Coupled with the long queue of hungry customers snaking down the pavement outside, you’ll know for sure that this is where you can tuck up into some seriously good nasi lemak this side of Petaling Jaya.
The restaurant was opened by Shamil Ngoh Abdullah, a Singaporean, with his Terengganu-born wife, Aishah Chong, in 2002. And the couple have been going strong for over two decades now, having earned the praise of customers who keep coming back for more of the good stuff.
Taking gastronomical inspiration from Malaysia’s rural villages, the restaurant serves truly authentic local fare at reasonable prices.
FMT was there recently, and even on a weekday afternoon, the restaurant was packed. One can only imagine what it’s like on weekends.
Despite how busy the restaurant is, service here is surprisingly efficient, with staff quick to seat you and to provide you with the menu.
While waiting for your meal, you’ll likely notice the newspaper cuttings on the wall, a grand testimony of the number of times this restaurant has been featured in the media.
There are also several photographs of famous personalities who have eaten here from politicians to athletes and actors; something to be proud of for sure!
Admittedly, this restaurant is not the place to chat with friends for hours on end considering the long line of customers waiting for a table. Nor is it a place to work on your laptop. In fact, a sign posted on the wall actually states that this is not allowed.
Now, what about the food? Is the nasi lemak here worth the hype that surrounds it? In one word, ‘yes’.
The generous portions are likely the first point in favour of Village Park’s nasi lemak, making the meal a visually satisfying one.
Most customers sing praises of the ayam goreng berempah which is simply spicy fried chicken – and here’s why. The crispy deep-fried chicken coated in a layer of spiced marinade, is served piping hot and fresh from the fryer on a regular basis.
Given that some nasi lemak stalls serve menial portions, it is a lovely change to have a whole chicken thigh to enjoy by oneself.
The rice itself was a delight to savour – fluffy yet firm, fragrant and with a rich coconut milk flavour, a sign of a good nasi lemak if ever there was one.
The sambal however is more sweet than spicy, as many folks prefer it this way. And if you crave red meat over poultry, their beef rendang makes for a solid choice in its own right.
With tender and juicy meat coated in a savoury and sweet gravy, rest assured that you will be enjoying every mouthful of your meaty treat.
As for refreshments, there’s the restaurant’s teh tarik and kopi tarik, but the kedondong juice is also said to be a must-try.
It seems like despite being in operation for over two decades, the restaurant still hasn’t dropped the ball in terms of service and quality.
Thus, should you be hankering for a hearty meal of nasi lemak for either breakfast, lunch or at tea-time, Village Park is still the best place to go.
Village Park Restaurant
5, Jalan SS 21/37
Damansara Utama
47400 Petaling Jaya
Business hours: 6.30am–5.30pm daily
Contact: 012-273 8438
Delivery: Grab