Nasi Lemak Risotto Takes Bangsar by Storm: The Unmatched Laksa Angel Hair

Nasi Lemak Risotto: A Culinary Sensation

Recently, if you've been following social media, you’ve likely seen the buzz surrounding the new Nasi Lemak Risotto at Roots Bangsar. This dish has sparked quite the debate: some people are thrilled, while others are hesitant about how to rate it. Regardless, the combination of nasi lemak and risotto is not something we see every day. A soupy version of a dish we’re accustomed to might raise some eyebrows.

Interestingly, Roots isn't the first place in Malaysia to experiment with this dish. UpperDeck KL introduced a similar version back in 2022. While that dish resembled risotto more closely, it didn’t quite capture the distinctive flavor of nasi lemak, so this mashup isn't entirely groundbreaking.

Introducing Roots Bangsar

So, what exactly is Roots Bangsar? This eatery has been operating since 2022 and quickly gained a reputation as a vegetarian spot that offers more than just one type of cuisine. The menu is extensive, featuring everything from noodles and rice dishes to pizza and unique experimental options. They also bake their own bread, including sourdough focaccia, and offer homemade sambal and sauces in small jars for you to take home.

What to Order at Roots Bistro?

First and foremost, you must try the Nasi Lemak Risotto (RM32) — the dish everyone seems to be raving about. Honestly, this is the most expensive plate of nasi lemak I've ever paid for, second only to NALE The Nasi Lemak Company. Visually, it’s quite appealing, with a white base and a smooth creamy layer, accented by the signature blue from bunga telang. I suspect they used real rice rather than orzo for this dish. Although it looks soft, the rice grains still have a delightful chew, which I really enjoyed. They probably cooked it risotto-style with coconut milk, allowing it to maintain its creaminess without losing texture.

Upon tasting, the flavor of the coconut milk really shines through. It reminded me of pulut with coconut cream—sweet and rich. The mushroom sambal is also quite robust, albeit a bit sweet for my taste. When paired with the coconut milk, it occasionally feels like a dessert. Quite surprising, but not in a bad way. They used various types of mushrooms for added diversity, and the vegan ikan bilis along with roasted peanuts added a nice crunch to the dish. The egg yolk ties everything together and enhances the creaminess.

So, do I think this dish is delicious? To be honest, yes. It was even better than I expected. Will I come back for it again? Probably not. But it’s definitely a dish you should try at least once before forming an opinion.

The Heart of the Meal: Laksa Angel Hair

My favorite dish at Roots Bangsar has to be the Laksa Angel Hair (RM23). If you know me, you understand I've been enamored with angel hair pasta for a long time. This bowl of laksa is filled with noodles in a thick, creamy laksa broth, clearly tailored to complement the pasta. The broth envelops each noodle without being too heavy or overwhelming, which I appreciate.

The mushrooms in this dish are fantastic. The lion’s mane mushrooms are roasted to a crisp outside, making every bite a visual delight. Dare I say, it’s even better than real chicken. The vegan char siu is also executed very well. Smoky, slightly fatty, and with perfect texture. My companion and I enjoyed this dish so much that we were quite loud about it, causing a nearby gentleman to glance over and order the same thing. Perhaps I have a knack for influencing others!

Return Visits and Other Details

We also tried the Pink Lady (RM22), a mocktail based on sweet potato kombucha. This place specializes in kombucha and even sells bottled versions to take home. This drink leans toward fruity flavors, reminiscent of a berry mix, and the tang of the kombucha isn’t too strong. If you’re not familiar with kombucha, this is a reasonable choice. A cute little detail is that each table receives a complimentary basket of bread accompanied by balsamic vinegar and olive oil. I always appreciate when restaurants do this; it makes the experience feel more generous.

How to Get to Roots?

To find Roots Bistro, just look it up on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cPJeujTFs3Vx17qh7.

Should You Visit Roots Bistro?

Honestly, as a meat lover, I never thought I’d say this, but I truly can’t help but recommend Roots Bangsar. The service is genuinely warm, the food is high quality, and the variety on the menu makes it easy to return and try something new each time. The ambiance doesn’t feel restrictive or overly “healthy” like some other vegetarian restaurants. The only downside? It was a bit warm while I was eating, and I ended up sweating quite a bit, which affected my overall comfort. But aside from that, this is a place I would gladly return to, even as someone who typically leans toward meat.