City stories: Nasib Lemak at Appu Uncle Curry House

We like people who try their best to elevate Malaysian cuisine to new heights. This fortune-telling nasi lemak from Appu Uncle is one such example. Instead of trying to recreate the nasi lemak in roti canai form or the tried-and-tired nasi lemak ice cream, Appu Uncle decided to insert fortunes into packets of nasi lemak – ie the Malaysian Indian version of a Chinese fortune cookie. Nasib Lemak, as Appu Uncle – who may or may not be a real person – tells us, is the first thing you eat in the morning, so why shouldn’t it be fun to read as well? Eat them and read them, he says.

We bought a few packets of Nasib Lemak one morning and while the nasi could do with a touch more sambal, here’s what we think about our fortunes:



‘When everything’s coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane’ – Appu Uncle
‘First of all, this fortune is a lie – nothing’s working out my way. Also, this is better suited to the cab driver I had earlier today, who drove very dangerously on the wrong lane the entire ride. Thank you for the splitting headache.’ – Ng Su Ann



‘Sometimes a man just needs to get his hands dirty, to finish off that banana leaf’ – Appu Uncle
‘This is actually deeply profound. I shall go to Lebuh Ampang for a banana leaf rice lunch.’ – Joyce Koh



‘Change will not come to those who don’t go to the cashier’ – Appu Uncle
‘What if I ask for the bill instead?’ – Nadia Rosli

Nasib Lemak available from 7am-11.30am; 3pm onwards. For Nasib Lemak deliveries, email appuunclecurryhouse@gmail.com. RM1.90 per packet.