Melbourne, the bustling cosmopolitan capital of Victoria, is renowned for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene. Among the city’s many culinary offerings, Malaysian cuisine has carved a niche for itself, with Nasi Lemak being one of the most beloved dishes. This delicious and comforting meal is a perfect example of Malaysian flavors, featuring aromatic coconut rice, spicy sambal, and an array of delightful side dishes.
In this guide, we present to you the top 10 must-visit spots for the best Nasi Lemak in Melbourne, where you can savor the true essence of this classic Malaysian dish. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey and discover the delicious world of Nasi Lemak!
[ KEY TAKEAWAYS ]
Best Nasi Lemak Melbourne Cbd
- Best #1: Laksa King
- Best #2: Nasi Lemak House
- Best #3: PappaRich
- Best #4: Mamak Melbourne
- Best #5: Sambal Kampung
- Best #6: Nyonya Hut
- Best #7: Malaysia Garden
- Best #8: KL Bunga Raya
- Best #9: Chef Lagenda
- Best #10: Roti Road
What is Nasi Lemak?
Nasi Lemak, which translates to “rich rice,” is Malaysia’s national dish. It’s a hearty meal typically served during breakfast, but it’s also enjoyed throughout the day.
Key ingredients
The star of the dish is rice, cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, giving it a creamy texture and a fragrant aroma. It’s traditionally served with a side of spicy sambal, cucumber slices, deep-fried anchovies, peanuts, and a hard-boiled or fried egg.
Variations
Nasi Lemak’s popularity has resulted in numerous variations. Some establishments serve it with additional proteins like chicken, beef, or fish, while others experiment with unconventional ingredients, creating a fusion of flavors.
Top 10 Nasi Lemak Spots in Melbourne Cbd
1) Best Nasi Lemak Melbourne #1: Laksa King
Laksa King Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant located in Melbourne, Australia. It specializes in Malaysian cuisine, offering a wide range of dishes from the country’s traditional recipes. The restaurant serves a variety of laksas, including the signature Asam Laksa, as well as other traditional dishes such as Nasi Lemak and rendang.
Location, Contact & Website URL
- Address: 6-12 Pin Oak Crescent, Flemington, 3031 Victoria
- Contact: (03) 9372 6383
- Website URL: https://www.laksaking.com.au
Signature Dish
The signature dish of Laksa King Restaurant is their Asam Laksa. This unique dish is a tangy and spicy soup, served with noodles topped with fish, shrimp, and other seafood. It is a rich and flavorful soup that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
2) Best Nasi Lemak Melbourne #2: Nasi Lemak House
Nasi Lemak House in Melbourne serves authentic Malaysian cuisine, specializing in Nasi Lemak a flavorful dish with coconut rice, spicy sambal, anchovies, peanuts, and various protein options.
Location, Contact & Website URL
- Address: 115 Grattan St Carlton 3053 Victoria
- Contact: (03) 9348 4900
- Website URL: https://nasilemakhouse.com.au/
Signature Dish
The signature dish at Nasi Lemak House in Melbourne is their signature Nasi Lemak, which is a Malaysian-style rice dish made with fragrant coconut milk, and pandan leaves, and topped with a fried egg, anchovies, dried shrimp, peanuts, cucumber, and special house-made sambal.
3) Best Nasi Lemak Melbourne #3: PappaRich
PappaRich in Melbourne offers a diverse Malaysian menu, featuring their popular Nasi Lemak with fragrant coconut rice, spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, peanuts, and a choice of proteins like curry chicken or beef rendang.
Location, Contact & Website URL
- Address: PappaRich has several locations across Melbourne, with one at QV Centre, Level 2, Shop 11, 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
- Contact Number: (03) 9654 2682.
- Website URL: https://www.papparich.net.au/
Signature Dish
PappaRich’s Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken is a crowd-pleaser. The fried chicken is crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside, and the coconut rice is cooked to perfection. The sambal, anchovies, and peanuts add an array of textures and flavors to the dish.
4) Best Nasi Lemak Melbourne #4: Mamak Melbourne
Mamak Melbourne serves delicious Malaysian street food, including their Nasi Lemak with aromatic coconut rice, spicy sambal, and a choice of proteins like curry chicken, enhancing the classic dish with a rich, flavorful twist.
Location, Contact & Website URL
- Address: 366 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Contact: (03) 9670 3137
- Website URL: https://www.mamak.com.au/
Signature Dish
Mamak Melbourne’s signature dish is their Roti Canai, a flaky and crispy Malaysian flatbread served with a side of curry dipping sauce. Although their Nasi Lemak is also a popular choice, the Roti Canai stands out as their most well-known offering, drawing crowds for its delicious taste and authentic preparation.
5) Best Nasi Lemak Melbourne #5: Sambal Kampung
Sambal Kampung in Melbourne is a cozy Malaysian restaurant, known for its classic Nasi Lemak with fragrant coconut rice, spicy sambal, and traditional side dishes, offering a comforting taste of home-cooked Malaysian cuisine.
Location, Contact & Website URL
- Address: 234 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Contact: (03) 9663 2666
- Website URL: https://www.sambalkampung.com.au/
Signature Dish
The signature dish is their Classic Nasi Lemak. This traditional Malaysian dish features fragrant coconut rice, spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, peanuts, and a choice of proteins, such as chicken, beef, or fish. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a popular and satisfying choice for patrons seeking authentic Malaysian cuisine.
6) Best Nasi Lemak Melbourne #6: Nyonya Hut
Nyonya Hut in Melbourne offers a blend of Malaysian and Chinese cuisine, featuring a warm, inviting atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes like their signature Curry Fish Head.
Location, Contact & Website URL
- Address: 209 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
- Contact Number: (03) 9888 7866
- Website: NyonyaHut Facebook
Signature Dish
The signature dish is their Curry Fish Head. This flavorful and aromatic dish combines a rich, spicy curry sauce with tender fish head, vegetables, and herbs, creating a delightful dining experience that showcases the unique blend of Malaysian and Chinese flavors.
7) Best Nasi Lemak Melbourne #7: Malaysia Garden
Malaysia Garden is at 319 Clayton Rd, Clayton VIC 3168. They offer a traditional Nasi Lemak, complete with fragrant coconut rice and a variety of side dishes.
Location, Contact & Website URL
- Address: 319 Clayton Rd, Clayton VIC 3168
- Contact Number: 03) 9544 7865
- Website: https://www.malaysiagarden.com.au/
Signature Dish
The signature dish is their Nasi Lemak with Sambal Prawns. This popular Malaysian dish features fragrant coconut rice, spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, peanuts, and succulent sambal prawns, providing a delicious combination of flavors and textures that showcase the best of Malaysian cuisine.
8) Best Nasi Lemak Melbourne #8: KL Bunga Raya
KL Bunga Raya Restaurant in Melbourne serves a delightful variety of Malaysian and Chinese dishes, with a focus on providing diners with an authentic and flavorful experience.
Location, Contact & Website URL
- Address: 94 Hopkins St, Footscray VIC 3011
- Contact Number: (03) 9689 3004
- Website: https://klbungaraya.com.au/
Signature Dish
The signature dish is their Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken. This tasty Malaysian dish features aromatic coconut rice, spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, peanuts, and a mouthwatering fried chicken, offering a satisfying and flavorsome meal that highlights the unique combination of Malaysian and Chinese influences.
9) Best Nasi Lemak Melbourne #9: Chef Lagenda
Chef Lagenda in Melbourne offers a delectable selection of Malaysian dishes, including Nasi Lemak, in a cozy atmosphere. Their diverse menu and warm service ensure a satisfying dining experience for all.
Location, Contact & Website URL
- Address #1: WOODLEA TOWN CENTRE, 1 Lim Way, Aintree VIC 3336
- Contact Number: (03) 8358 5389
- Address #2: DEER PARK, Shop 9&10, 835A Ballarat Rd, Deer Park VIC 3023
- Contact Number: (03) 8099 8511
- Website: https://albeeskitchen.com.au/
Signature Dish
The signature dish at Chef Lagenda is their Hainanese Chicken Rice. This classic Malaysian dish features tender and succulent poached chicken, served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, and accompanied by a flavorful chili sauce. While they also offer delicious Nasi Lemak, the Hainanese Chicken Rice remains a popular choice among patrons for its authentic taste and comforting appeal.
10) Best Nasi Lemak Melbourne #10: Roti Road
Roti Road Restaurant in Melbourne offers a variety of Malaysian and Chinese dishes, focusing on creating a vibrant dining experience with a menu that showcases both classic and innovative flavors.
Location, Contact & Website URL
- Address: Shop 1506, Level 1, 200 Rosamond RD Maribyrnong, VIC 3032
- Contact Number: (03) 9317 4293
- Website: https://www.rotiroad.com.au/
Signature Dish
The signature dish is their Nasi Lemak with Curry Lamb. This scrumptious Malaysian dish features aromatic coconut rice, spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, peanuts, and a tender, flavorful curry lamb. This combination of tastes and textures highlights the best of Malaysian cuisine and offers a satisfying dining experience for patrons.
How to Choose the Best Nasi Lemak
When selecting the best Nasi Lemak, consider the following factors:
- Rice quality: The rice should be fragrant, fluffy, and infused with coconut milk and pandan aroma.
- Sambal: The sambal should be well-balanced, offering a combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
- Side dishes: The side dishes should be fresh and flavorful, complementing the overall dish.
- Protein options: If you prefer a specific protein, choose a place that offers your preferred choice, such as chicken, beef, or fish.
- Authenticity: Opt for eateries that pride themselves on delivering authentic Malaysian flavors.
Conclusion
Melbourne is home to a variety of restaurants offering delicious Nasi Lemak, each with its unique twist. From Selera Malaysian Cafe to PappaRich, these top 5 spots are sure to satisfy your cravings. Use our guide to help you choose the best Nasi Lemak experience, and indulge in the rich, fragrant flavors of this Malaysian favorite.
