Arief packing the ‘nasi kukus’ for takeaway.
There is a small stall serving a popular east coast speciality dish in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur.
Anok Din Nasi Kukus on Jalan Langkawi has been dishing out fragrant nasi kukus with its signature ayam goreng berempah, rich curry gravy and spicy homemade sambal for over a decade.
“My father started this business when I was about 22 or 23 years old,” said Muhammad Asri Kamarudin, 34.
The stall is now operated by Asri and his younger brother, Muhammad Arief Kamarudin, 32.
Nasi Kukus comprising steamed rice, ‘ayam goreng berempah’, curry gravy, ‘sambal’ and cucumber slices.
A standout dish is the ayam goreng berempah, that’s marinat-ed overnight for well-infused flavours.
“Marinating the chicken a day in advance ensures the seasoning fully penetrates the meat, giving it that extra depth,” said Asri.
The aroma of freshly fried spiced chicken can be detected from afar.
Fried in a wok of hot oil, the chicken is crispy on the outside yet remains juicy inside.
The stall’s sambal is another highlight, made with belacan (shrimp paste) and blended with fresh chillies.
The rice is steamed in individual portions.
The rice, a crucial element of nasi kukus, is always served warm.
“We always lower the heat instead of turning it off completely, so that the rice stays warm.
“This keeps it fresh even when packed for takeaway,” said Arief.
Fresh ingredients are key.
The brothers said they bought fresh supplies daily and prepared everything – from frying the chicken to making the curry gravy and sambal – every morning before the stall opened.
A fresh batch of curry is cooked every morning.
Everything is made fresh and sells out the same day.
A regular customer, Jadia Chang, 60 said: “I live nearby, so whenever I pass by, I always pack for lunch from here.
“I love the sambal most. Its spicy kick goes perfectly with the chicken and rice.”
In the afternoons, there is typically a long queue formed by working professionals and parents picking up their children from school.
A nasi kukus meal only costs RM8, making it an affordable and satisfying meal.
The stall operates from 11am to 5pm daily. It closes once a fortnight on Sundays.
It is usually packed during lunchtime.
Anok Din Nasi Kukus is located on Jalan Langkawi in Taman Teratai Mewah, Kuala Lumpur.
To order, call 011-4054 9833.
The stall will resume business on April 7, after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays.
