This Chinese-owned nasi kandar spot is so popular their fried chicken sells out by lunch hour

When it comes to nasi kandar, most people think that there’s no beating the originals in northern peninsular Malaysia. After all, Penang is often cited to be the birthplace of nasi kandar. It is for this reason that many Malaysians travel to Penang and Kedah, hoping to get a taste of the real thing.

Nasi kandar in Puchong?

Thankfully, this may no longer be necessary for Klang Valley residents. Some enterprising northerners have brought their culinary craft down south and now, it’s quite possible to enjoy good old nasi kandar in Puchong of all places. And if you ask any Puchong local where you can enjoy the best nasi kandar, there’s a high chance you will be pointed in the direction of a certain kopitiam.

Welcome to Kok Siong

Image Credit: Yoo Boy on Google Review (Left), Lee TH on Google Review (Right)

Located just a stone’s throw away from Lotus’s Puchong, Kok Siong Nasi Kandar Restaurant resembles any ordinary coffee shop. On closer inspection, you’ll see that it’s no ordinary eatery. For one, there will almost always be a long line of people queueing up at one of the stalls at the back of the restaurant. Of course, this stall is none other than the titular Kok Siong Nasi Kandar.

Meet Mr. Tee

Since 2001, this stall (and kopitiam) has been run by a Chinese uncle named Mr. Tee. He is hard to miss, as he is always seen wearing his trademark bandana. He’s truly a rare Chinese nasi kandar hawker. Though he is a proud Penangite, the nasi kandar he serves is supposedly closer to the sort you find in Kedah rather than Penang. Not that it matters to customers, given the long line waiting to savour his wares.

What to eat?

Image Credit: Jian Lai Zhao on Google Review (Left), Grace Lee on Google Review (Right)

The line moves quickly, so don’t worry too much about waiting. Once you reach the front of the line, there’s a strong chance you will start salivating. Hot curries and fragrant gravies will be filling your view after all. While the offerings at Kok Siong may not be as numerous as your average mamak eatery, the choices here are still solid. These include fried chicken, squid, mutton and salted egg. There are also some dishes of the day which are regularly rotated.

Huge, tasty chicken

Image Credit: Daniel Chan on Google Review (Left), LyC on Google Review (Right)

Of the dishes here, the fried chicken, in particular, tends to sell out the quickest. The portions of chicken are generous, capable of fitting one big mouth or many small mouths. More importantly, though, the chicken is fried to crispy perfection. Each bite of the reddish-brown skin results in a crunch. And underneath that crunch is juicy meat waiting to be savoured. Little wonder why the fried chicken sells out so fast!

Boneless mutton

Image Credit: Siang Boon on Google Review (Left), Eeling Heng on Google Review (Right)

Also worth trying out is the mutton curry, another crowd favourite. Cooked until juicy and tender, Kok Siong’s take on the dish is a truly satisfying one. Helps that the mutton doesn’t come with too many bones, which is an issue you will have at some nasi kandar eateries. Also worth trying out are the squid and the petai. They are an acquired taste, so who knows? Maybe you’ll love them both. Just note that the final price of your nasi kandar with the more dishes you take, so be careful.

Maximum enjoyment

And does it really need to be said how you should enjoy your nasi? Most people here just flood their rice (and papadam) with curry. And for the true nasi kandar experience, toss away that fork and spoon and dig in with your bare hands. Remember to wash them before eating though!