Where to Try the Best Nasi Lemak in Singapore
In Singapore, the tantalising aroma of coconut-infused rice, fragrant sambal, and perfectly crisped chicken beckons food enthusiasts far and wide. This comfort dish, nasi lemak, costs only S$3 to S$8 per serving!
Are you on the hunt for the best nasi lemak in Singapore? This guide can help you discover where the locals flock for the tastiest renditions of this beloved national dish, from bustling hawker stalls to hidden gems!
Dickson Nasi Lemak
Address: 320 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427571 (Google Maps)
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Daily (except Wednesdays), 8.30 AM -10.30 AM, 11.45 AM – 3.30 PM and 5 -7.30 PM
Price: $$
If you’re craving the taste of Malaysia’s nasi lemak, drop by Dickson! Although the prices are a bit higher than average at around S$10 per meal, it’s worth it.
True nasi lemak fans can detect just a bit of delicious difference with this one (hint: there are at least 18 ingredients in the proprietary sambal!). The sambal brings a spicy kick, enhanced by the sweet onions in generous servings.
Pro-tip: This is a takeaway-only spot, so no seating is available. However, chairs are provided for waiting while your order is prepared.
Ponggol Nasi Lemak Centre
Address: 238 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437026 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562870020
Hours: Daily (except Thursdays), 4.30 PM – 11.30 PM
Price: $$
Come for the crispy, golden-brown chicken, but tarry a while for the delightful array of side dishes. Even vegetarians can find something burp-worthy at Ponggol Nasi Lemak Centre—long beans, eggplant, and fried tofu, to name a few.
I love that I can customise my nasi lemak here by choosing my preferred veggies and meat add-ons. It’s the perfect place if you want your meal just the way you like it.
Pro-tip: There’s a bit of a queue, especially on weekends, but it tends to move fast so you won’t have to wait too long for your customised nasi lemak fix.
M by Madas Nasi Lemak
Address: 348 Bedok Rd, #02-17 The Bedok Marketplace, Singapore 469560 (Google Maps)
Contact: +65 9229 2271
Hours: Daily (except Tuesdays), 11.30 AM – 2.45 PM and 5 PM – 8.15 PM
Price: $$
Dining at M by Madas starts with the nose: you can smell the hawker-style deliciousness wafting as you wait for your meal. And the side dishes are nothing to scoff at either.
Take your pick from fish tofu, spicy squid, ikan bilis, and others aside from the usual peanuts and sliced cukes. You might have a bit of a wait for your order, but that’s only because they use a lot of fresh ingredients.
Pro-tip: Want a spot of colour with your nasi lemak? Try the fragrant butterfly pea flower rice for some delicate blue yumminess.
Sinar Bahru
Address: 378 Clementi Ave 5, Singapore 120378 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6581651752
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7 AM – 4 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, 7 AM – 3 PM
Price: $
On a tight budget or in between salary days? Sinar Bahru has bundled up deliciousness on a plate of nasi lemak that’s yours for less than S$5!
It’s a charming family-owned stall that has graced our taste buds for years. Picture this: crispy ikan bilis, succulent chicken wings (or fish), a kick of spicy sambal, and fragrant coconut rice—all without breaking the bank.
Pro-tip: A standard chicken wing set is under S$4, making this a go-to nasi lemak for budget days.
The Coconut Club
Address: 269 Beach Rd, Singapore 199546 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6587253315
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM – 9.30 PM
Price: $$$
Yes, nasi lemak can get quite fancy as illustrated by The Coconut Club. Paying S$15 for a classic plate of nasi lemak sounds crazy, but give it a try before passing judgment.
For a change, try the classic nasi lemak with fried fish that comes with some tasty kecap manis. The signature chicken set is pretty pricey but makes up for it with portions that are challenging to finish.
Pro-tip: The rice shines with a special coconut milk infusion, lending it an amazing and fragrant aroma.
Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak
Address: 2 Changi Village Rd, #01-23/26 Changi Village Hawker Centre, Singapore 500002 (Google Maps)
Contact: +65 9793 1103
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: $$
Indulging in nasi lemak at Mizzy Corner has been a tradition since 1997. I adore its fragrant coconut rice, sweet-ish sambal, and delicious chicken wings.
Mizzy’s take on nasi lemak has an international touch, featuring basmati rice and similar add-ons. It’s about as frills-free as you can expect from a good comfort dish, but packed with plenty of flavour, nonetheless.
Pro-tip: Got more than one hungry mouth to feed? Try the dulang set which is chockful of goodness, including eggplant, eggs, ikan bilis, and more for at least two diners.
Tree Coconut Nasi Lemak
Address: 166 Jln Besar, #01-27, Singapore 208877 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6581819545
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM – 3 PM
Price: $$
It might be a trivial thing, but I prefer the egg in my nasi lemak a bit on the runny side. And that’s what I always get at Tree Coconut Nasi Lemak, along with incredibly fragrant rice and crispy chicken wings.
The nasi lemak here is comforting and simple as it’s affordable, though there’s the option to jazz it up with sides. Try the otah, luncheon meat, of fishcakes if you’re feeling adventurous.
Pro-tip: The owner informed us that they’re intensifying spice levels with each batch of chilli they fry, so watch out for that!
Wild Coco Nasi Lemak
Address: 14 Hamilton Rd, Singapore 209184 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6591193822
Hours: Daily (except Tuesdays), 10.30 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$
Right off the bat, don’t expect hawker rates at Wild Coco because the nasi lemak and other dishes are on the pricier spectrum. But there’s something to be said about the nasi lemak sambal fried fish and its crispy, flavourful skin and how fresh it all is.
There’s also a hint of ginger in its fried chicken offerings which adds a delightful layer to every bite. The sambal is made in-house and has a particularly pleasing thickness to it.
Pro-tip: Wild Coco’s chicken curry is also a must-try!
Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang
Address: 51 Yishun Ave 11, #01-33 Yishun Park Hawker Centre, Singapore 768867 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6587505240
Hours: Mondays, 8 AM – 7 PM; Tuesdays to Sundays, 6.30 AM – 7 PM
Price: $$
The chicken at Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang is grilled to perfection, boasting tender meat and amazingly crispy skin. Coconut and lemongrass add piquantness to the nasi.
For a sweet and spicy twist, try the Michelin-recognised nasi lemak kecap sambal with a juicy chicken leg coated in sambal kecap. The sweet sambal provides a delightful contrast to the spiciness and saltiness.
Pro-tip: Queues can get a bit long, as people like ordering several sets for takeaway, so patience is a must.
Husk Nasi Lemak
Address: 470 North Bridge Rd, #03-21 Bugis Cube, Singapore 188735 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6582422619
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11 AM – 9 PM; Saturdays, 11 AM – 7 PM
Price: $$
Fancy some fusion nasi lemak? The ones at Husk Nasi Lemak feature fragrant rice that’s fluffy and aromatic and a proprietary sambal that’s piquant and with the right kick.
Though slightly pricer than average, I recommend trying the chicken cutlet set. It features perfectly crispy skin, and tender meat, and is bursting with well-infused flavours.
Pro-tip: There are very few seats in the eatery so best to book a table in advance.