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, youāll not only get fluffy coconut rice, but an UNLIMITED amount of it. No more paying extra to add rice ā YASSSSSS. Whatās more, you get a free-flow of sambal chilli too. Cheers to never having to leave this place with an unsatisfied tummy.
KukusĀ means āsteamā in Malay, and true to itsĀ name, Nasi Lemak Kukus steams their rice instead of boiling it in coconut milk and water. This traditional way of cooking results in fluffyĀ grains of rice with more of a bite.
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 youāre 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 ā yes, as much as you want ā 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, thereās also a standard Chicken Wing Set ($4)Ā available.
We couldnāt come to a conclusion onĀ what to pick, so we went with the set and added a scoop of mutton rendang ($3.50).Ā 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.Ā Warm, chewy and aromatic, the rice was what made the entire dish great!
The muttonĀ 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 didnāt come with a strong mutton smell.
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 youāre free to leave your markĀ 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 āsecret gardenā vibe to the courtyard.
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 ā Saturday: 12pm ā 11pm
Address: 229 Selegie Road, Singapore 188344
Summary
Pros
ā Value for money
ā Wide range of ingredients
ā Good for groups
Cons
ā Small portions for meat items
Recommended Dishes: Chicken Wing Set ($4), mutton rendang ($3.50)
Operating Hours:
Monday ā Saturday: 12pm ā 11pm
Address: 229 Selegie Road, Singapore 188344
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