KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 — Nasi Kak Wok or nasi Kak Wook traces its origins back to the late Mek Wook Hassan or “Kak Wook” who served her own special version of nasi berlauk at Kampung Lundang, Kota Baru. After she died, her family carried on the business. Due to its popularity, there are many stalls all around Kelantan and even the Klang Valley that have replicated the dish.

Early this year, Kak Wook’s heirs applied for a patent to proclaim that their recipe is the original one. Their outlets in Kelantan can be identified with their logo that features the late Kak Wook’s image. Nasi Kak Wok is a special type of nasi berlauk where fluffy rice is scooped into a brown paper parcel which is doused with a creamy dalca ayam made with chicken pieces, chopped long beans and aubergine. Unlike the typical dalca that uses lentils, this Kelantanese version omits the lentils.

The rice is also topped with bite-sized pieces of ayam goreng kunyit or turmeric fried chicken. Last but not least, the dish is completed with a spoonful of spicy sambal belacan. The simple dish makes a delicious meal that will have you asking for seconds. It’s also priced reasonably, as a basic packet is RM5.

Kedai Nasi JJ Kak Wok, No 50, Jalan Opera J U2/J, Taman TTDI Jaya, Shah Alam. Open: 8.30am to 3pm. Tel: 012-685 7674

One of the most popular places for nasi Kak Wok, it pulls in the crowds who love their super spicy sambal belacan that burns. Unlike other places, their dalca ayam also includes chicken liver. Expect to wait during peak times for your turn to get your meal. Cool down your burning tongue with their bright green air bandung that is made from a green syrup that smells faintly of bananas. They also have another outlet at No. 17, Jalan Kangkung Puteri 24/7, Section 24, Shah Alam.

Nasi Kak Wook Selera Wangsa Maju, 19-1, Jalan Wangsa Delima 2A, Section 5, Wangsa Maju, KL. Open: 8.30am to 5pm. Closed on Fridays. Tel: 019-9558777

Tucked in a quiet corner, the food here definitely lives up to their tagline, “Simply Kelantanlicious.” Their dalca ayam has a rich creamy taste that pairs well with the fluffy rice. Even their ayam goreng kunyit is well marinated and perfectly fried to become juicy tasty nuggets. This is the only place that also offers you vegetables in the form of a cucumber acar. Their sambal belacan tends to be more tangy rather than spicy though which is good news for those who prefer a milder taste. For Ramadan, you can expect Kelantanese specialties such as mee celup, colek buah, colek kerang and pulut mangga. They will be open from 5pm to 1am during Ramadan.

Nasi Cikgu Sue, 36 & 37, Jalan Kolam Ayer, Medan Selera Bunga Tanjung, Ampang, Selangor. Open: 7.30am to 11pm. Closed every third Tuesday of the month. Tel: 019-323 6042

Operated by an ex-teacher, this version of nasi Kak Wok is said to be based on the original recipe, as taught by the late founder. The soft fluffy grains are liberally doused with a creamy dalca ayam with vegetables. They are generous with the super spicy sambal belacan so watch it if you’re not a fan of numbing heat. The pieces of chicken are small and liberally coated with turmeric and deep fried to a deep golden yellow colour. You can also order gulai ikan, hati (liver) fried with dark soy sauce, long beans, green chillies and onions to accompany your rice. On Saturday mornings, there are extra goodies like akok, nasi dagang Terengganu, pulut bakar, crème caramel, roti John and kuih talam. They also have pulut pagi with kacang merah, nasi impit sambal kelapa and perut ayam percik flown in from Kelantan directly. During Ramadan, the stall will be closed and only reopen in July.

Nasi Kak Wook Pantai Dalam, No. 18, Terminal IKS Pantai Dalam-Gasing Indah, KL. Open: 9am to 6pm. Closed on Fridays. Tel: 013-969 3424

Find this small stall at the stretch of temporary buildings erected at the road that leads from Pantai Dalam to Gasing Indah. Their dalca ayam makes a tasty combination with the hot fluffy rice. The ayam goreng kunyit is also well prepared as each small piece is juicy and not over fried. You also can ask for gulai ikan or fried beef slices with your rice. Take note they will be closed from June 1. They reopen on June 11 for Ramadan (4pm to 8pm) and will offer additional items like nasi kerabu in addition to the nasi Kak Wok.

D’Wok Cafe, Lot G-6, Menara U, Jalan Boling Padang 13/62, Section 13, Shah Alam. Open: 9am to 11pm. Closed on Saturdays. Tel: 03-55245073.

Their original outlet is located in Kelantan and they have a total of three outlets in the Klang Valley. This outlet at Menara U is popular with the students from the nearby MSU for its wallet friendly prices. Their branches are located at Jalan Pelabur B/23B, Section 23, Shah Alam and Jalan PJS 9/10, Dataran Sunway Mentari, PJ. There will also be another one opening at USJ Taipan area. Expect to dine on hot fluffy rice liberally doused with a thin but tasty dalca ayam. They are very generous with the ayam goreng kunyit. This place also serves the green coloured frothy drink known as air bandung meletup. For Ramadan, they will open from 4pm to 4am.