A READER, Azman Mohidin of Rawang, wrote to me recently asking, “Dear Samo, do you know where I can find a decent stall that serves Nasi Padang in Petaling Jaya?
My brother-in-law is from Canada and wants to taste this rice dish.”
Well Azman, I can name two stalls in the city that offer Nasi Padang.
The first is in Medan Selera Seksyen 14 (GPS N03 06.554, E 101 38.163) in Petaling Jaya.
The stall is a well-known makan place that was established by one Pak Amran more than four decades ago.
You won’t miss this gerai Nasi Padang as it is located at the halal section of Medan Selera.
Highly-recommended is the dendeng masak lemak (beef with coconut cream gravy) and the terung tumis chilli api (brinjal braised with chilli).
I get my fix from Pak Amran’s stall and have been a regular customer since I started working as a journalist in the early 1990s.
What’s good here is a selection of traditional Padang dishes.
The sambal chilli hijau dan merah (green and red chilli sambal) is also a must-try.
Prices are decent, with a complete meal (comprising meat and vegetables) costing RM5 and above.
On the Samo-scale, I would rate Pak Amran’s stall a seven out of 10.
Now, if you want something even better, there’s Mega Ceria Restoran in Taman Maju Jaya, near Kampung Medan, Petaling Jaya.
I was introduced to this makan place by my good friend and trusted makan kaki Zakri “Billy” Baharuddin some years back, and went on to become their repeat customer.
This shop is popular in the neighbourhood and if you head there during lunch hour, you will see a steady stream of customers queuing up for their Nasi Padang.
My favourite dish at Mega Ceria (GPS N 03 04.938, E 101 38.426) is the daging rendang and sambal chilli hijau.
A normal lunch at this makan place would cost about RM6 (meat and vegetables).
Those in big groups can ask to be served nasi hidang (dishes served separately) .
And on the Samo-scale, Mega Ceria would score an 8.5 out of 10.
Well, there you have it, the best Nasi Padang stalls in Petaling Jaya.
Have a safe trip and a good makan!
