Sri Weld Food Court is a popular food court along Beach Street (Lebuh Pantai). During weekday lunch hours, the place is packed with hungry office-workers who are fortunate to have myriad choices of hawker food. Located directly in front of the food court is Ali Nasi Lemak, a stall selling nasi lemak at very affordable prices. In fact, I should say “price” instead of “prices”.
There are several types of nasi lemak (coconut milk rice) differing in terms of ingredients. Each type is priced at RM1.50 regardless whether it is fish or chicken. It’s a matter of personal choice!
The nasi lemak is neatly wrapped with banana leaves in pyramid shapes. An alphabet written with marker pen is elegantly used to distinguish the type of ingredient. The stall proprietors constantly prepare the food, so the finished packets on the counter are continuously replenished throughout the day.
Perhaps the most “standard” version is the Anchovies & Egg Nasi Lemak (RM1.50). Evidently, the packing is firm and tight, allowing the rice to retain its shape when the banana leaf is removed.
The anchovies are quite plentiful and taste good with the sambal. This packet also includes one-half of boiled egg. The hawker is also generous with the sambal (shrimp paste chili) which loads a strong punch due to its intense spiciness.
As for the Cuttlefish Nasi Lemak (RM1.50), there are two pieces of squid in place of anchovies and egg.
The squid is quite smooth and tender to chew. However, the lack of anchovies makes it somewhat lacking the distinctive saltiness of nasi lemak.
The Ali Nasi Lemak stall operates from 7:00am to 5:00pm. At night, the proprietors operate another stall at the food court next to Fort Cornwallis (Kota Cornwallis).