Nasi lemak is one of Singapore’s national culinary darlings. After all, it never fails to entice us with its aromatic rice steamed with coconut milk, that is often paired with egg, sambal, ikan bilis, and either fish or chicken on the side. We’ve listed down some of the best nasi lemak places in Singapore to fulfil your cravings for the delicious traditional dish.
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If you’re looking for delicious nasi lemak in Orchard, then Kampung Nasi Lemak at Eatalley, Orchardgateway, should be your go-to. Hailing from Kuala Lumpur, Kampung Nasi Lemak is a stall that insists on keeping things old-school. The owner, affectionately known as Fatty, makes the coconut rice in a wooden steamer. This steamer allows aromatics like ginger, pandan leaves and lemongrass to better infuse into the rice for extra fragrance.
Try their signature Nasi Lemak With Ayam Rempah ($9.80), where their lemak rice is topped with ikan bilis, fried peanuts, sliced cucumbers, a sunny-side-up egg, and a piece of fried chicken thigh, AKA ayam rempah. We liked the light crispy skin of the ayam rempah, and the juicy chicken meat within, perfumed with robust notes of shallot and ginger. We especially loved how the lemak rice paired with the belacan-rich sambal. Hot tip: you can even ask for rendang gravy to be drizzled on the rice for no extra charge!
We also recommend getting the Sambal Cockles. This dish—which features larger-than-average cockles stir-fried with onions and a sweet, aromatic chilli sauce—can be hard to find in Singapore. You can add this on to your nasi lemak for $3, or order the ala carte serving, which has more cockles and is perfect for sharing between two diners, for $6.
Address: 277 Orchard Road, #B2-12, Orchardgateway, Singapore 238858
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 9:30pm
Website
Kampung Nasi Lemak is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak is one of the most popular stalls in Changi Village Hawker Centre, and for good reason. Their coconut milk-infused basmati rice pairs exceptionally well with the spicy-sweet sambal that is served on the side. Prices are affordable too, starting from $4 for Set D, which comes with mackerel otah, egg, and ikan bilis, or Set B, with its crispy fish fillet instead of the piquant otah. If price is not a concern, go for Set F ($6), which has juicy chicken drumstick to go with your coconut rice.
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Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak is a halal-certified eatery.
Even though they’re open well into the wee hours of the morning, Boon Lay Power doesn’t disappoint with their fresh ingredients which are kept piping hot. Their chicken wings are a must-try, as these are well-marinated and then deep-fried to crispy, juicy perfection. Their Chicken Set ($4.50) which comes with a chicken wing, fried egg, ikan bilis, sambal and cucumber. Alternatively, you can opt for their jumbo Dulang Set ($28) to share with a plus one. This comes packed with a chicken wing, selar fish, fish fillet, fried egg, and one otah.
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Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak is a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @august.ong
A favourite amongst NSFs and army regulars alike, Chong Pang Nasi Lemak sets itself apart by operating like a cai fan stall. Boasting a wide array of dishes daily, the stall gives its customers full reign over the customisation of the dish. Apart from your usual fried chicken wings and ikan kuning, you can also order other side dishes such as lady’s fingers, long beans, and hashbrowns to go with your meal. Their house-made sambal is also a star ingredient, boasting a sweet and nutty flavour that complements the fragrant coconut rice.
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Chong Pang Nasi Lemak is not a halal-certified eatery.
Ponggol Nasi Lemak has become a household name in Singapore, thanks to their chicken drumsticks that are freshly fried to a crisp. Pair it with their sambal, which has just the right level of spice that is both tolerable and complementary to the overall meal. They also fry their eggs such that only the edges of the whites are browned, leaving the yolk runny. To level up your meal, you can choose to add side dishes like otah, luncheon meat, and stir-fried lady’s fingers.
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Ponggol Nasi Lemak is not a halal-certified eatery.
Selera Rasa makes this dish a lil’ differently from the rest; they use long-grain basmati rice instead of jasmine rice. As a result, their version is light and fluffy, pairing well with the sweet sambal. Prices here begin from $4 for a Regular Meal that comes with basic ingredients such as ikan bilis, egg, coconut rice, cucumber slices, and sambal. If you’re feeling especially hungry, go for their Royal Rumble ($7), which packs a fried chicken wing, ikan kuning, otah, and begedil.
Selera Rasa is a halal-certified eatery.
Located right beside Selera Rasa, No. 1 Adam’s Nasi Lemak’s speciality is its tender and juicy mutton rendang, which comes in a thick and sweet gravy. You can savour the mutton rendang as part of Adam’s Special ($7), where you’ll also find deep-fried chicken wings, begedil, fried egg, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber slices, and sambal. There’s also the Sutra Special ($6), which swaps the mutton rendang out for chunky otah.
No. 1 Adam’s Nasi Lemak is a halal-certified eatery.
The Coconut Club offers their Signature Ayam Goreng Berempah Nasi Lemak at $18++. Don’t let the price deter you from trying out this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant though, as they’re generous with their serving portions and fry up their chicken thighs to tender, juicy perfection. The rice is a winner, as it’s cooked with special coconut milk that gives it a delicate aroma. Round off your meal with a serving of their Chendol ($9++), which strikes a fine balance between the creaminess of the coconut milk and the sweetness of the gula melaka.
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The Coconut Club is not a halal-certified eatery.
The lady boss of Bali Nasi Lemak, Ms Susan Koh, has been serving this beloved dish for more than 30 years. She was also featured on Channel 8’s Tuesday Report for her tireless work. Here, the nasi lemak toppings are displayed in an array of trays like a cai fan stall, so you can choose to add as many as you like! You can swap out the classic egg and ikan kuning combo for their signature dishes such as Kecap Manis Chicken Wing ($2), Sambal Petai ($3) or Curry Chicken (from $2.50).
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Bali Nasi Lemak is not a halal-certified eatery.
Mention Fong Seng Nasi Lemak at Clementi, and chances are most NUS students would have visited this eatery for late-night supper outings. Your dish is fully customisable here, allowing you to pick and choose among classic ingredients such as chicken wings and ikan kuning, along with other less common dishes such as luncheon meat and teriyaki saba fish. Prices here start from $4.20 for a hearty nasi lemak set filled with fragrant coconut rice and a few ingredients.
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Fong Seng Nasi Lemak is a halal-certified eatery.
Aliff Nasi Lemak is yet another place that uses basmati rice in its platters. The rice is cooked with freshly squeezed coconut milk and pandan leaves, giving you fragrant, delicious rice that is light on the palate. Prices here start from $4.20 for Set D, which comes with rice, egg, otah, ikan kuning, ikan bilis, and sambal. You can also opt to choose your own ingredients, with a platter coming with ikan kuning, chicken wings, and begedil as sides amounting to slightly more than $5.
Aliff Nasi Lemak is a Muslim-owned eatery.
Otah might be in the name of Tan Beng Otah Delights, but that’s not all they sell. Their rice is served atop banana leaves. Prices begin from just $2 for a basic packet with ikan bilis, peanuts, and rice. You can choose to add their signature Otah ($0.70) to your meal, which is freshly wrapped and filled with a mixture of mackerel meat and spices.
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Tan Beng Otah Delights is not a halal-certified eatery.
Operating just like your regular ol’ cai fan stall, Mount Faber Nasi Lemak allows you to choose the dishes to pair with the coconutty rice, such as otah, sayur lodeh, braised eggplant, and fried fish balls. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices available, fret not as they also have set meals. Set B ($5.90) is the simplest of the lot, coming with a fried chicken wing, long beans, an egg, ikan bilis, and peanuts. Wash down your meal with a cup of their Signature Lime Juice With Sour Plum, which you can get at an additional $1.50.
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Mount Faber Nasi Lemak is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
If you’re craving unorthodox side dishes, head down to Lawa Bintang. Here, you can order a whole grilled squid, barramundi, and even a lobster to accompany your platter of fragrant coconut rice. Their Lobster Nasi Lemak ($24) is the star item on their menu, boasting a huge lobster coated with grounded herbs and cheese. Alongside it are sweet basmati rice, fried egg, peanuts, ikan bilis, and sambal.
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Lawa Bintang is a Muslim-owned eatery.
Hainanese Village’s Yi Liu Xiang Nasi Lemak sees long queues regularly. For only $3 per plate, expect flavourful coconut rice, alongside generous servings of side dishes such as ikan kuning and fried fish fillet. Although the classic combo of fried egg, peanuts, and chicken wings are not available at Yi Liu Xiang, they make up for this with their selection of fish fillet, fish cake, and otah.
Yi Liu Xiang Nasi Lemak is not a halal-certified eatery.
Nestled in a kopitiam in Jurong West is Latiffa Huri, where their star item is their nasi lemak. A standard plate comprising fried egg, chicken wing, ikan kuning, and otah will cost you just $4.50, and you’re free to customise meal with the other sides available. Aside from nasi lemak, the stall also offers dishes such as Mee Rebus ($3), Mee Siam ($3), and Lontong ($3.50), and we hear that those are worth a shot as well.
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Latiffa Huri is a Muslim-owned eatery.
Simplicity is the key to Tree Coconut Nasi Lemak, where the rice and ingredients are prepared following recipes that are passed down through generations. Prices begin from $3.80 for a Basic Set, which comes with a fried egg, chicken wing, and sambal. You can add an Otah ($1.20) and Achar ($1) AKA Peranakan pickled veggies to complete your meal.
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Tree Coconut Nasi Lemak is not a halal-certified eatery.
Dickson Nasi Lemak at Joo Chiat only caters to takeaway orders, but that doesn’t stop its fans from going out of their way to get packets of their nasi lemak. With a menu that is as concise as its furnishings, the store seeks to wow its customers not with the variety of its dishes, but with the quality. You’d be remiss not to go for the Ayam Goreng Berempah ($9.20), which gets you a whole deep-fried spiced chicken leg alongside the usual offerings.
Read our Dickson Nasi Lemak review.
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Dickson Nasi Lemak is not a halal-certified eatery.
Situated in this hipster kopitiam in Balestier, Wild Coco has been making waves for their nasi lemak dishes reminiscent of those of The Coconut Club. The Nasi Lemak Sambal Fried Fish ($12.80) comes highly recommended for fish lovers, with a sweet and firm flesh that is contrasted with crispy skin. Made from freshly, sliced chillis, the house-made sambal is thicker and less sweet than other places. Another equally tasty option is the Nasi Lemak Ayam Berempah Leg ($11.80), which comes in either breast meat or chicken leg. The chicken is perfumed with notes of ginger and lemongrass, and goes well with the sambal.
Read our Wild Coco review.
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Wild Coco is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Another Michelin-recognised franchise, Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang’s excellent rice dishes can be found across the country, with the most famous outlet located in Yishun Park Hawker Centre. Try the Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang ($7.30), which comes with its zesty sambal chilli, succulent chicken leg, fragrant coconut rice, ikan bilis and more. This flavorful nasi lemak is sure to leave an impression. If you prefer a sweet and spicy option, go for the Nasi Lemak Kecap Sambal ($7.30), featuring a juicy chicken leg coated in sambal kecap.
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Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang is a halal-certified eatery.
Husk Nasi Lemak in Bugis Cube serves fusion nasi lemak that tick the following boxes: fluffy and fragrant coconut rice, delicious ingredients, and punchy housemade sambal. Be sure to check out the Signature Chicken Cutlet Set ($10.80), which features a sizeable slab of fried-to-order chicken cutlet, coconut rice, peanuts and ikan bilis, and of course, a good serving of sambal. The Grilled Chicken Set ($10.80) is where the fusion label comes in, as it features moo ping-inspired chicken.
Read our Husk Nasi Lemak review.
Website
Husk Nasi Lemak is a halal-certified eatery.
Spicy Wife is a Malaysian-style nasi lemak stall in Amoy Street Food Centre that’s said to rival the aforementioned Coconut Club. That’s high praise indeed, but we thought it was well deserved. Just try the Aromatic Chicken ($6.50) to see for yourself: it stars a large, whole chicken leg that’s marinated overnight in a rempah of eight ingredients such as aromatic garlic, ginger, onion, lemongrass, cumin and coriander seeds. Of course, it comes with your usual nasi lemak components, such as fragrant rice, ikan bilis, sambal and more.
Read our Spicy Wife review.
Website
Spicy Wife is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Influenced by Australian cuisine, Soulfood Catering is one of the more unique entries on this list. You’ll find renditions such as the Aussie Beef Steak Nasi Lemak ($16.50) which, as the name suggests, pairs coconut rice, ikan bilis, peanuts and more, with a slab of succulent and well-grilled beef steak. Other fusion dishes include the Crispy Battered Fish Nasi Lemak ($0.50), the Smoked Salmon & Otah Nasi Lemak ($15.50), and the BBQ Prawn and Otah Nasi Lemak ($12.50).
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Soulfood Catering is a Muslim-owned eatery.
Pak Mandor Nasi Lemak isn’t just considered one of the better stalls of its kind in the North—fans consider it one of the best in the country. A plate here starts from $4 and features green nasi lemak rice that’s fluffy and fragrant, crunchy ikan billis and peanuts, juicy chicken wings and more. Like most good nasi lemak stalls, the sambal here is said to be really good, with well-balanced sweet and spicy notes.You can also get other solid Malay dishes here such as Mee Rebus ($3) and Lontong ($3).
Pak Mandor Nasi Lemak is a Muslim-owned eatery.
This local dish can be found all over Singapore, but the best may not be as easy to find. With this guide on hand, you’ll be able to narrow your options down to a good place near you, and tuck into a hearty plate of nasi lemak. For mee siam stalls to try, read out 12 best mee siam stalls in Singapore listicle.
https://eatbook.sg/mee-siam-singapore/
This post is brought to you by EatAlley.
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