Nothing is quite as satisfying as a good plate of nasi lemak. What makes a good nasi lemak, to be exact? Well, where do I begin? From the fragrant, fluffy rice steamed in coconut milk, to the ever-so-crisp chicken wing that leaves a slight shine to your fingers, there's a lot to consider. Whether you prefer the decadent Chinese-style nasi lemak or the sweeter but equally satisfying Malay-style nasi lemak, we can all agree the good sambal is what binds it together. If you are looking to indulge in a plate of nasi lemak that is worth your calories, check out the places below.
Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak (Malay-Style)
If you are at Boon Lay Place and happen to witness long queues forming at one of the stalls, it is very likely for the nasi lemak. As one of the most popular and famous food offerings in the West, it is always attracting crowds. Since opening in 1971, the owners have kept the taste as authentic as possible. You won't find any gimmicks here. The nasi lemak indeed lives up to the ‘power’ in its name — well, at least to me.
To me, the perfect nasi lemak is a combination of coconut-infused rice, with sweet and savoury sambal, topped with the usual trimmings such as chicken wings, egg, fried ikan bilis and peanuts. Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak sells the Chicken Set A for $4, with the exact ingredients above. Every component hit the right notes, making it a strong contender for the best nasi lemak in SIngapore.
Address: #01, 221B Boon Lay Place, 106, Singapore 642221
Opening Hours: Monday, 4.30PM–3.30AM, Tuesday to Sunday: 6.30AM–3.30AM
Contact: 6266 4466
Ponggol Nasi Lemak (Chinese-Style)
With a history dating back more than 40 years, Ponggol Nasi Lemak is one of the OG places to go for some good ol' nasi lemak. Everything here is made with the freshest ingredients — from their chili to their fried chicken wings.
Their sweet chilli is an iconic, giving the dish a gentle kick that'll spice up your day. Another must-try is their fried egg. This sunny side up may look ordinary on the outside, but there is so much more waiting in store. As you bite into it, the egg yolk will pop and ooze out like liquid gold, coating the grains and making the dish so much more wonderful to eat. If you love your rice, the rice here is sure to satisfy you. It is both fragrant and fluffy, with the coconut and pandan flavours shining through — one of the key reasons why I love it.
Address: 965 Upper Serangoon Rd, Singapore 534721
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday, 4.30PM–12AM, Closed on Thursday
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Chong Pang Nasi Lemak (Chinese-Style)
I still remember the days I'd bug my brother to buy me Chong Pang Nasi Lemak whenever he books out of Chong Pang camp. The nasi lemak here is definitely one of the best I have tried in Singapore.
The selection of dishes available are extensive, and will definitely cater to both the young and old. Top off your nasi lemak with a slew of exciting add-ons, from Chinese sausages, otah, eggplants, fish fillet, spicy sotong and more. All the dishes are freshly cooked and replenished on the spot. Accompanied with a generous amount of fragrant rice, the dishes and amazing house-made chili are bound to satisfy your cravings. Chong Pang Nasi Lemak is opened for dinner and supper, so if you are looking for a supper spot near Yishun, do check them out!
Address: 447 Sembawang Road, Singapore 758404
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5PM–7AM
Contact: 9655 1868
Old School Canteen (Malay-Style)
Contrary to the nasi lemak we commonly know — an assortment of fried dishes, with a small dollop of sweet sambal — Old School Canteen sells plates of nasi lemak done the traditional way. According to the stall owner, it comprised of just aromatic coconut rice, a hard boiled egg and fried ikan tamban (silver-stripe round herring) back in the days.
Besides the sambal which is prepared the day before, the rest of the ingredients are cooked on-site before dusk breaks. Over at Old School Canteen, there are three different kinds of sambal. Choose from sambal with boiled eggs, cuttlefish or prawns. They are thick and chunky with onions incorporated, unlike the smooth paste you will find at other stalls. The owner has built up quite the portfolio, working at French, Chinese and Italian restaurants in the past. For a plate of nostalgic and tasty nasi lemak, head down to Changi Village Food Centre.
Address: #01-85, Changi Village Market and Food Centre, 3 Changi Village Rd
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9AM–3PM, Closed on Monday
Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak (Malay-Style)
Easties, rejoice! With two outlets of Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak, one at Changi and the other at Tampines, a good plate of nasi lemak will never be too far away. Their specialty is the basmati coconut rice that they use. When paired with their sweet sambal and flavourful chicken wings, it is truly combination match made in heaven. The stall offers five different sets — prices range between $3.50 to $5. You could even top-up an additional $1 to $3 for dishes like hotdog, otah, beef rendang and sotong — highly recommended.
If you are getting it to go, don't worry about it will turning soggy. In fact, the flavours will meld together even more, making it taste even better. For those who don’t live in the East, they offer islandwide delivery as well. If you spend more than $20, you can enjoy delivery services to anywhere in Singapore for just $7.
Address: 2 Changi Village Rd, #01-26, Singapore 500002
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8AM–11PM
International Food Stall Nasi Lemak (Malay-Style)
Another famous stall at Changi Village, a constant rival of Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak, is International Nasi Lemak. It constantly has long queues, so it's no surprise that some of their items are often sold out by the early afternoon!
International Nasi Lemak has two different sets available — Chicken Set ($4.50) and Fish Set ($5.50). The Chicken Set consists of coconut rice, fried ikan bilis, fried egg, crispy chicken wing and a heaping helping of sambal. The chicken wings are incredibly crispy, and with a subtle hint of ginger, giving the dish another layer of depth as well as a splendid aroma. The Fish Set is just as delightful, the only difference being that the chicken wing is replaced with a fried fish. One key highlights of their nasi lemak is definitely the jasmine rice. Upon purchase, it is always piping hot — the fragrance will leave your mouth watering!
Address: #01-03 Changi Village Food Center Singapore, Singapore 500002
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9AM–3PM, 6PM–12AM, Saturday, 9AM–7PM, Sunday, 10AM–12AM
Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak (Malay-Style)
Did you know the Sultan of Brunei had this nasi lemak delivered to him every morning that he was in Singapore? Indonesian President Joko Widodo also tried this in 2014, when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong once hosted him for a sumptuous nasi lemak meal at the Istana.
Besides being highly acclaimed by many famous figures, Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak has made it to many ‘Best Nasi Lemaks in Singapore’ lists — it's no surprise that it's on this list as well! Selera Rasa uses basmati rice, instead of the usual jasmine rice. The long grains are much fluffier and lighter, and pairs wonderfully with the rich sambal chili. If you are someone who loves chicken wings, you definitely have to try the ones at Selera Rasa’s. Their chicken wings boast a fragrance of turmeric and ginger, and comes with an extremely crispy batter.
Come down and try Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak for yourself today!
Address: No.2 Adam Road Food Centre Singapore, Singapore 289876
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 7AM–6PM, Closed on Friday
The Coconut Club (Restaurant-Style)
The Coconut Club has made headlines with their $12.80 nasi lemak — is it really worth the money? The answer, in short, is yes. Unlike the regular basmati or jasmine rice, old crop Thai jasmine rice is used, lending to a more unique texture and flavour. It is cooked with fresh coconuts from a specific plantation in Sabak, Malaysia, adding an unparalleled layer of richness and creaminess to the rice. Located at Ann Siang Hill, The Coconut Club presents an elevated version of this beloved hawker food. While I won't be eating here everyday, it's definitely a treat. Come down to try for yourself how atas nasi lemak tastes like.
Address: 28 Ann Siang Road Singapore 069708 (Chinatown MRT)
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11AM–3PM, 6PM–9:30PM, Sunday, 11AM–3PM
Contact: 8748 1869
