Drop by Kedai Nasi Lebih Afdal in Ampang for a budget-friendly meal drenched in ‘gulai’ and paired with juicy fried chicken, wafer thin ‘paru goreng’ and more

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — A budget-friendly meal at Kedai Nasi Lebih Afdal in Ampang offers a delicious blend of 'gulai' and juicy fried chicken, paired with wafer-thin fried cow lung and other extras. Wrapped in a brown paper parcel, this simple yet satisfying dish is a fusion of nasi berlauk, nasi kukus, and even nasi Sumatera. The rice, sourced from Thailand, is steamed until each grain is separate and fluffy, absorbing the flavors of turmeric, which gives it a golden hue.

The food truck's frying station remains busy during lunch, serving up piping hot fried chicken and 'paru goreng' straight from the wok. Rather than being drowned in a heavy batter, the chicken is lightly marinated, allowing its natural flavor to shine. For the main protein, Kedai Nasi Lebih Afdal uses ayam dara, a spring chicken that hasn't laid eggs, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

To enhance the meal, diners can add crunchy pieces of deep-fried cow lung or 'paru goreng', which resemble fish crackers. Another popular option is the beef stir-fry, known as daging goreng or daging berlengas in Kelantan, featuring cubes of beef stir-fried with chillies, onions, and a mix of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and kicap manis. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Accompanying the chicken and beef are various 'gulai' options, such as 'gulai ikan masin', 'gulai daging kerutuk', and 'gulai kopeh'. The latter consists of soft chicken feet, where the cartilage and meat barely hold together, adding an interesting texture to the dish. The rice is then drenched in these different 'gulai', creating a flavorful and aromatic meal.

With a range of add-ons available, diners can customize their meal according to their preferences. The food truck operates two queues: one for takeaways and another for dine-in, so it's essential to pick the correct one. The meal, which includes a fried chicken leg, daging goreng, and even 'gulai kopeh' with chicken feet, costs around RM15.

The food truck is parked in front of Santai @ Ampang Point, an open space with wooden benches and tables for those who prefer to dine in. This popular spot in Ampang Point is open from 10.30am to 3pm, closed on Sundays, and can be found at 6, Jalan Memanda 2, Taman Dato Ahmad Razali, Ampang. For more food gems, follow Kedai Nasi Lebih Afdal on Instagram @nasi_afdal.