Capital Nasi Dagang Kelantan • Damansara Utama — Restaurant in Petaling Jaya

Food Review: Hidden Gem for Nasi Dagang Lovers

This small family-run eatery has been quietly serving authentic flavors for over 12 years, and while it may not be well-known to the masses, it offers a unique culinary experience for those who stumble upon it. Known for its fresh sauces flown in daily from the East Coast, this spot delivers a taste that stands out, despite a few areas for improvement.

Atmosphere: ★★★☆☆

The furniture is simple but well-arranged, giving the restaurant a cozy, casual feel. However, the lack of air conditioning makes it a bit uncomfortable during warmer days, especially in the afternoon. While it’s a decent place to enjoy a meal, a cooler environment would enhance the experience significantly.

Service: ★★★☆☆

Service is friendly and efficient, with the husband-and-wife duo and their children managing everything smoothly. Orders are taken promptly, and food is served fairly quickly. However, with such a small team, the service could potentially lag during peak hours.

Food: ★★★★☆

The highlight of the meal is undoubtedly their Nasi Dagang, which is a must-try. The rice is perfectly cooked, aromatic, and infused with spices that pair exceptionally well with the sauce. The sauce itself, flown in fresh daily, is rich, flavorful, and elevates the dish to near perfection. My favorite combination is the fish and beef, where the fish is tender and fresh, and the beef is well-seasoned and succulent.

However, the portions are relatively small for the price, which might leave big eaters feeling unsatisfied. That said, the quality and taste of the food make up for the smaller serving sizes.

Parking: ★☆☆☆☆

Parking is the biggest downside of visiting this spot. It’s almost impossible to find a space nearby, making it a frustrating experience for diners. A viable alternative is parking at Starling Mall across the street, though it adds some inconvenience.

Will I Come Again?

Yes, I would return for the distinct flavors and fresh ingredients. The Nasi Dagang is a dish worth coming back for, especially for casual food lovers who appreciate authentic East Coast flavors.

Ideal Time to Visit

Visit during off-peak hours, either mid-morning or late afternoon, to avoid crowds and minimize the struggle with parking.

Legend

• ★☆☆☆☆ = Bad • ★★★☆☆ = Average • ★★★★★ = Excellent

Alternative Recommendation (★★★★★) For a similar yet more convenient experience, try Kampung Kravers at Starling Mall. They serve equally authentic East Coast-inspired dishes in a more comfortable, air-conditioned setting, with ample...

Love and crave for this authentic Kelantanese cuisine, Capital Nasi Dagang is the place to be at Damansara Utama Uptown, near to Starling mall.

We ate their Nasi Dagang Fish and Beef combo (served with acar and egg) along with some delicious Keropok Lekor. We pair our Nasi Dagang with a refreshing Ice Coffee and Sirap Limau.

The flavors were truly authentic kelantanese style, transporting us to the streets of Kelantan with every bite. The Nasi Dagang was cooked to perfection with aromatic coconut rice smell, with tender fish and beef complementing the fragrant rice beautifully.

We added Keropok Lekor, wait time around 10 minutes as they only fry it upon order. Lekor was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, a delightful snack bursting with flavor dip into the sambal sauce. But is abit overcooked so it was hard a little.

The Ice Coffee and Sirap Limau were the perfect accompaniments, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory dishes. The bitter sweet taste of both drinks go well with the nasi dagang rice/curry.

Overall, Capital Nasi Dagang offers a genuine taste of Kelantan, with each dish bursting with flavor and authenticity. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Kelantanese cuisine.

Parking is easy plenty on weekend but will be challenging on weekday.

The environment is clean...

Of many nasi dagang places that I'd tried, I conveniently forget about Capital Nasi Dagang in Uptown which is so much closer to home. I vaguely remember eating it n-years ago but that was it. Until I was in the area and suddenly craved for the famous export of Terengganu.

It is important to take note that this is the Kelantanese version and owned by a friendly family members who each has their own roles in the restaurant.

Expect Kelantanese fares such as nasi kerabu, nasi lemak, laksam, and various gulai, kari + rendang to provide heavily laden carbs in the morning.

I tapao-ed their famous nasi dagang with gulai ikan tongkol. Their nasi is white and red in colour, 100% Kelantanese style... Came with a big piece of ikan tongkol (I requested for one extra fish portion at extra cost) - should have asked for more gravy. What I like about them is the fact that they gave a piece of ikan masin - uncommon sight - that was oh-so-good and a dollop of spicy sambal on the side. Acar + boiled egg completed the package.

My verdict? Good...