Nasi Lemak Ikan Sembilang at Lenggeng

Weekends call for early morning rides into the mountains, so this time I'm headed to Lenggeng in Negeri Sembilan. There are plenty of fun, twisty roads with lots of elevation changes going to Kuala Pilah and Kuala Klawang and on to Karak for more intrepid riders. My usual early breakfast spot in the area is Nasi Lemak Ikan Sembilang Lenggeng.

Now the restaurant name is a mouthful but it's a simple setup, consisting of a small shoplot having food in covered trays for DIY service and an adjoining dining area perched right above a small stream. Get your food scooped on to a plate - I always go for nasi lemak with fried fish sambal - and order a drink, find a seat and your drink will be sent to your table.

This is the typical Negeri Sembilan fare of hearty, spicy dishes, although the heat level has been toned down a bit from the nuclear-fireball end of the spectrum. My favorite dishes to go along with the nasi lemak: poached duck egg in a spicy and creamy turmeric-tinged masak lemak sauce, bamboo shoots in the same sauce, and ikan sembilang or fresh river catfish in (here we go again) masak lemak sauce.

There's a small yet tasty selection of Malay kuih, all done in the traditional style. Can't beat the prices here either at RM1 a cup for black sock coffee.

Parking at Nasi Lemak Ikan Sembilang can be a bit of a hassle. Most drivers park their cars along the roadside further down the road from the restaurant. There's a bicycle rack right in front of the dining area for the spandex crowd and there's usually plenty of space for big bikes parked perpendicular to the road. Try to get there early before bike or bicycle gangs take up all the seats.