Kukus Stim Habis! at Taman Tun Dr Ismail: Restaurant review

Kukus casts the limelight on Malaysia’s quintessential rice platter, nasi lemak, featuring freshly steamed basmati grains, aromatic with coconut milk and accessorised with all the imperative anchovies, peanuts, fried chicken and water spinach, plus a customisable array of add-ons, from fried and boiled eggs to Kukus’ true secret weapon: Four tasty types of sambal tumis.

Four sambal tumis

Try to sample each of the sambals (RM1 per serving); every one is distinct and delightfully delicious, with well-balanced flavours and rich textures – the spicy tebaboh, savoury la forfo, non-spicy adek and vegetarian mambang with a coconut base.

The sauces play a strong role in elevating the nasi lemak, which in its most basic form is served here with kangkung and timun for RM2.50. Other robust sides include sambal sotong (RM5.50), kari kapitan ayam (RM4.50) and – cockle alert! – sambal kerang (RM6.50).