By Dr Rahim Said
Ah, SitiLi — you’ve aged like good sambal: a little spicier, a little more unpredictable, but still the crowd-pleaser we fell in love with back in Bukit Damansara.
I still remember their first tiny outlet, tucked away like a secret known only to those with discerning taste buds and plenty of parking luck. Then came the bigger outlet in the same neighbourhood — a sign of success! But just as we were getting comfortable, the pandemic arrived like an uninvited dinner guest. We thought that was the end.
Fast forward to 2025 — and like a phoenix rising from sambal ashes, SitiLi has returned, this time at the newly minted KLGCC Mall in Bukit Kiara. Same heart, new home.
We showed up for lunch just after the soft launch, hoping to beat the crowd. Silly us. The queue was longer than a government meeting. Even after 1 p.m., the line showed no mercy. Still, we persevered — anything for nasi lemak nostalgia.
The wait time? A “modest” 45 minutes, which turned into nearly an hour. But to their credit, we were warned. My wife ordered their nasi lemak, that national treasure wrapped lovingly in banana leaf — fragrant rice, crunchy anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, rendang beef, and cucumber slices so neat you could frame them. She was delighted. One bite and all was forgiven.
Then came my beef soup — fashionably late and, sadly, heavy-handed on the salt. I had asked for low sodium (doctor’s orders), but it came like the South China Sea at high tide.
The hot barley we ordered for balance turned out to be sugar water with a few barley seeds thrown in for decoration. We ended up diluting it with three glasses of hot water, but it still could’ve qualified for dessert.
Thankfully, the owner — a genuinely gracious soul — came over to apologise, blaming “teething problems” between the order counter and the kitchen. Fair enough. It’s a new setup, and opening week chaos is part of the deal.
Here’s the thing: despite the hiccups, I can’t stay mad at SitiLi. It’s like an old friend who shows up late but still makes you laugh. There’s warmth, nostalgia, and an unmistakable love in what they do. The flavours, when they land right, still carry that familiar home-cooked comfort.
So yes, go. Queue if you must. Bring patience and a sense of humour — both will serve you well. SitiLi is back, and for all its early-day chaos, it’s still a delicious comeback story worth cheering for.
SitiLi @ KLGCC Mall
Lot 3F-10, Third Floor, KLGCC Mall
1 Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, Bukit Kiara
60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Open daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.