15 places for nasi padang in Singapore that are oh-so-sedap

Nothing whets our appetite better than a hearty plate of nasi padang in Singapore, thanks to the sheer number of aromatic dishes on display. It’s not just a meal that’s made for sharing, but one that brings families and friends together.

Named after the city of Padang, capital of the West Sumatra province, nasi padang offers an extensive array of meats, fish and vegetables that’s paired with curries and sambal, and eaten with white rice.

Although some might say it’s similar to economic rice, also fondly known as cai fan, nasi padang differs as the dishes offered often come with a much more flavourful punch. This is because they’re prepared with a variety of herbs and spices, and typically simmered for hours to produce robust flavours.

You can have it as mixed rice (nasi campur-style), where all the different ingredients are piled on individual plates or you can opt to have the dishes served family-style (hidang), where each item is presented on its own small plate.

So, if you’re craving a savoury plate of nasi padang, we’ve found 15 spots with the best nasi padang in Singapore offering dishes that will make you go: “Sedap!”. 

1. Muslim Delights Malay Food and Noodles

117 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Open: Monday to Friday (6.30am to 6.30pm) 

Why visit? If you work in Tai Seng, you’d know that Muslim Delights Malay Food and Noodles is a popular lunch spot for office workers in the area.

Some say it’s the best spot for nasi padang in Singapore, and its popularity is unrivalled. After all, Muslim Delights is ranked in the Michelin Bib Gourmand list for a good reason. It has also made headlines for being the wedding food caterer for celebrities such as local singer-songwriter Taufik Batisah.

Its popularity is attributed to its tasty dishes at value-for-money prices. There is a wide variety of mains to choose from as well, including nasi lemak (S$3.70) and mee soto (S$3.50).

Price range: $

Crowd favourite: The ayam masak merah (S$4) is a crowd pleaser. The meat is fork-tender, and the spicy gravy that it’s doused in is the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

2. HJH Maimunah Restaurant & Catering 

Multiple stores islandwide
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why visit? A crowd-favourite nasi padang restaurant in Singapore, HJH Maimunah is a family-owned establishment specialising in traditional Malay cuisine. Since its opening in 1992, HJH Maimunah has earned a reputation for serving one of the best beef rendang in town. 

Its rendang is cooked by simmering beef in a mixture of spices, herbs, coconut milk and coconut powder for about two-and-a-half hours, resulting in tender meats that are infused with flavour.

The menu isn’t just limited to beef rendang, either. There’s an extensive selection of drool-worthy Malay and Indonesian dishes that’ll have you spoiled for choice, including sambal goreng, paru and BBQ selar fish.

Price range: $

Crowd favourite: It goes without saying that you should try the beef rendang (S$4.50) there. The rich, juicy and tender beef goes perfectly with sambal goreng and white rice.

3. Warong Nasi Pariaman 

738 North Bridge Road
Open: Thursday to Tuesday (7.30am to 3pm)

Why visit? Did you know that Warong Nasi Pariaman is one of the oldest eateries serving authentic nasi padang in Singapore? 

Founded in 1948 by husband-and-wife-duo Isrin Ibrahim and Rosna Zainal Abidin, the business first opened its doors at a coffee shop located at the intersection between North Bridge Road and Kandahar Street, serving delicious nasi padang in Kampong Glam. 

The family-run joint is still standing at the same location today, dishing up plates of traditional nasi padang to customers. However, it is now helmed by the second generation of the Isrin family. They have retained the Minangkabau tradition of cooking rendang over a charcoal fire, and the food served is just as delicious. 

Price range: $

Crowd favourite: The gulai nangka is a dish that deserves a shoutout. Smothered in a creamy sauce made with coconut milk and spices, every bite of the sweet jackfruit promises an explosion of flavours in your mouth. 

Read about Warong Nasi Pariaman’s history here.

4. Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lock Kee

Clarke Quay Central, 02-72-75/77/92, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 8.30pm)

Why visit? Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lock Kee is another nasi padang restaurant in Singapore that holds a special place in our hearts. Established in the 1950s, this eatery is reputed for its authentic Western Sumatran cuisine. 

Located on the second floor of Clarke Quay Central, the eatery is easily spotted by its bold red signage and eye-catching display of nasi padang dishes. Although the ingredients are priced on the higher end, your meal here is worth every penny.

Not only is the service fantastic, there’s also a large variety of dishes available, such as korma chicken (S$9.30 for breast meat, S$10.30 for thigh meat) and cuttlefish sambal (from S$5.80). The latter is a classic, must-order dish when one is having nasi padang. The chewy slices are steeped in a tangy spicy sambal sauce, making each bite a satisfying one. 

Price range: $

Crowd favourite: Besides the cuttlefish sambal, the liver and gizzard (from S$5.50) is another popular dish on the menu. It sees a hearty plate of liver and gizzard bits bathed in a spicy, lemak curry.

5. Coba Coba 

156 Yishun Street 11, 01-106
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 9pm)

Why visit? On the hunt for affordable nasi padang in Singapore? Consider adding Coba Coba to your list of local nasi padang eateries to hit up. Nestled in the heart of Yishun, the halal-certified cafe serves delicious food in a retro aesthetic setting – complete with vintage memorabilia and rustic furniture. 

Helmed by Chinese owner Timothy Yun who opened the restaurant with his father, Coba Coba was launched out of their love of spicy food. They also wanted to serve something that would appeal to all Singaporeans. 

A highlight of Coba Coba is its nasi ambeng — a giant sharing platter comprising a selection of food surrounding a mound of rice. Yun introduced this to the menu as he wanted to foster togetherness among diners from all walks of life. If you’re heading there solo, you can also have the individual dishes, mixed rice-style.

Price range: $$$$

Crowd favourite: Feel free to jio your loved ones down for Coba Coba’s classic nasi ambeng sharing platter (S$55.90 for four persons). It comes with a multitude of dishes, such as beef rendang, begedil (potato patties), sambal terung (eggplant) and more.

6. Serangoon BBQ & Curry

22 Sin Ming Road, 01-210
Open: Wednesday to Monday (10am to 3pm)

Why visit? Foodies may have heard of Serangoon BBQ & Curry, formerly known as Serangoon Nasi Padang. Situated at Sin Ming Road, the hawker stall is manned by a family of three: Uncle Tan, his wife Auntie Cheong and their son Eugene. The husband-and-wife duo run the kitchen, while Eugene works the front of the house. 

Both Uncle Tan and Auntie Cheong have been dishing up authentic nasi padang since 1983, having learnt the ropes from their Malay neighbours back when they lived in a kampong. Today, Serangoon BBQ & Curry is known for serving one of the best nasi padang in Singapore, and rightfully so.  

From the meats, vegetables and seafood, down to its signature butterfly pea rice, every ingredient is freshly sourced from markets, marinated in-house, and cooked to perfection.

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: The sedap sets are what most customers return for. Look forward to sets such as the signature BBQ chicken (S$5.50), which spots a crispy skin that has been marinated with a variety of spices. The nyonya mutton curry (S$6) or curry fish fillet (S$7) sets are worth a try, too.

7. Pagi Sore

Far East Square, 88/90 Telok Ayer Street
Open: Monday (11am to 3pm), Tuesday to Sunday (11am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 9pm)

Why visit? Since its establishment in 1989, Pagi Sore has become a household name for tantalising nasi padang fare in Singapore. An authentic Indonesian restaurant that has been in operation for more than thirty years, it was founded by chef Liyana Kwan, who sought to hone her culinary skills and explore native Indonesian flavours. 

Armed with an array of original recipes, Pagi Sore was born. Known for its harmonious fusion of authentic Indonesian spices and Chinese cooking techniques, it’s now run by her son, chef Park, who continues to use her heritage recipes. 

The eatery has clinched multiple awards, such as the Singapore Excellence Award in 2013 and Singapore’s Top Restaurants in 2016.

Note that the restaurant will be closed until July 30 for renovation work. 

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: The ayam gulai (S$7.90) is a dish that’s highly recommended by the eatery. It sees a Padang-style curry chicken simmered in a lemak curry made from freshly ground chilli, turmeric and galangal. Don’t miss its signature tumis kangkong belachan (stir-fried water spinach in belachan chilli, from S$10.80), as well.

8. Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang

Geylang Serai Market, 02-137, 1 Geylang Serai
Open: Monday to Sunday (7am to 7pm)

Why visit? Searching for good nasi padang in Singapore? Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang should be at the top of your list, thanks to its traditional Kapau-style nasi padang and extensive selection of ingredients to choose from.

The stall is helmed by Haji Nasir Kiram, who has been selling nasi padang for more than six decades. His story began when he moved to Singapore from Bukittinggi, West Sumatra in the 1960s, where he sold nasi kapau in a makeshift stall in Geylang Serai.

In 1964, the stall relocated to Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre and has remained in the same spot since. Be prepared to queue in the early morning for Sinar Pagi’s nasi padang, as dishes tend to sell out by lunchtime.

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: Meat lovers should consider ordering the paru balado (beef lungs) or babat kalio (beef tripe) to go with their rice. Alternatively, safer options include ayam panggang (grilled chicken), tahu telor (tofu omelette), and beef rendang.

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9. Istimewa Nasi Padang

Chong Wah Coffee & Restaurant, 01-24, 28 Hoy Fatt Road
Open: Saturday to Thursday (8am to 2pm)

Why visit? If you’re located in the west, be sure to check out Istimewa Nasi Padang. Known for its massive nasi ambeng platters and traditional nasi padang fare, this is the place to go for family dinners. 

The eatery began in 1989 as a stall at a coffee shop in Bukit Merah. Over the years, it attracted a loyal following who enjoy its authentic, home-style dishes. In 2015, Abdul Hadi Kamarolzaman and his wife Noor Afiza Mohamed Ali took over the stall from his parents, offering the same comforting food as before.

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: If you’re not sure which dish to order, try the chef-recommended signature items. The rendang lembu (S$6) features tender, slow-cooked beef that’s marinated in rich coconut milk and spices. A popular side dish, the begedil (S$3 for two pieces) is a savoury, deep-fried fritter prepared with mashed potatoes and spring onions.

10. Warung Java Nasi Padang

539 Bedok North Street 3, 01-619
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (7am to 4pm)

Why visit? Located in the heart of Bedok North, Warung Java Nasi Padang sits in a nondescript coffee shop and has won the hearts of easties who have grown to love its hearty Indonesian fare.

The stall display is always a colourful lineup of dishes and curries, all waiting to be savoured. Besides delectable nasi padang fare, there’re also sets, such as the lesser-known nasi jenganan (rice with vegetables and peanut sauce), nasi ambeng, lontong raya and more.

Price range: $

Crowd favourite: A quick search online, and you’ll find locals singing the praises of Warung Java’s nasi rawon. The highlight is its rich rawon gravy that’s made by simmering beef tendon and buah keluak — a broth that’s subtly smoky and incredibly umami. It’s poured liberally over your plate of rice and dishes for a satisfying kick.

11. Raden Lina Nasi Padang 

Heartbeat@Bedok, 01-28/29, 11 Bedok North Street 1
Open: Monday to Sunday (7am to 8.30pm)

West Plaza Koufu Foodcourt, 01-336, 735 Pasir Ris Street 72
Open: Monday to Sunday (7am to 8pm)

Happy Hawkers, 01-219/221, 478 Tampines Street 44
Open: Monday to Sunday (7.30am to 7.30pm)

BigBox Koufu Foodcourt, 02-05, 1 Venture Avenue
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 7pm)

Why visit? The east side truly is the best side, as another popular nasi padang chain in the region is none other than Raden Lina Nasi Padang. With four outlets situated in different parts of the east, you can enjoy a mouthwatering plate of Raden Lina’s signature nasi padang at your convenience. 

There are tons to choose fro here. Some highly raved dishes that customers are known to go back for are the sweet and tangy ayam masak merah, fried potatoes and sotong hitam (squid cooked in its own ink). You can choose to order these items a la carte or opt for the fixed nasi padang sets.

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: The nasi padang beef set (S$6.80) is our top pick. It comes with a generous serving of beef rendang, steamed rice and vegetables. Also recommended is the nasi ambeng platter (S$9.80), where you can choose a protein of either beef, chicken or mutton.

12. Putra Minang Restaurant & Catering

Somerset Bencoolen, 01-05, 51 Bencoolen Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (9am to 9pm)

International Plaza, 01-33, 10 Anson Road
Open: Monday to Saturday (10am to 7pm), Sunday (10am to 4.30pm)

Why visit? Die-hard nasi padang fans are definitely familiar with Putra Minang Restaurant & Catering. Helmed by experienced chefs who trained at various Minang establishments in West Sumatra and Jarkata, the joint prides itself on authentic Indonesian cuisine. 

Dishes here are prepared with time-honoured recipes that have been passed down from one generation to the next, so you know that you’re in the right place for traditional Indonesian Minangkabau-style nasi padang fare. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the spread of options in its brightly lit display.

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Sate padang is one of the signature items at Putra Minang. A satay dish unique to the Minangkabau cuisine, the meat is marinated and infused with spices to attain a sweet and savoury flavour. Meat lovers can go for either the sate ayam set (S$10.80), which features chicken meat, or the sate sapi set (S$10.80), which uses cuts of beef. 

13. The Nasi Padang by Butterscotch

Gourmet Street Coffeeshop, 01-210, 22 Sin Ming Road
Open: Monday to Friday (7am to 2pm)

Why visit? The Nasi Padang by Butterscotch is another heartland eatery that you mustn’t sleep on. It’s quite the hidden gem, as most customers tend to gravitate towards other bigger names in the region. 

However, it’s worth checking out, as the place has a range of flavourful dishes that you can order a la carte or as part of value-for-money nasi padang set meals. It’s also known for its generous portions.

While it does have a physical outlet at Sin Ming Road, the cafe receives the bulk of its orders online. If you intend to have your friends and family over for a get-together, Nasi Padang by Butterscotch also provides catering services. 

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: Regulars would sing the praises of the eatery’s signature sambal goreng tahu tempe, sambal belachan and ayam masak merah.

14. Maimon Nasi Padang Seafood & Catering Services

Serangoon Garden Market & Food Centre, 01-29, 49A Serangoon Garden Way
Open: Wednesday and Thursday (11.30am to 3.30pm), Friday to Sunday (11.30am to 3.30pm, 5.30pm to 8pm)

Why visit? Recognised by foodies as one of the top Indonesian eateries in Serangoon, Maimon Nasi Padang Seafood & Catering Services is a family-run hawker stall that serves traditional Indonesian cuisine. All the dishes are prepared daily by Mdm Maimon, who enlists fresh ingredients in her recipes. 

You can opt for the nasi padang sets or choose to order your dishes served a la carte. If you’re unsure which dish to go for, do ask the staff on duty for their recommendations. 

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: The beef rendang set meal (S$5.50) is our top pick of the lot. It comes with tender beef in a lemak gravy, fluffy steamed rice and vegetables. The nasi ambeng (S$10) is perfect for sharing, too — it comes with a myriad of meats, vegetables and other side dishes.

15. Che Rose Nasi Padang

128 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh
Open: Saturday to Thursday (8am to 3pm)

Why visit? Che Rose Nasi Padang is one of the top contenders vying for the spot of best nasi padang in Singapore. 

Founder Rosmah Nidar, also known as Che Rose, first started selling nasi padang in Bussorah Street in 1958 with her mother and younger sisters, serving dishes reminiscent of homemade flavours with traditional recipes originating from their hometown in a village in Padang.

In 1968, she opened Che Rose Nasi Padang in Toa Payoh, and she has been there ever since, beloved among residents in the area. She’s known for her chicken and beef rendang recipe, which was passed down from her grandparents. These days, the stall is mainly run by her children.

Fun fact: Her siblings run both Rumah Makan Minang and Sabar Menanti I and II. Given that Mdm Rosmah hails from a legacy of skilful chefs, it’s no wonder the food at Che Rose is incredibly tasty! 

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: Chicken rendang (S$3.50) is one of the top dishes at Che Rose. Juicy chicken meat is coated in an addictive sauce prepared with different spices, such as lemongrass, ginger and garlic. The beef rendang (S$3) is another star item, which features slow-cooked beef simmered in coconut milk and aromatic ingredients.

For more ideas on what to eat, check out our guides on affordable Suntec City restaurants and places for authentic Burmese cuisine. Or get the details on Brooklyn ice cream brand Van Leeuwen’s first overseas outlet in Singapore.

All eateries except for Muslim Delights Malay Food and Noodles, Warong Nasi Pariaman, Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lock Kee, Warung Java Nasi Padang, Maimon Nasi Padang Seafood & Catering Services and Che Rose Nasi Padang are on the GrabFood Delivery Service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited. They can also be found on GrabFood Dine-in.

Alternatively, book a ride to these Nasi Padang spots in Singapore.