We tried and rated 30 stalls selling nasi lemak in Singapore

If there’s one dish that captures the essence of our local flavours, it’s nasi lemak in Singapore. Roughly translated to “fatty rice” from Malay, this iconic dish is known for its richness, which comes from the rice being cooked in creamy coconut milk. 

The perfect plate consists of fluffy aromatic rice (nasi) infused with coconut and pandan flavours that’s accompanied by a sweet potent chilli paste, sambal. Served with an array of sides such as crispy anchovies (ikan bilis), chicken, fried fish, egg and cucumber, this breakfast dish is a delectable marriage of sweet, savoury and spicy. 

From the unassuming hawker stalls to upscale restaurant offerings, Singapore is not shy of nasi lemak options for every budget and appetite. 

Whether you’re a seasoned nasi lemak connoisseur or an occasional indulger, we’ve compiled a list of 30 stalls for nasi lemak in Singapore, complete with our reviews and ratings, to guide your culinary exploration of this quintessential Singaporean dish.

1. Siti Nur Liyana Nasi Lemak

Adam Road Food Centre,  01-14, 2 Adam Road
Open: Friday to Tuesday (hours vary)

What’s it about: Situated within the bustling Adam Road Food Centre, this stall draws a crowd seeking classic Muslim breakfast foods such as mee siam, lontong and nasi lemak. In the afternoon, the menu expands to include dishes such as mee hailam (Malaysian noodles with Hainanese influences), mee rebus and maggi goreng.

Do note that Adam Road Food Centre is closed for renovation until Dec 31. 

Rating: 3/5

Our thoughts: The nasi lemak set B (S$4), which included the basic components and a fried chicken wing, was reasonably priced for the area, but ultimately left much to be desired. We liked the rice, which carried a subtle coconut flavour, and the crispy ikan bilis, which brought texture to the dish. 

However, it fell short by not including some roasted nuts to provide a balance. The chicken was somewhat dry and under-seasoned, and the sambal, though moderately spiced, was rather sweet. 

2. Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak

Adam Road Food Centre, 01-02, 2 Adam Road
Open: Monday to Thursday (7am to 5pm), Saturday and Sunday (7am to 3pm)

What’s it about: This stall could very well be the primary allure of Adam Road Food Centre, with some claiming it is one of the best nasi lemak in Singapore. Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak has forged quite a legacy since its establishment in 1998. Now run by second generation owner Abdul Malik Hassan, it offers only one thing on its menu — nasi lemak — with varying protein options such as otah and fish, so you can be sure it does this dish really well. 

Such is its acclaim that the Sultan of Brunei requested it when visiting Singapore. In addition, one of its loyal customers liked its dish so much, he approached Mr Malik for a partnership, and Crave was born. 

Rating: 4.5/5

Our thoughts: The sambal was the star of the show — it’s a gritty, subtly sweet sensation that packed a powerful punch. It was in perfect harmony with the fluffy and fragrant basmati rice, and this combination had me craving seconds. 

The chicken wing meal only set me back S$5, a small price to pay for such big returns. The verdict? Almost perfect, but just shy of the full rating. Why? I wish the marinade had permeated the chicken beyond its thick batter. 

3. No. 1 Adam’s Nasi Lemak

Adam Road Food Centre, 01-01, 2 Adam Road
Open: Wednesday to Monday (8am to 6pm)

What’s it about: Sharing a space with the famed Selera Rasa, No. 1 Adam’s Nasi Lemak may be lowkey in comparison, but holds its own against strong competition. It’s run by a mother-son duo and only offers nasi lemak on its menu, too. Protein options here include the likes of fish, chicken, otah and beef rendang.

Rating: 4/5

Our thoughts: The chicken set (S$5) did not disappoint. The basmati rice began with a rich coconut note and transitioned to a more savoury profile with each bite. While enjoyable, the sambal delivered a fiery kick to the back of my throat, so approach it with care. 

The interplay between the crunchy ikan bilis and fluffy omelette created an unbeatable combination. However, the chicken, though crispy, fell short in terms of juiciness. 

4. Husk Nasi Lemak

Bugis Cube, 03-21, 470 North Bridge Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 9pm), Saturday and Sunday (11am to 7pm)

What’s it about: Tucked away in Bugis Cube is a cosy eatery headed by chef Gideon Tan. Drawing from his experience in Balinese and Western cuisine, he has created a unique fusion nasi lemak. What started out as a cloud kitchen eventually turned into a physical storefront, boasting a trendy tropical theme and restaurant-worthy plating. Husk Nasi Lemak’s menu features an array of protein options, including a signature chicken cutlet, sous vide beef rendang and fried tilapia fish.

Rating: 4.8/5

Our thoughts: The nasi lemak served here is a dish you’d be proud to share with your international friends. The chicken was incredibly tender and had a sweetness reminiscent of prawn paste chicken. The savoury rice was fragrant, and the crispy batter bits on top added a satisfying crunch. 

Paired with the mildly spicy chilli padi sauce, which offered an unexpected hint of lemongrass, this chicken wing set (S$8.80) was a perfect harmony of flavours and textures, even if it deviated from tradition. The gooey hanjuku egg and refreshing achar more than compensated for the soggy ikan bilis. It’s worth the occasional splurge. 

5. Those Days Yong Tau Foo & Nasi Lemak

Fortune Centre, 02-23, 190 Middle Road 
Open: Monday to Sunday (10.30am to 8.30pm)

What’s it about: Marked by a vibrant neon sign board, Those Days Yong Tau Foo & Nasi Lemak, as its name suggests, is famed amongst patrons for its yong tau foo, but  also offers a number of a selection of nasi lemak sets. Some of them feature yong tau foo ingredients as accompaniments, a nod to the Chinese influence on the beloved dish.

Rating: 3/5

Our thoughts: The nasi lemak original (S$4.90) started out strong with an aromatic base of coconutty basmati rice. However, it starts to underwhelm with each component. The chicken, thinly battered, offered vague hints of curry powder and pepper. 

The sambal was smooth and had a prominent shallot taste, but leaned towards sweetness, which might be for some palates but not mine. Though it came with an extra tofu, it was not enough to make a lasting impression. 

6. Cafe Ponggol Nasi Lemak

Capitol Singapore, B1-36/36A, 13 Stamford Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 8.30pm)

What’s it about: It’s nearly impossible to talk about nasi lemak without mentioning this iconic heritage brand. Ponggol Nasi Lemak, or sometimes known as Kovan nasi lemak , has been around since 1979, maintaining its status as the go-to nasi lemak spot for Singaporeans. With locations in Kovan, Tanjong Katong and Jalan Besar, the Capitol Piazza outlet stands out with its charming retro interior and an extensive menu, featuring desserts such as home-baked tapioca cakes.

Rating: 4.5/5

Our thoughts: As expected, Cafe Ponggol Nasi Lemak lived up to its reputation. I opted for the nasi lemak set 2 (S$7.50), which came with two wings that were deep-fried to crisp perfection. The sambal achieved a nice balance between sweet and savoury, and left a lingering spice. 

Dolloped onto the fluffy coconut-infused rice with a couple of sugary ikan bilis, this made for an addictive combination. The runny yolk of the fried egg was the cherry on top. Though it’s on the pricier side, the extra dollar or two is worth the guarantee. 

7. Lee Wee & Brothers

Multiple outlets islandwide 
Operating hours vary across stores

What’s it about: Originating from a humble stall along Old Airport Road, Lee Wee & Brothers now boasts seven outlets islandwide. It serves up local favourites such as mee siam, curry chicken and of course, nasi lemak, using recipes passed down from Lee Wee’s mother. A beloved brand that prepares its ingredients, down to the chilli pastes and assam sauce, from scratch, it has been sharing a taste of its family recipes with diners for the past 20 years.

Rating: 3/5

Our thoughts: Despite the generous selection of ingredients such as otah and fishcake, the fried 3-joint wing nasi lemak (S$5.90) didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The rice was soft and flavourful, but lacked the coconutty goodness that is essential to a good base. 

The sambal had a saccharine-like sweetness, which I was not a fan of, and the chicken was the biggest letdown, with a thin and soggy breading that overshadowed its flavour. I also tried the honey chicken 3-joint wing (S$1.80), which had a decent marinade, but failed to redeem the dish.

8. Uptown Nasi Lemak

City Gate, 01-27, 371 Beach Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 8pm)

121 Telok Ayer Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (10am to 2.30pm)

What’s it about: Hailing from the vibrant neighbourhood of Damansara Uptown in Malaysia, food enthusiasts Mervyn and Simon are the creators of this authentic Malaysian nasi lemak establishment. With outlets at Beach Road and Telok Ayer, Uptown Nasi Lemak is the duo’s heartfelt homage to their beloved hometown flavours. Besides its classic nasi lemak, the pair also serve up local favourites such as kapitan chicken, rendang beef, and sambal sotong.

Rating: 5/5

Our thoughts: Its signature dish, the nasi lemak with ayam goreng berempah (S$8.70) — a kind of spiced fried chicken — was one of my personal favourites on this list. The coconut rice, delicately fragrant, served as the perfect canvas for the more robust flavours, especially the sambal, which delivered a gradual crescendo of spiciness. 

Its spiced chicken, generously seasoned and pleasantly infused with lemongrass, was a standout — succulent and substantial. With high expectations given the price point, the stall managed to exceed every one of them. 

9. Sixth Avenue Nasi Lemak

12 Sixth Avenue
Open: Monday to Saturday (6am to 1pm), Sunday (6.30am to 12.30pm)

What’s it about: Founded in 1986, this unpretentious stall finds home within a coffee shop, making a name for itself as a hidden gem for nasi lemak. You can also find other local breakfast fare at Sixth Avenue Nasi Lemak, such as mee goreng, mee siam and lontong. As it often sells out before closing time, it’s wise to arrive early to avoid the potential disappointment.

Rating: 4.5/5

Our thoughts: The stall uses basmati rice, which imparts a nice nutty flavour to the creamy rice, and its homemade sambal boasted a unique semi-sweet, roasted flavour. My only qualm with it was the portion size, but for just S$0.30 more, you can indulge in an extra spoonful — a worthy investment, in my opinion. 

It also features turmeric fried chicken, a nasi lemak essential, enveloped in a beautifully golden batter. The ikan bilis however, leaned towards saltiness rather than flavour. All in all, the chicken nasi lemak set ($5.50) made for an incredibly satisfying breakfast.

10. Latiffa Huri — Famous Nasi Lemak

498 Jurong West Street 41, 01-426
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (6am to 1pm)

What’s it about: West-siders flock to this no-frills nasi lemak spot located in Jurong West, that has been a stalwart in the area for more than 20 years. It’s said to be a strong rival to the much-lauded Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak, another stall for famous nasi lemak in Singapore. While Latiffa Huri’s menu features a number of familiar Muslim fare such as lontong and mee rebus, what draws the crowd is the budget-friendly nasi lemak — it has a dedicated queue that can extend beyond an hour of waiting time. 

Rating: 4/5

Our thoughts: My appetite was whet from the aroma of the sambal as I walked through the back alley. Fortunately, it did not disappoint. The sambal, a gritty and slightly sweet paste with fiery chilli seeds that came with its nasi lemak (S$3), stole the show. Though the rice had a decent coconut presence, it erred on the softer side. 

I added on the chicken wing (S$1.50), which took around 20 minutes due to the large number of orders, and found it to be satisfactory. While the meat lacked marination, the skin was perfectly crisp. The rest of the plate was decently packed with a fish and fried egg, but it was a pity that the ikan bilis was missing. Nevertheless, it was worth a try.

11. Jumi’s Kitchen

PDSS Coffeeshop, 318 Jurong East Street 31
Open: Thursday to Tuesday (6am to 2pm)

What’s it about: Jumi’s Kitchen is a Muslim-owned eatery in the west dishing out an extensive menu of Malay breakfast classics such as nasi sambal goreng, mee soto and prata. It is loved among regulars for its affordable pricing and diverse selection of dishes, and is sure to satisfy any craving.

Rating: 3/5

Our thoughts: The basmati rice exuded fragrance, but missed the crucial coconut element, resulting in a predominantly savoury rice. The saccharine-like sambal also failed to fully satisfy. 

However its nasi lemak (S$3.50) managed to present an intriguing balance with contrasting flavour profiles. The chicken wing featured a surprisingly tasty turmeric marinade that permeated its meat, although it could have been heartier. Overall, the dish was okay, offering good value for money.

12. Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak

Boon Lay Place Market and Food Village, 01-106, 221A Boon Lay Place
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (10.30am to 4pm, 5pm to 3.30am)

What’s it about: What’s a nasi lemak list without the Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak? Starting as a humble food centre stall in the west in 1971, Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak has seen remarkable growth. Today, the third generation helms this family-run business, which boasts five outlets across the island and offers award-winning nasi lemak for both dine-in and delivery from a central kitchen. It’s known for its warm and fresh ingredients that deliver a flavourful punch.

Rating: 4.5/5

Our thoughts: The coconut flavour is prominent in the rice, yet the grains are overly soft due to the richness of the milk. They clump together, bordering on mush. The sambal, marked by the sweetness of the shallots, carries a mild spiciness that invites you to go back for more. 

The freshly fried chicken is crispy with just the right amount of batter, though the meat could use a little more marination. While each element in the nasi lemak chicken set (S$4) had some room for improvement, this was a plate that left me feeling satisfied. 

13. Xiang Feng Nasi Lemak

Boon Lay Place Market and Food Village, 01-126, 221B Boon Lay Place
Open: Sunday to Friday (7.30am to 2pm)

What’s it about: Located in Boon Lay Place food centre, Xiang Feng Nasi Lemak has been serving up Chinese-style nasi lemak for more than three decades. Take your pick from more than 25 side dishes here, with crowd favourites such as mixed vegetables or crispy fried chicken cutlet, all offered at reasonable prices.

Rating: 3/5

Our thoughts: I searched hard for the coconut and pandan notes in the rice, but came up empty-handed. The sambal, disappointingly, underperforms with an off-putting sourness that left me uncertain. The chicken was decent and had a prawn-paste sweetness to it. 

Surprisingly, the ikan bilis saved this plate. Priced at an additional S$0.80, it comes coated in a glistening layer of sweet sauce while retaining a crunch. This nasi lemak (S$4) won some with its side offerings, but its foundation was its Achilles heel. 

14. Nurul Delights Nasi Lemak

413 Bukit Batok West Avenue 4, 01-208
Open: Monday to Sunday (6.30am to 10pm)

What’s it about: Tucked away in an inconspicuous Bukit Batok coffeeshop, Nurul Delights Nasi Lemak is an extension of its original outlet located just 3km away. It’s well-loved among residents in the area, presenting generous portions of everyday staples such as mee rebus and lontong, all while maintaining wallet-friendly prices.

Rating: 4.8/5

Our thoughts: Though it was a little soft, the infusion of coconut and pandan flavours into the rice of its nasi lemak (S$3.50) impressed me. The sambal elevated the dish with its unique smoky sweetness and a lingering spice. The chicken was well-seasoned and had a lovely crisp, sharing the same charred smokiness as the sambal. 

If I were to nitpick, the meat was slightly tough, and the dish lacked the essential ikan bilis. However, the nasi lemak here is another personal favourite for its unique flavours and unbeatable value.

15. Nasi Lemak House.com

Bukit Timah Plaza, B1-17, 1 Jalan Anak Bukit
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 6pm)

What’s it about: Despite its name, Nasi Lemak House.com is a nasi padang stall nestled within Bukit Timah Plaza. Here, you can savour a variety of comfort dishes, such as beef rendang, curry chicken and sambal goreng.

Rating: 2.5/5

Our thoughts: The rice in its nasi lemak (S$4) was fluffy and decently flavoured with coconut, but the sambal veered towards the sweeter and more liquid side, lacking the expected spiciness. Funnily enough, it complemented the chicken, which was salty and dry, but that’s about it. Adding on to the fact that portions were modest, the nasi lemak here was a bit of a bummer. 

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16. Pangkor Island Nasi Lemak

Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre, 01-17, 21 Canberra Link 
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (8.30am to 7pm)

What’s it about: As its name suggests, the nasi lemak at Pangkor Island Nasi Lemak takes inspiration from Malaysian-style coconut rice. There are various protein options you can pick for your nasi lemak, which comes with light blue-hued rice tinged with blue pea flower. These include turmeric chicken, lemongrass chicken and seafood such as lemon satay fish.

Rating: 3.5/5

Our thoughts: While the beautiful pastel blue-pea rice in the nonya nasi lemak lemongrass chicken set (S$6.90) was soft and tasty, the essential coconut and pandan flavours were sadly a little too subtle. 

What it lacked in the base it made up with the lemongrass chicken — it was juicy, and aromatic. I also tried the turmeric chicken (S$4.50), which proved similarly tender and flavourful. The ikan bilis sambal, containing onion slices, provided a complementary sweetness to the salty anchovies. However, although the dish was visually appealing, overall the chicken was the only thing worth praise. 

17. Coba Coba

156 Yishun Street 11, 01-106
Open: Wednesday to Monday (8am to 7.15pm)

What’s it about: Coba Coba, meaning try try in Bahasa Indonesia, is an authentic Indonesian food stall by a father-son duo, drawing crowds for its affordable nasi padang and nasi ambeng. It dishes out more than 30 sides, with signatures such as tahu telur and sotong sumbat, and celebrates the togetherness of old-school communal dining among family and friends.

Rating: 4/5

Our thoughts: The paste-like sambal in its simple nasi lemak (S$3.80) offered a delightful kick that paired perfectly with the basmati rice, which remained fluffy despite being generously infused with coconut. The thickly battered fried chicken carried aromatic hints of prawn paste. Unfortunately, there was no ikan bilis, which we would have appreciated. While the dish didn’t look particularly appetising, it nevertheless delivered a commendable offering.

Read our critics’ review on Coba Coba. 

18. Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang

Yishun Park Hawker Centre, 01-33, 51 Yishun Avenue 11
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (6.30am to 7pm)

What’s it about: A Michelin-recommended nasi lemak establishment that was born at Yishun Park Hawker Centre in 2017, Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang has since grown a strong presence with 12 branches across the island. It’s a Muslim-owned eatery influenced by nasi uduk, Indonesia’s equivalent of nasi lemak, and showcases traditional sambal, chicken, and a unique sauce from the town of Taliwang.

Rating: 4.8/5

Our thoughts: The sambal was a hit — semi-sweet with a faint shrimp undertone and a touch of lemongrass, it delivered an impressive robust flavour. Combining it with the coconut-infused savoury rice and the ikan bilis nut mix created the perfect bite. 

I got the chicken wing set (S$4.20), and found the chicken to be well-marinated, delightfully crisp, and coated with the perfect amount of batter. Every component came together seamlessly. It’s the perfect everyday meal.

19. Pak Mandor

645 Yishun Street 61, 01-320
Open: Saturday to Thursday (7.30am to 1pm)

What’s it about: This Muslim-owned Yishun nasi lemak stall may not be widely recognised beyond the neighbourhood, but consistently draws lengthy queues from residents eager for a humble plate of nasi lemak in Singapore. The rice comes in a pandan-reminiscent pastel green hue, accompanied by the classic components, along with side choices including chicken patty, sausage and begedil.

Rating: 4/5

Our thoughts: While the rice in its nasi lemak ayam (S$3.50) was flavourful with pandan and coconut, it leaned towards a glutinous texture. The sambal offered a slight sweetness and tang, with a fleeting spice, which was balanced by the salty crunch of the ikan bilis.

The chicken, which came in an appetising shade of turmeric orange, was flavourful, though its meat was modest. For its price, the dish is an exceptionally economical option, and well worth the 15-minute wait. 

20. Lavender Nasi Lemak — Thai inspired

504 Yishun Street 51, 01-01
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (8am to 8pm)

What’s it about: This eatery offers a one-of-a-kind Thai-inspired nasi lemak in Singapore, an idea conceived by chef Nolee, who ran a food stall in Chiang Rai, Thailand, for 25 years. Now living in Singapore, she decided to serve a unique twist to the classic nasi lemak dish. While it does comprise the usual ikan bilis and omelette, Lavender Nasi Lemak includes Thai side dishes such as mango salad and Thai chilli sauce to balance out its richness. 

Rating: 3/5

Our thoughts: The vibrant blue rice in my lavender rice with chicken wing (S$5), dyed by the blue pea flower, was undeniably coconut-rich. It however, lacked the necessary savoury flavours as a counterbalance. The chilli sauce and tangy mango salad contributed a lightness, but failed to make an impression. The marinade on the crispy chicken wing, though, is deserving of a mention. While I could appreciate its concept, the dish did not impress. 

21. Aliff Nasi Lemak

Kaki Bukit 511 Market & Food Centre, 01-19, 511 Bedok North Street 3
Open: Saturday to Thursday (7am to 7pm)

Serangoon Garden Market & Food Centre, 01-27, 49A Serangoon Garden Way
Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (7.30am to 3pm)

What’s it about: Founded in 1996, this down-to-earth stall is famous among east-siders. Aliff Nasi Lemak also has an additional outlet at Serangoon Gardens, and both locations consistently attract a queue for a good plate of affordable nasi lemak, complete with a generous serving of sambal.

Rating: 4.5/5

Our thoughts: The rice in its nasi lemak (S$4) leaned heavily toward the savoury side, almost bordering on salty, but the sambal was a classic — sweet from the shallots, umami with belachan, and gradually building a pleasant spiciness. 

The turmeric flavours of the vibrantly yellow chicken came through strong, but erred slightly on the salty side. The ikan bilis provided a nice chew, but its saltiness felt somewhat redundant in an already savoury dish. If you prefer those flavours, the dish here would do it for you. 

22. Dapur Aishah

Kaki Bukit 511 Market & Food Centre, 01-16, 511 Bedok North Street 3
Open: NA

What’s it about: This old-school nasi padang stall, which has been serving its comforting fare for more than 20 years, offers a menu of timeless dishes such as asam pedas, mee siam, nasi rawon, and nasi lemak. Despite being in competition with the famed Aliff Nasi Lemak, located just a few stalls away, it draws its own loyal following with its reliable nostalgic flavours.

Rating: 3.5/5

Our thoughts: The richly infused coconut rice in my nasi lemak (S$3.50) was a little dry but paired nicely with the fluidic savoury sambal and the salty ikan bilis. The chicken was a tad tough and lacked the marination that was promised on its skin.  While it would do for an everyday fuss-free meal, it did not reach the heights of something extraordinary. 

23. Azme Corner Nasi Lemak

122 Bedok North Street 2
Open: Wednesday to Sunday (9am to 2pm)

What’s it about: This treasure of a nasi lemak spot lies tucked beneath a block of HDB flats in Bedok. Many residents and discerning foodies flock to this joint to get their nasi lemak fix at a low cost. While its menu includes other items such as mee rebus and mee soto, Azme Corner’s claim to fame lies in the nasi lemak sets, which offer every combination of ingredients to suit every appetite. As with all good food, there’s a queue that forms quickly the moment it opens.

Rating: 4/5

Our thoughts: I got Set B (S$3.50), which consisted of rice, chicken, ikan bilis and an egg. The rice here takes the cake — it was fragrant, fluffy and brimming with coconut flavours. The sambal, however, was a little too sweet for my liking. The chicken meat was soft and tender, with most of its flavour originating from the batter. Overall, the dish here offered exceptional value, and delivered a hearty plate. 

24. Lawa Bintang

9008 Tampines Street 93
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (9am to 2pm)

What’s it about: Hidden in Tampines Industrial Park is Lawa Bintang, the stall that has transformed the ordinary nasi lemak into a luxury treat. Beyond the usual chicken and fish options, its protein selection includes the likes of decadent seafood such as squid, salmon and even lobster. Located at its nondescript venue since 2017, it has delighted many a lunch crowd with its unique offerings.

Rating: 4/5

Our thoughts: As the most expensive one on the list, the viral lobster nasi lemak (S$23) had high expectations to meet. After a 20 minute wait, the lobster was served in the shell with a bubbling layer of cheese. Its meat was fresh, succulent and pleasantly sweet. The sambal, mingling with the fragrant basmati rice, grew subtly in heat with each mouthful. 

I also had a side of fried chicken (S$1.80), but understandably, it couldn’t quite compete with the lobster. The only drawback was the ikan bilis, which was rather fishy, but this dish was an overall delight. Although it does have a hefty price tag, it’s worth the occasional indulgence.

Explore other Tampines favourites here. 

25. Nasi Lemak Specialist

Tampines Round Market, 01-14, 137 Tampines Street 11
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (7.30am to 1pm)

What’s it about: As one of the more popular nasi lemak spots in Tampines, Nasi Lemak Specialist draws persistent lines throughout its operating hours. This family-run business made its debut in Tampines Round Market in 2017 and has been a beloved dining spot in the east since, offering both budget and value sets featuring beloved classics such as the begedil, otah and beef rendang.

Rating: 3.8/5

Our thoughts: The fragrant basmati rice absorbed a decent amount of coconut, although its texture suffered from some broken grains. The sambal bore a resemblance to bottled chilli sauce, leaning toward sweetness without much complexity. 

Thankfully, the fried chicken salvaged my chicken wing set (S$4). The distinctive turmeric seasoning infiltrated the meat beyond its crispy skin and momentarily erased my disappointment in the sambal, earning it kudos. 

26. New Hot & Spicy Nasi Lemak

59 Marine Terrace
Open: NA

What’s it about: This little family-run stall is a lesser known spot for Malay-style nasi lemak in the east, but it’s popular among its regulars. Besides nasi lemak, it also offers a decent selection of traditional desserts and snacks such as kuih-muih and epok epok.

Rating: 4.5/5

Our thoughts: The nasi lemak (S$4.50) here is an underrated gem. While a little clumpy, the coconut rice was flavourful, and the sambal elevates it to another level with an intense spice and smoky sweetness. The well-marinated fried chicken had an ideal amount of batter that maintains its crisp. An overall stunner.

27. Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak

Changi Village Hawker Centre, 01-23/26, 2 Changi Village Road 
Open: Monday to Sunday (24 hours)

What’s it about: This super popular nasi lemak stall in Changi Village food centre needs no introduction, for it is often touted as one of the more well-regarded nasi lemak spots in Singapore. In operation since 1997, Mizzy Corner even occupies two stalls within the food centre, serving up authentic nasi lemak with a variety of add-ons.

Rating: 4/5

Our thoughts: I got Set A (S$4.50), which came with basmati rice. Fluffy and aromatic with coconut and pandan, the rice was the highlight. The sambal was mild and slightly tangy, and came with onion slices and ikan bilis, which created a harmonious blend of sweet and salty. The chicken was flavourful but nothing spectacular. Nevertheless, the dish, when complete with an egg, was a dependable and recommendable plate. 

28. HJH Salbiah

Changi Village Hawker Centre, 01-04, 2 Changi Village Road
Open: NA

What’s it about: This traditional nasi padang stall may not have a social media presence, but manages to attract a brisk-moving queue of patrons. It’s one of the more popular names in the hawker centre, known for dishes such as beef rendang and black ink sotong. The nasi lemak is also well-loved, often selling out before the day’s end.

Rating: 4.5/5

Our thoughts: The sambal in my nasi lemak (S$4) was unlike any other I’ve tried. With a dry and flaky texture reminiscent of finely chopped radish, it surprised with a nice combination of sweetness and spice and provided additional texture to the long grain coconut rice. A tender juicy wing completed this dish. The nasi lemak here proved to be a powerhouse in both taste and price in the Changi Village nasi lemak scene. 

29. Changi Famous Nasi Lemak

Changi Village Hawker Centre, 01-28, 2 Changi Village Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 9pm), Saturday and Sunday (11am to 7pm)

What’s it about: In spite of its name, this stall is ironically less renowned than Mizzy Corner, but stands as one of the contenders for the best nasi lemak in the food centre. It only serves nasi lemak, and you can take your pick from a variety of sets depending on your appetite for the day.

Rating: 2/5

Our thoughts: The flavour of the rice could not hide how overcooked and clumpy the basmati rice was, and the sambal was just sort of sweet without any depth of flavour. The chicken was dry and spiced simply, while the ikan bilis were stale and inedible. Despite its bold claims, the nasi lemak set 3 (S$4.50) was a disappointing one.

30. Dickson Nasi Lemak

320 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Thursday to Tuesday (8.30am to 10.30am, 11.45am to 3.30pm)

What’s it about: Located in the heart of Joo Chiat, this quaint takeaway stall offers a Malaysian-style rendition of the beloved dish, and is one of the go-tos if you’re looking for Katong nasi lemak. Everything, from its 18-ingredient sambal to its in-housemade coconut milk used for triple-steaming the rice, is crafted fresh on-site. Opened by the same folks behind Champion Bolo Bun, Dickson Nasi Lemak has been gaining popularity and is a must-try.

Rating: 4/5

Our thoughts: The coconut rice of our ayam goreng berampah nasi lemak (S$10.80) was soft and had a sweetness to it that was not entirely unpleasant when balanced with the salty ikan bilis. The chicken stole the show with its crispy and flavourful skin, tender meat, and the added texture from the crumbs. 

The sambal, on the other hand, was a letdown. It came mingled with onion and ikan bilis, and though the individual flavours were obvious, they were rather disjointed. Completed with a crispy fried egg, the nasi lemak was enjoyable — although a little too pricey for something that isn’t quite perfect. 

HungryGoWhere paid for its meals at these eateries. For more ideas on what to eat, check out what we thought about these 30 wanton mee stalls in Singapore and read about this 28-year-old zi char lady boss struggling to keep her family business afloat.

Husk Nasi Lemak, Those Days Yong Tau Foo & Nasi Lemak, Cafe Ponggol Nasi Lemak, Lee Wee & Brothers, Uptown Nasi Lemak, Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak, Pangkor Island Nasi Lemak, Coba Coba, Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang, Lavender Nasi Lemak, Aliff Nasi Lemak, Lawa Bintang and Dickson Nasi Lemak are on the GrabFood delivery service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited.  

Do explore awesome deals on GrabFood Dine-in. 

You can also book a ride to the nasi lemak stalls mentioned in the article.