Alor Setar’s hot nasi lemak
ASK anyone in Alor Setar where the best Chinese nasi lemak is in town, and you would probably be directed to the Nasi Lemak Ong in Jalan Kampung Perak.
The place, which offers more than 30 types of dishes including a huge tray of ulam, is always packed to the brim during opening hours and it is common to see regulars flocking here for their daily lunch.
Ong Kee Tea, 61, said he has satisfied the taste buds of locals for the past 15 years.
“I started the business after learning to cook nasi lemak from a veteran Indian-Muslim chef at a hotel in Langkawi,” he said.
A strong advocate of eating healthy, Ong doesn’t use coconut milk when preparing his dishes.
“I’ve my own secret recipe. I can maintain the curries and gravies to be thick and spicy even without the coconut milk,’’ he said.
Ong’s Chinese-style nasi lemak is no different from the authentic Malay fare including fried chicken, ayam madu (honey chicken), fried catfish, chicken curry, beef curry, mutton curry and sambal petai.
Apart from white rice, Ong also offers yellow-hued nasi lemak that is cooked with margarine and ginger.
“My wife is my assistant. Both of us wake up by 4am every day to prepare the ingredients and cook the dishes,” said the grandfather of five.
Ong said his third son was now considering quitting his job as an engineer to take over the business.
“I will make sure the nasi lemak business continues because I have regular customers from different races, and I don’t want to let them down,’’ he said.
Spotted enjoying the food with family members was businessman Koh Boon Teong, 47, who would patronise Ong’s stall twice a week.
“There is a variety of spicy dishes to cater to different taste buds,’’ he said, adding that the food was a bit pricey, though.
Penangite Larisa Siah, 30, said she heard about Nasi Lemak Ong from her friends.
“I came here three times before but the stall was closed. Now I get to taste it finally and it is really good and aromatic,” she said.
Nasi Lemak Ong is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm daily except on Wednesdays.
~News courtesy of The Star~
