PETALING JAYA, March 11 — When Nasi Kukus Ilham opened its outlet in Mutiara Damansara four years ago, it quickly became the go-to stop for the East Coast specialty of steamed rice drenched in three types of curries  and a dose of their super spicy sambal belacan.

It also comes with a topping of tangy pineapple acar, crunchy fried ikan bilis and finger licking fried chicken marinated with herbs.

There are long lines every day at lunch and they also do a brisk takeout business.

Not many know that Nasi Kukus Ilham opened its second outlet just off Jalan 222 in Petaling Jaya late last year.

Here it’s less hustle and bustle.

Follow the order here and patiently wait in the queue for your food.

Parking is also less frantic with ample lots available especially if you arrive early.

Hidden from the main road, the eatery faces a large field with a hall.

The eatery is sticking to its tried and tested method of serving the food canteen-style.

Just queue up for your food at the counter.

As the volume of customers is less compared to the Mutiara Damansara outlet, the fried chicken marinated with their secret herbs blend is prepared in batches. This means you have a higher chance of scoring a piece of freshly fried chicken hot from the wok. 

Grab a packet of fish crackers to go with your rice.

Once you place your order, the steamed rice is knocked out from the aluminium mould. It is liberally doused with three types of curry; chicken, fish and daging kerutup.

A scoop of acar made with cut pineapples gives the whole dish a refreshing lift while crispy fried ikan bilis is for texture.

The five foot way is also placed with tables and chairs.

For those who love their food with a spicy kick, add a dollop of their pungent sambal belacan.

Steamed rice is topped with three kinds of curries, pineapple acar, fried ikan bilis, sambal and paired with a piece of succulent fried chicken.



For RM6, it makes a satisfying lunch or even dinner since the fried chicken is also a generous size.

We suggest you also pick up a packet of aromatic fish crackers from the counter to accompany your rice and it’ll be one happy meal to keep you going during the work day or to kick off your weekend.

The steamed rice is kept warm and only taken out upon your order.

Ilham Nasi Kukus, No. 9, Lorong 51A/227A, Section 51A, Petaling Jaya (next to Petronas Jalan 222). Opens daily: 11.30am to 9pm.