Tucked into Taman Greenwood along Jalan Batu Caves, Nasi Lemak Ujang Corner has quietly built a cult following among Selangor and KL folks who take their nasi lemak seriously.
With roots going back over 30 years, this unassuming corner stall — recently operating out of a slightly bigger, brighter premises just metres from its original spot — serves what many locals swear is among the best nasik lemak kukus in Gombak.
It serves undeniably the best nasi lemak in Kuala Lumpur and its nasi lemak sotong variant is a must-order.
This restaurant serves nasi lemak kukus, which results in fluffy and robustly scented rice that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments such as sambal, rendang, and curries. One speicial thing is that the sambal is cooked longer than usual, resulting in a stronger umami flavour.
First Impressions & Ambience
Don’t come expecting café aesthetics.
This is a quintessential Malaysian mamak-style nasi lemak corne — plastic chairs, banana-leaf-lined plates, and the rhythmic clatter of steel ladles hitting woks.
It gets busy fast, especially on weekend mornings and again at dinner when the supper crowd rolls in.
The new-ish premises are cleaner and better lit than the old roadside setup, though ventilation can still be a challenge during peak hours. Service at the lauk counter is brisk and efficient; drinks occasionally lag when it’s packed.
The Rice
Nasi Lemak Kukus Done Right
Ujang Corner’s signature is its nasik lemak kukus — coconut rice that’s steamed (kukus) rather than simply simmered.
The result is noticeably fluffier and less greasy than the average version, with distinct grains that still carry a pronounced pandan-coconut aroma.
It’s not overly rich or heavy-handed with santan, which lets the accompanying sambal and sides shine rather than compete.
Portions are generous for the price point (typically RM7 – RM10 depending on your lauk choices).
The Sambal
The Star of the Show
Ask any regular and they’ll tell you: the sambal is what keeps them coming back.
Slow-cooked to develop depth, it leans towards a sambal bawang style — more savoury-umami than cloyingly sweet, with a moderate kick of heat that builds gradually rather than overwhelming on first bite.
It’s dark, slightly caramelised, and coats the rice beautifully.
Some first-timers expecting a bright-red, sugar-sweet KL-style sambal find it earthier and less sweet — but fans of the old-school homemade style usually love it.
You can (and should) ask for extra sambal, which regulars routinely do.
Lauk Pilihan (Side Dishes)
The Sambal Sotong is the undisputed crowd favourite — tender squid rings in that same dark, umami-rich sambal that soaks deliciously into the rice.
The Rendang Daging, while not melt-in-your-mouth soft for everyone (some batches have a bit more chew), is deeply spiced with a good crust of reduced coconut-spice gravy.
The Ayam Goreng Berempah is crisp-edged with a faint turmeric-coriander note, though portion size has drawn occasional comment for shrinking slightly in recent years.
Other solid picks include Paru Goreng (crispy beef lung—go early, often sold out by 10am), Telur Mata/Pecah, and the house Bergedil (potato fritter), which is golden and fluffy and well worth the RM2 add-on.
A half-boiled egg, crunchy ikan bilis, roasted peanuts, and cool cucumber slices complete the classic base plate—simple, unfussy, and balanced.
Surprisingly, Ujang Corner also puts out a decent Mee Kolok Daging and occasionally curry mee or soto on rotation — handy if you’re dining with someone who “doesn’t feel like rice.” Teh tarik is standard kopitiam fare; ask for kurang manis and they’ll accommodate.
Location & Hours
Nasi Lemak Ujang Corner at Taman Greenwood, Batu Caves (Gombak/Selangor side) — a long-standing local favourite that’s been serving nasi lemak kukus for decades.
| Nasi Lemak Ujang Corner | |
|---|---|
| Lot 19080 Jalan 1, Taman, Taman Greenwood, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor. Google map | |
| 017-333 7791 | |
|
3:00 pm – 12:00 am (Monday) 8:00 am – 12:00 am (Tuesday – Saturday) 8:00 am – 01:00 pm (Sunday) |
|
Practical Tips:
- Parking: Limited in the immediate vicinity; evenings can be tricky—consider coming slightly off-peak or parking a short walk away.
- Go early if you want paru or the freshest lauk selection; popular items do sell out.
- Cash is king, though some terminals accept QR payments.
Verdict
Nasi Lemak Ujang Corner won’t win fine-dining points, nor does it try to.
What it delivers is an honest, deeply satisfying plate of old-school nasi lemak kukus with a standout sambal that punches above its price tag.
If you appreciate fragrant coconut rice, slow-cooked sambal with character, and the chaotic charm of a beloved neighbourhood institution, this Greenwood stalwart absolutely earns its reputation.
Come hungry, come early — and don’t forget to ask for extra sambal.
⭐ Rating: 4.2 / 5 — Best for: nasi lemak purists, supper runs, weekend breakfast jaunts.
