Located just opposite a business partner’s office in Petaling Jaya, which we affectionately reduced to PJ, is this gem of a nasi kandar store.
Originating in Penang, nasi kandar has since become one of the northern state’s most popular culinary exports, giving rise to large and successful chains like Pelita and Kayu Nasi Kandar with multiple locations throughout the Klang valley. In addition to chains, smaller, owner-operated spots also exist, like Bilal Nasi Kandar at the PKNS flats in PJ’s Section 17.
Standing over the counter, my gaze was met by a number of delicious options: ayam bawang, piled high with soft, caramelised onions; slices of honeycomb tripe in a thin gravy filled with potatoes and star anise; and my favourite, pregnant sotong, roe filled squid cooking in curry. Three copper vats of kuah or different types of curry provided the main flavours of the nasi kandar.
After some serious consideration, my plate included pregnant sotong (squid) in curry, rendang kambeng (slow cooked lamb in spices), turmeric cabbage, half a salted egg and rice drenched in a generous helping of every type of kuah in a style called kuah campur banjir.
It opened the floodgates to a barrage of flavours. The sotong also proved to be toothsome, moreish little suckers, as opposed to the tough, rubbery version one will often find at inferior places. The lamb was cooked perfectly, not too mushy and not too chewy.
Other dishes like the ayam goreng (deep fried chicken) also stood out, which was remarkably tender for something that’s dry-fried. They have a wet version called ayam bawang (chicken with caramelised onions), which is sweeter because of the onions.
Another delicious dish we had that day was the peria goreng rangup (deep fried bitter gourd). Deceiving simple to make by deep-frying thinly sliced bitter gourd coated in a spiced batter, it is difficult to get it right. I like their version which has only a light coating of spices.
I love how the meal is super authentic. It tasted like home cooked food. The spice and fragrance from the curries went well with the steamed rice. And the variety of dishes available was amazing. Would definitely come back again when I am back in KL.
Bilal Nasi Kandar
No 78, Block J, Flat PKNS, Jalan 17/1a, Seksyen 17, Petaling Jaya
Tel: +60 (012) 907 6801
Visited Jun 2025
0 comments on “Bilal Nasi Kandar @ PJ”