Everyone knows what a nasi lemak is. It is usually coconut rice topped with groundnuts, eggs, cucumber slices, anchovy, sambal, and one or two proteins. Nasi lemak is widely considered to be one of Singapore’s national dishes, and you would be hard – pressed to find a Singaporean who dislikes this iconic food.
But where can you find the best nasi lemak in Singapore? Here are our top picks:
1. Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak
Widely considered to be one of the best nasi lemak restaurants in Singapore, Selera Rasa has a very unique way of selling nasi lemak. Instead of choosing the ingredients you want, like in other nasi lemak places, at Selera Rasa your nasi lemak is sold in sets!
Their prices are also very affordable with nasi lemak sets going from $2.50 to $ 5.50. Not sure which of their sets to go for? We recommend the complete Royal Rumble combo that contains all of the basic nasi lemak ingredients along with potato croquette and fried chicken wing.
2. Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak
One of Singapore’s legendary restaurants, Boon Lay Power is certainly at the top of the nasi lemak game. Their crispy chicken wings are always perfectly cooked and their homemade sambal is definitely a must-try.
Boon Lay Power is also open till early in the morning making them the perfect place for satisfying any late night nasi lemak cravings. Just make sure you have time to wait, as their queues are notorious for being long!
3. Fong Seng Nasi Lemak
Another place that is open till very late at night is Fong Seng, located in the heart of Clementi. They offer you the choice of either picking ingredients and constructing a custom nasi lemak or simply ordering one of their sets. Fong Seng also has a very large selection of ingredients ranging from classics, such as ikan kuning and chicken wings, to more unique ones, such as otah and teriyaki saba fish.
4. Bali Nasi Lemak
Bali Nasi Lemak provides a different experience for all nasi lemak lovers out there. Here, your typical fried chicken wing is replaced with a sweet kecap manis chicken. They also offer several unorthodox ingredients you can choose from such as petai, brinjal, otah, etc. Along with their fluffy coconut milk-infused Thai basmati rice and their flaming hot sambal chilli, Bali Nasi Lemak is definitely a spot you should try at least once in your lifetime.
5. Crave Nasi Lemak
Easily one of the most well – known nasi lemak chains in Singapore, you can find a Crave Nasi Lemak outlet in almost every neighbourhood. Their success is down to their policy of only using the freshest and most premium ingredients with the aim of creating a perfect plate of nasi lemak for every single customer. Crave’s Signature Chicken Wing Set, with its soft – textured coconut rice and addictive chicken wing, is a great option to go for if you are eating here for the first time.
6. The Coconut Club
If you are looking for a traditional – style nasi lemak that has been elevated to the next level, then the nasi lemak at Coconut Club is perfect for you! This Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is certainly not the cheapest place on this list, with a standard set being priced at $12.80. But they are certainly worth it as their juicy fried chicken, premium sambal, and light coconut rice will make you go for seconds. So if you don’t mind paying a bit extra, we definitely would recommend trying The Coconut Club!
