Ong (right) and Kweh busy preparing takeaway orders for customers at their stall. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Tucked within the bustling ICC Pudu food court in Kuala Lumpur is a stall that draws attention with its bold “Not selling ordinary nasi lemak” motto.
Ann Nasi Lemak, which specialises in non-halal versions of Malaysia’s beloved nasi lemak, started over 20 years ago at Imbi market and has been thriving since moving to ICC Pudu in 2015.
There is a diverse selection of curries with beef, chicken, pork, pig skin and tomato lamb options for customers to personalise their nasi lemak experience, which is reminiscent of the Chinese mixed-rice concept.
In addition to curry favourites are side dishes like petai (stinky beans) with minced pork and dried shrimp, alongside seasonal delights such as cockles.
On weekends, there’s more to savour with specials such as pork rendang, pork ribs rice, glutinous rice and fried chicken rice.
Prices for menu items range from RM7 to RM13, with additional charges for add-ons.
Among the diverse offerings, the flavourful pig skin curry remains popular with customers.
Business owner Yuki Ong said the idea for making pig skin curry was born from a desire to stand out in a competitive market.
“When the business started at Imbi market, we set out to highlight my mother’s signature curries,” said the 36-year-old.
Ann Nasi Lemak is famous for its nasi lemak with pig skin curry.
“However, since another stall was already selling curry noodles, we saw the need for a different niche.
“We chose to offer the classic Malaysian favourite of nasi lemak but gave it our own twist by focusing on non-halal options.
“We initially introduced various curries with meat, and to our surprise pig skin curry quickly became a top pick among our customers and one of our best-selling dishes.”
Ong said Ann Nasi Lemak’s special sambal was prepared daily by her 65-year-old mother Kweh Hian Eng.
“Our sambal, a blend of dried shrimps, belacan and brown onions, is highly sought-after.
“Some customers have asked if they can buy it separately but we sell it to accompany the nasi lemak and is not packaged for sale.
“But we are always willing to provide extra sambal upon request with a customer’s nasi lemak order,” she added.
While Ong runs the stall alone on weekdays, Kweh lends a hand on weekends due to the bigger crowd at ICC Pudu.
“To ensure freshness and considering the perishable nature of curries, my mother stays up all night preparing the food.
“I handle sales during the week so she can rest at home, but she joins me on weekends to assist as there are more people visiting our stall,” she said.
Ann Nasi Lemak is located at G-24 at the ICC Pudu food court in Jalan Kijang, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur.
It operates Wednesdays to Sundays, from 5.30am until stocks run out around 11am.
For details, call 010-706 6089.
