I was one who wasn't able to recognize traditional / Asian cuisines involving rice. Back then, I thought Nasi Ambeng was the same as Nasi Padang as they both contained assortments of dishes accompanied by white rice. But Nasi Ambeng has fixed dishes, namely beef or chicken rendang, sambal goreng (spicy stir-fried tofu, long bean, and tempeh), and serunding (sauteed grated coconut). The notable dish for Nasi Ambeng for me is the Bergedel and Fried Beef Lungs, which probably the reason why I am looking forward to feast on Nasi Ambeng these days. Might even get some Nasi Ambeng delivery.
Nasi Ambeng is a Javanese cuisine, typically, Nasi Ambeng is served in a large dulang (tray). With the white rice being surrounded by the various dishes, the platter of Nasi Ambeng is shared among four or five people. It was common to see this delicacy being served in a kenduri (a feast after a religious ceremony), encouraging bonding and togetherness over a meal.
Of course, we wouldn't be expecting to eat on a platter and share them with the others in this period. But this doesn't mean that you are not able to enjoy them. Here is the list of the best Nasi Ambeng that you can find in Singapore.
Information is correct at the time of writing. As Singapore is currently in Phase 2, do adhere to the rules and regulations of dining in a restaurant to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Image Credit: Coba Coba Facebook
When it comes to good food, one wouldn't mind traveling as far to get them. With only one outlet available in Yishun, I can assure you that your traveling time is worth it! Coba Coba serves Indonesian cuisines that are not limited to Nasi Ambeng. Either you are going to savor it alone or with some other people, you can choose among the available platters available. As the sharing of food is not advisable at this point in time, you can opt for the Nasi Ambeng Bento Box. For only $12.90, it is one of the great alternatives if you are planning to treat your family, friends, or even your company without the need to go out in a big group.
Price: From $10.80
Address: 156 Yishun Street 11 #01-106 S(760156)
Operating hours: 8 am - 9 pm, Mon-Sun
Delivery: Available in FoodPanda (limited menu) and official website
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Image Credit: Padi @ Bussorah
Nestled in Bussorah Street, you can find a restaurant serving authentic Malay dishes called Padi@Bussorah. Its restaurant has a great ambiance to hang out with friends or colleagues after work. Choose from a solo platter to platters for 5 people. You can expect to savor dishes like Ayam Lemak Chili Padi, Sambal Goreng, and Sambal squid. It will definitely leave your stomach happy and heart satisfied.
Price: From $16.90
Address: 53 Bussorah St, S(199469)
Operating hours: 11 am - 10 pm, Mon-Sun
Delivery: Through the official website (Bento and Ala Carte Ambeng dishes)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Image Credit: My Spice Affair
My Spice Affair is another restaurant serving authentic Malay dishes, mainly focusing on Malacca recipes. From a warung hawker stall at Jalan Kayu and Seletar back in the 1970s, today you can savor these flavourful dishes at Aperia Mall. The store serves Nasi Padang in the day and Nasi Ambeng from 5 pm onwards. Three sizes are made available to cater to your crowd size. The dishes are not limited to Ayam Lemak Chili Padi, Beef Rendang as well as Sambal Cuttlefish. The Spice Affair has an option for Ambeng Light, an even smaller portion than Ambeng Solo, suitable for those with a smaller appetite.
Price: From $8.80
Address: 12 Kallang Ave, Aperia #02-11 S(339511)
Operating hours: 10 am - 9 pm, Sun - Fri
Delivery: Through the official website
Website | Facebook
Image Credit: Hajjah Mariam Cafe Facebook
Tucked in the basement of Westgate Shopping Mall, Hajjah Mariam Cafe caters to local Malay Cuisines. But it is best known for its Nasi Ambeng as people from every part of the island will flock in to enjoy them! For every size of the platters, you can choose between the standard or premium, where the latter contains additional brinjal and cow lungs. Their Dulang Ambeng-On-The-Go is perfect for enjoying great food at home. It is also the best option if you stay quite far from Westgate mall and don't want to travel.
Price: From $8.50
Address: 3 Gateway Drive, #B2-08 Westgate Shopping Mall, S(608532)
Operating hours: 10 am - 9 pm, Mon-Sun
Delivery: Through calls (Number available on its official website)
Website | Facebook
Image Credit: Pu3 Facebook
Do you know about the existence of a restaurant serving local Malay cuisine just another street behind 313 Somerset? Well, I wasn't aware of it too, and now I have an additional choice of Halal eateries when I'm in town. You can choose between chicken, beef, or cuttlefish for its solo Ambeng platter. You should also try their Tahu Telor, a fried egg, and tofu dish topped with ground peanuts, sweet sauce, and petis. Pu3 Restaurant also open orders for Ambeng Bento exclusive for any solemnization event.
Price: From $9.80
Address: 111 Somerset Road, #02-20 TripleOne Somerset S(238164)
Operating hours: 11 am - 8 pm, Mon-Thu; 11 am - 9 pm, Fri-Sun & Public Holidays.
Delivery: Through the official website
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Image Credit: Istimewa Nasi Padang Facebook
Istimewa Nasi Padang is a Muslim-owned stall located in the area of Bukit Merah. This store has been featured numerous times in media and food blogs. Recently, Istimewa Nasi Padang was also rated as the top 3 best Malay restaurants in Bukit Merah. Their Nasi Ambeng is available in two sizes; Nasi Ambeng Half and Nasi Ambeng Full. Both of which contains 12 kinds of dishes in a platter. Apart from Nasi Padang and Nasi Ambeng, Istimewa Nasi Padang caters to Signature Bento Set, suitable for corporate events or meetings.
Price: From $28
Address: Blk 28 Hoy Fatt Road, S(151028)
Operating hours: 6 am - 3:30 pm, Mon-Sat
Delivery: Through the official website or calls (Number available on its Facebook page)
Website | Facebook
Image Credit: Nasi Ambeng Asli Jurong West Facebook
Nasi Ambeng Asli Jurong West is a Halal caterer in Singapore. With numerous excellent reviews, it is no doubt Nasi Ambeng Asli Jurong West has been providing good food and services. Their Nasi Ambeng is available for 1 pax, 2 pax, or 4 pax. As for the 1 pax set, you can choose between beef or chicken as one of the main dishes. They concurrently have online orders for their Nasi Ambeng, so do keep a lookout on their Facebook page for order slot.
Price: From $8
Delivery: Through Whatsapps (Number available on its Facebook page)
Facebook | Instagram
There you have it! The best Nasi Ambeng you can find in Singapore. If you have yet to settle for your lunch or dinner today, don't forget to check out any of these outlets and satisfy your stomach!