Pile on the rice without paying more
Update (4th April 2019): Nasi Lemak Kukus has permanently closed.
When it comes to nasi lemak, fragrant coconut rice is always the star of the dish. At Nasi Lemak Kukus, you’ll not only get fluffy coconut rice, but an UNLIMITED amount of it. No more paying extra to add rice – YASSSSSS. What’s more, you get a free-flow of sambal chilli too. Cheers to never having to leave this place with an unsatisfied tummy.
Kukus means ‘steam’ in Malay, and true to its name, Nasi Lemak Kukus steams their rice instead of boiling it in coconut milk and water. This traditional way of cooking results in fluffy grains of rice with more of a bite.
How to order at Nasi Lemak Kukus
A breath of fresh air from your normal kopitiam experience, the self-service style here means you gotta do some work. First up, grab a styrofoam plate if you’re dining in, or a takeaway box to dapao. Start from the right of the counter, where a wooden ladle sits atop two big rice cookers. Help yourself to their iconic coconut rice – yes, as much as you want – and pass your plate or box to the staff who will add ingredients to it.
Choose from a range of a la carte ($0.50 to $3.50) items displayed before you, then spam your dish with sweet or spicy sambal chilli. For the undecided, there’s also a standard Chicken Wing Set ($4) available.
Food at Nasi Lemak Kukus
We couldn’t come to a conclusion on what to pick, so we went with the set and added a scoop of mutton rendang ($3.50). Steamed before it was fried, the chicken wing was extra succulent and juicy as we pulled it apart. The crispy flakes on its skin also gave the dish extra crunch. Warm, chewy and aromatic, the rice was what made the entire dish great!
The mutton itself had some resistance to the bite at first, but was surprisingly tender on the inside. It was dripping with thick and slightly spicy rendang sauce as we scooped it up, and didn’t come with a strong mutton smell.
Nasi Lemak Kukus’ ambience
The walls here are plastered with graffiti, illustrations and customer shoutouts of how great their nasi lemak is. Ask for markers at the counter, and you’re free to leave your mark on their tiled walls too!
If the weather allows, the outdoor courtyard is an equally comfortable place to relax and feast amongst a backdrop of greenery. A narrow spiral staircase also adds a “secret garden” vibe to the courtyard.
The Verdict
While I wish they had banana leaves to hold the rice, everything else about this place is great. The open-concept kitchen, friendly makciks and malay music playing on the radio created a homely feel for me to enjoy my meal. And for those who agree that coconut rice and sambal chilli are the highlights of nasi lemak, this place will keep you coming back for more.
This is an independent review with all expenses borne by Eatbook.sg.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 12pm – 11pm
Address: 229 Selegie Road, Singapore 188344
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- 8/108/10
Summary
Pros
– Value for money
– Wide range of ingredients
– Good for groups
Cons
– Small portions for meat items
Recommended Dishes: Chicken Wing Set ($4), mutton rendang ($3.50)
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 12pm – 11pm
Address: 229 Selegie Road, Singapore 188344
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