NASI kukus is a popular hawker fare in the east coast of the peninsula.
You can find stalls in Kelantan offering the simple rice dish with spicy fried chicken and the key ingredient that gives it a unique taste is the sambal.
I was introduced to Ilham Nasi Kukus in Mutiara Damansara by Nasurudin Aidid, an old friend of mine whom I had not met for ages.
Together with my makan kaki Billy Baharuddin, we explored the outlet that opens daily for the lunch crowd.
“Eh Sam, you must try this place la! The sambal got so much kick, you will end up sweating, so, better bring a towel along,” said Nasurudin.
After giving it much thought, I decided to try the nasi kukus.
Cheap and good: The ayam goreng berempah served with the nasi kukus.A pack of rice with ayam goreng berempah costs RM5.50 and the customers here would also prefer a glass of air jagung ais (iced corn juice) to go with their meal.
On a scale of one to 10 on the Samo-scale, Ilham’s nasi kukus would score a six.
What I like is the sambal that blends in really well with the rice.
And I did end up sweating buckets after savouring the dish.
Apart from nasi kukus, this makan place also offers Seafood Celup which is served only during Ramadan.
Ilham Nasi Kukus is located off Jalan PJU 7/16A in Mutiara Damansara. Opening hours during the fasting month are from 6pm to 2am.
The GPS coordinates to this shop are: N 03 09 618, E 101 36 163.