be a heritage nasi lemak purveyor — it’s a Kepong late-night lepak landmark that happens to serve a very moreish nasi lemak + whole-leg ayam goreng combo anchored by its clever twin-sambal system.
The rice is secondary; the fried chicken is the star.
If you’re in Kepong after dark and craving that crisp-skin, mild-rempah chicken with sweet-and-salty sambal contrasts — plus the full mamak pasembur-roti-mee goreng spread — this is the spot.
Come hungry, bring friends, and don’t skip the extra wet sambal.
⭐ Rating: 3.9 / 5 — Best for: Kepong supper runs, fried chicken nasi lemak fans, mamak lepak sessions with friends.
