A longtime roadside favourite, Warung Lejen as built a loyal following around its simple packets of nasi lemak, complete with fragrant coconut rice, sambal, fried ikan bilis and a slice of boiled egg.
Despite rising food costs over the years, the price has remained largely unchanged for nearly three decades.
The person helping make that possible is 72-year-old supplier Othman Che Mat, who has been preparing and delivering packets of nasi lemak to the stall for the past 30 years.
For Othman, who runs the small business with his wife, profit has never been the main motivation. He supplies the nasi lemak to the stall at 40 sen per packet.
“People often ask why the price is so low and whether I make any profit at all. I just smile because honestly, the profit margin is very small,” he said with a laugh.
“If 100 packets are sold, I only make RM40 before deducting costs. And since the stall sells it for 50 sen each, it only makes 10 sen per packet.”
Even so, Othman said he feels satisfied knowing lower-income families can still afford a proper breakfast.
He and his wife start their day at around 3am, cooking rice and preparing sambal, eggs and ikan bilis before wrapping the nasi lemak and delivering it after dawn prayers.
They prepare about 300 packets daily, although weekends can see production rise to as many as 500 packets, most of which sell out.
Two or three years ago, they were producing up to 650 packets a day before more suppliers began operating in the area.
“It’s not a problem; everyone is trying to earn a living,” Othman said, adding: “It’s not much, but I’m grateful our small business is still surviving and providing an income for our family.”
Part of the nasi lemak’s enduring popularity comes down to consistency and care. The sambal is cooked for up to seven hours, while the rice and eggs are carefully prepared to ensure the food stays fresh throughout the day.
By 6am, Warung Lejen is already bustling with plantation workers, rubber tappers, schoolchildren, retirees, and even visitors stopping by on their way to nearby waterfalls and recreational spots.
Warung Lejen owner Ghazali Muda said the humble breakfast has become part of the town’s identity. “For the local community, this 50 sen nasi lemak means much more than just breakfast,” he said.
Regular customer Tanzizi Abd Aziz believes people keep returning not only because the nasi lemak is affordable, but because the taste feels traditional and familiar.
Indeed, for many in Selama, the stall is more than just a place to grab breakfast. In a time of rising prices, it’s a comforting reminder that some things don’t change all that much.