The best nasi padang eateries in Singapore, according to top local chefs

Singapore-based chefs recommend their favourite nasi padang outlets

Nasi padang—or padang rice—is a style of eating that originated in the city of Padang in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Diners are often served with rice, which they can pair with a wide variety of pre-cooked dishes like meats and vegetables, as well as piquant vegetables including sambal and chilli. The versatility of the nasi padang makes it a well-loved ‘cuisine’ that it has spread across Malaysia and Singapore. In Singapore, the style of nasi padang is influenced by Indonesia and Malaysia.

The island is populated with many nasi padang joints, so we ask the island’s top chefs to share where they go to satisfy their cravings.

In case you missed it: Where Do The Top 20 Chefs In Singapore Go For Their Hawker Fix?

1. Sabar Menanti 2

Above Sabar Menanti 2/Facebook

Damian D’Silva, chef-partner, Rempapa

Chef Damian D’Silva enjoys going to Sabar Menanti, which was founded in the 1920s. Authentic Minangkabau food from West Sumatra is served here. “It really depends on my mood, but I would usually order the pucuk ubi (tapioca leaf), opor nangka (jackfruit in hot and spicy coconut gravy), ikan bakar (grilled fish), urap (salad dish of steamed vegetables) and babat (tripe) if it was available. The original Sabar Menanti used to be in a corner coffeeshop at Kandahar Street. I remember the dank smell of smoke coming from the kitchen that permeated the entire coffee shop which was always packed with regulars.”

Hafizzul Hashim, chef-owner, Fiz

Chef-owner Hafizzul Hashim of Fiz also frequents Sabar Menanti for his go-to nasi padang, whose third-generation Minang family owners keep true to their style of cuisine. With ingredients imported from Indonesia, such as fresh coconut milk, which amplifies the flavour of their gulai (coconut milk-based “curries”). As for Hafizzul’s favourite dish, the beef rendang stands out. “It’s tender and comes in large chunks, not to mention a balanced proportion of ingredients that respect the purity and essence of a proper rendang,” he says.

Sabar Menanti 2
Address: 737 North Bridge Road, S(198715)

2. Warong M Nasir

Above Warung M Nasir/Facebook

Haikal Johari, executive chef, Alma by Juan Amador

Haikal Johari usually goes to Warong M Nasir for his nasi padang fix. “I always order the ayam lemak, bergedil, sambal goreng and chilli brinjal. I go there once in a while when I crave for these dishes. Maybe once a month if I can.” The chef also likes to visit Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang at Geylang Serai (02-137) for more uncommon dishes like the sambal paru (beef lungs).

Warong M Nasir
Address: 69 Killiney Road, S(239526)

3. Sari Ratu Padang Indonesian Restaurant

Above Sari Ratu Padang Indonesian restaurant/Facebook

Nurl Asyraffie Mohamed Shukor, chef, Arang

“For nasi padang, I would recommend Sari Ratu at Pahang Street. I’ve tried many nasi padang places in Singapore and I would have to say this place is top of my list. I would always get the gulai lemak nangka (jackfruit), sup ekor (oxtail soup), and ikan belado with sambal hijau (fried fish in tangy chilli sauce). The best!”

Ratu Lemper’s chef-owner Carol Widjaya who grew up in Indonesia also enjoys the nasi padang at Sari Ratu. “They serve the best Indonesian-style beef rendang and cabe ijo or green chilli sambal. I’d also order the ayam gulai sometimes, which is lighter and well-cooked.

Widjaya l thinks this is the closest to Indonesian-style food that she can get back home. In fact, this is the only place Widjaya and her husband frequent in Singapore for nasi padang.

Sari Ratu Padang Indonesian restaurant
Address: 20 Pahang Street S(198617)

4. Rumah Makan Minang

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Kevin Wong, chef-owner, Seroja

Kevin Wong recommends the nasi padang at Rumah Makan Minang. Founded in 1954, this multi-generational restaurant specialises in Indonesian Minangkabau cuisine. “My favourite dishes are the jackfruit curry, beef rendang, ayam masak merah, tauhu sumbat (stuffed beancurd) and bergedil, with all types of gravy,” he says. Other specialities include ikan bakar (grilled fish) and ayam percik (grilled chicken with spices, lemongrass, coconut milk and tamarind).

“I like Rumah Makan Minang because it still retains the authentic and traditional taste of the past, and the dishes are still cooked by the makciks (aunties). The staff are also very friendly and they remember their customers,” adds the chef.

He discovered the eatery when he was preparing for the opening of Seroja which is located at Duo Galleria, not far from Kandahar Street. He would go there a lot for comfort meal amidst the busy days of getting the restaurant ready.

Rumah Makan Minang
Address:18 & 18A Kandahar Street, S(198884)

5. Hjh Maimunah Nasi Padang

Above Nasi padang at Hjh Maimunah Nasi Padang (Photo: Facebook / Hjh Maimunah Restaurant & Catering)

LG Han, chef-owner, Labyrinth

For chef-owner of modern Singaporean restaurant LG Han, standouts from this store include the beef rendang and paru belado (beef lungs), which Han says are “tender and packed with immense flavour”. The ayam kalio is also not to be missed, “delicious and comforting as it is cooked in thick, spiced coconut gravy”.

Tariq Helou, chef-owner, Fleurette

Chef-owner Tariq Helou also prefers the nasi padang at Hjh Maimunah Nasi Padang. What he likes about it is its vast variety of dishes, including rendang, sambal, and crispy fried items, which creates “delightful fusion of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors” and “significantly adds to its charm”. A favourite of Helou’s is the curry campur, which he says is “super addictive”.

Hjh Maimunah Nasi Padang (multiple locations)
Address: 20 Joo Chiat Road, S(427357), +65 6348 5457

6. Chopstix and Rice

Above Nasi padang at Chopstix and Rice

Anthony Yeoh, chef-owner, Summer Hill

Chef-owner Anthony Yeoh of Summer Hill found his favourite nasi padang spot in Chopstix and Rice when he moved his restaurant to Orchard Road. An institution in the basement of Orchard Towers since 2002, it was both delicious and “one of the most affordable lunches in the Orchard area” for Yeoh. You won’t find it at Orchard Towers any longer though—they moved to Suntec City earlier in 2023.

As for Yeoh’s favourite dishes here, the sambal goreng has “lots of tempeh” which he likes. “Their ayam lemak is also really lemak and the gravy just makes you want to finish all the rice that soaks it up,” Yeoh continues. The green belado is not to be ignored either—made with green chilli, the sambal has “real kick”. “I want to eat it with everything,” Yeoh says. “The only problem is how heavy it all is and trying to moderate myself before waddling back to work.”

Chopstix and Rice
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Mall Tower 4, B1-100/101 East Wing, S(038983)

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Topics

Nasi padang Local food Singapore chefs Damian D'Silva Hafizzul Hashim

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