Ilham Nasi Kukus (Mutiara Damansara)

For just RM6, you can get a very decent meal at this steamed rice specialist. Nasi Kukus is a Kelantanese favourite and it's done to near-perfection at Ilham. Doused in a delicious three-blend gravy, the rice emerges incredibly warm and dense — almost mimicking the texture of glutinous rice without being an overtly heavy dish. It also comes with a large piece of ayam berempah that leaves little to be desired. The hustle and bustle at the shop can be quite unnerving so if it's your first time here, simply stand in line for your turn at a brown paper packet of nasi kukus. Don't forget to also snag a bag of Keropok (fish crackers, RM3) and crush a handful of it over your rice for an extra crunchy, extra yummy effect.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

That crunch factor when you load up a heap of keropok onto steamed rice drenched in thick sauce and fried chicken on the side? That’s the deal here at Ilham which has earned a reputation for dishing up one of the best nasi kukus in town. Meal is cheap, setting you back at just RM6 for a pack of nasi kukus served with tangy pineapple acar, three types of gulai (gulai ikan, gulai darat & kuah kerutup), sambal and ayam goreng. Opt for the keropok (that’s an additional RM3) to complete your meal. What I liked best about this dish is the rice. And while the gulai didn’t soak through the middle, the rice was cooked to my liking; a little wet and a little sticky. I’d close one eye on their skimping of the curry for this 🍚 This and the keropok.
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Service is canteen-style, so queue up for your pack of nasi kukus first then grab a pack of keropok and order your drink, before making your way to the counter for payment.
#Burpple

For a solo dinner, look to Ilham for an enchanting Nasi Kukus (RM6) that will make you glad you have it all to yourself. The bustling locale in Mutiara Damansara sees a constant stream of customers, no doubt here for the steamed rice specialty. Individually steamed in aluminium moulds, the rice is warm, fluffy and generously topped with a three-blend kuah. An earmark of nasi kukus, their flavoursome, concentrated gravy features the use of fish curry, chicken curry and kuah kerutup daging (a Kelantanese coconut-based gravy). Also helping to perfect the combo is refreshing pineapple achar, crispy ikan bilis and a delicious ayam berempah. You will also receive a serving of keropok ikan — look to the regulars who crush these fried fish crackers onto their rice and follow suit! For an extra kick, add their spicy sambal belacan.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Azreel Azhar

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Careful it can burn your mouth (pedas), but yummy.