Ol’ Skool Makan #5: Nasi Kandar Zainul -- The OG PJ Favourite

Confession: I came late to the nasi kandar game. Coming from JB, nasi kandar was never really a thing there.

It was only when I came to KL -- first after SPM, and later for my studies in the 90s -- that I discovered the wonder that is nasi kandar. And as far as I can remember, my very first plate was at Zainul Nasi Kandar in PJ. I guess because PJ was a bit of my playground back then. And yes, the place is near the famous PJ A&W.


Most probably, I was introduced to it by a uni mate.

Since then, I’d drop by a couple of times a year, though these days I’ve also found other superb nasi kandar spots like Sithique and Saddam.

So, what’s the deal with Zainul Nasi Kandar? Well, it’s hugely popular with PJ folks and nasi kandar lovers from all over. It’s always packed to the brim, and it’s best to come early for lunch if you want to get all the popular lauks.

The star here is the big-sized ayam goreng. Then there’s the taugeh -- which many might find odd at first, but once you mix it all with their kuah kari campur, everything just works! As they say in nasi kandar world: Suurrrr...

My plate of Zainul Nasi Kandar circa 2018


The stall is owned by Zaitun Zainul and is located at Medan Selera Kompleks C, Jalan Sultan, PJ.

Their nasi kandar uses a recipe passed down through generations, with a blend of spices that has been preserved for decades.

Medan Selera Kompleks C itself has been operating since 1986, housing a variety of stalls serving everything from breakfast to lunch. Its location -- near government offices like the Federal Building, National Registration Department, and PJ Court Complex -- makes it a favourite lunch spot for many.



About Ol' Skool Makan

Ol' Skool Makan is my little tribute to Malaysia’s timeless eateries -- the ones that fed us before hashtags, food apps, and fancy plating. It’s about real food, real people, and memories that still smell like sambal and kopi-O.


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Dapatkan buku 'Kisah Hidup & Budaya Pop Anak Gen-X' di SINI

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