When it comes to lunch or dinner, everyone has their own idea of the perfect meal. Some love a hearty plate of rice drenched in thick, flavorful gravies, paired with an assortment of side dishes—a staple for many Malaysians. But then, there are those of us who prefer something simpler yet just as satisfying. A meal where the flavors stand on their own, without being drowned in excessive gravy.

I fall into the second category. I’ve never been a fan of overly soggy rice, and I usually keep it simple—a dash of soy sauce with sambal, fresh ulam or vegetables, and crispy fried fish or chicken. That, to me, is the perfect meal—light, clean, and comforting. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll understand the joy of finding a place that serves this type of meal perfectly.

That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with D’Warung Bawal. This humble restaurant has quickly become one of my go-to lunch spots, and I can’t wait to tell you why.

What’s on the Menu?

If you’re expecting a wide range of dishes, this is not the place for you. D’Warung Bawal specializes in a simple yet fulfilling set meal:

✅ Rice with a choice of fried fish or fried chicken
✅ Fish options include Bawal (Pomfret), Tilapia, and Ikan Keli (Catfish)
✅ Accompanied by a side of curry, sambal belacan, kicap bawang (onion soy sauce), and fresh vegetables like raw cabbage and lettuce.

I personally love Tilapia, and the way they prepare it is spot on! The fish is fried fresh upon order, ensuring a crispy outside and juicy inside. The marination with salt and turmeric enhances its flavor, keeping it simple yet delicious.

The curry is light, not too overpowering, complementing the fried fish rather than dominating the plate. The sambal belacan has the right level of spiciness—manageable even for those who don’t handle heat well. Another highlight is the kicap bawang, a mixture of chopped onions and bird’s eye chilli in soy sauce, which adds an extra punch of flavor.

The only thing I wish for? A bigger portion of sambal belacan and kicap bawang! They’re just too good to run out of so quickly. But thankfully, you can top up the sambal for free!

The Ambience & Location

D’Warung Bawal is located in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, slightly perched on a hill, which makes it a bit tricky to find if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Even after visiting multiple times, I still rely on Google Maps to navigate my way there!

The restaurant has a casual, warung-style setup, with a charming kampung vibe making it an ideal spot for a simple, fuss-free lunch.

Service is fast and efficient, and since the menu is straightforward, you don’t have to wait long for your meal. Everything is cooked fresh, and you can tell they focus on quality rather than variety.

Price & Value for Money

For a meal this satisfying, the price is surprisingly affordable. Depending on your choice of fish or chicken, the price ranges from RM10 to RM20 per set (prices may vary over time). Considering the freshness of the ingredients and the quality of the cooking, it’s a great deal for a hearty, homemade-style meal.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely! D’Warung Bawal proves that you don’t need an extensive menu to serve great food. With a well-cooked, perfectly seasoned fried fish, a simple yet flavorful sambal and curry, and the comforting taste of rice, this is truly a place I could eat at every day.

If you’re in Bandar Baru Bangi and craving a delicious plate of crispy fried fish with rice, give this place a try. 

Would I return?

No doubt about it. Again and again.

X, Auri.