16 best nasi padang in Singapore that are so sedap you can’t stop at one
I’m prepared to fight when I say that nasi padang might be one of the best dishes out there. This humble yet hearty staple gives you the option to choose from a diverse amount of fragrant ingredients, most of which have gone through a tremendous amount of preparation.
It’s more than just cai fan though— this Indonesian staple covers a much wider range of ingredients, including many parts of the cow like its lung, and pairs each delectable ingredient with plenty of spices, curries and chillies to create a simply wonderful combination of spicy and savoury flavours.
We’ve scoured the island to present to you the 16 best nasi padang spots in Singapore that are so good it’ll simply leave you addicted for more.
1. Putra Minang Restaurant
Putra Minang is a nasi padang restaurant serving Padang cuisine. Their goal being to provide lovers of Padang food with the most authentic dishes possible— the chefs at Putra Minang are trained in Padang, Indonesia, while their ingredients and spices are also from Indonesia! You’ll find 3 of their restaurants islandwide, including their flagship store within Somerset Bencoolen Hotel Singapore. Their other 2 outlets are located at Lucky Plaza and International Plaza.
Putra Minang offers a huge variety of mains, veggies and sides for you to choose from— I counted over 30 dishes during my visit. Prices depend on which ingredients you choose, so make sure to check with the staff before placing your order. For example, a plate of rice with 2 veggies, 1 main and 1 side will cost you S$10, while rice with 3 veggies will set you back S$5.50.
Rendang Sapi is one of the most popular dishes at Putra Minang— this Padang style beef rendang is full of beef meat, herbs and spices. If you prefer chicken, you must get the Ayam Kalio, which is chicken cooked in spiced coconut gravy. This Indonesian dish consists of thick, vibrant gravy with tender whole chicken pieces within.
Putra Minang offers dishes made with beef tendon, too— for the uninitiated, beef tendon is a popular ingredient among many due to the fact that it is high in collagen and protein. Kikil Gulai is one such dish on the menu, made with a generous amount of beef tendon within curry sauce.
Finally, Sotong Masak Hitam is a pretty fascinating dish available at the restaurant— this unique creation consists of squid cooked in its own black ink!
The variety of dishes available at Putra Minang is incredibly commendable. Regardless of whether you prefer spicy or non-spicy food, meat or seafood, chicken or beef, or fried or saucy food, you’ll be sure to find plenty of mains and sides that you’ll enjoy.
51 Bencoolen Street, #01-05, Singapore 189630
+65 9435 3565
Daily: 9am – 8.30pm
304 Orchard Road, Lucky Plaza, #02-107, Singapore 238863
+65 9435 3587
Daily: 10am – 8.30pm
10 Anson Road, International Plaza, #01-33, Singapore 079903
+65 9435 3586
Daily: 9.30am – 7pm
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2. Hjh Maimunah
When some think of nasi padang, the first restaurant that comes to mind is Hjh Maimunah.
Ever since this authentic eatery opened in 1992, it’s been selling one of the best nasi padang on the island. It was even awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand!
You can find its original restaurant along Jalan Pisang, though it has since expanded to a total of six outlets, some of which are stalls within coffee shops.
Whenever you’re at Hjh Maimunah, you can expect nothing short of a feast. In fact, you might even need to resist piling ingredients onto your plate like a mountain— because that’s exactly what I might do.
Though Hjh Maimunah’s ingredients aren’t exactly the most affordable, you can bet they’re down right delicious. Try its signature Beef Rendang (S$4.50 per piece), Paru Belado (S$3.50 per piece) which are beef lungs, and its Ayam Kalio (S$4 per piece).
It also has more affordable set meals such as the Beef Set (S$8), Nasi Sambal Goreng Set (S$9) and Fish Set (S$8) for single pax diners.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, refer here.
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3. Rumah Makan Minang
Rumah Makan Minang is a multi-generational restaurant founded in 1954 that specialises in Indonesian cuisine— more specifically, Minangkabau food which comes from West Sumatra, Indonesia.
Its original restaurant is located at Kandahar Street, right next to Sultan Mosque, but it also has another restaurant at Our Tampines Hub.
With recipes dating as far back as the 1940s, Rumah Makan Minang provides sedap nasi padang that’s authentic and delicious.
Fuss-free options include single-diner combos like the Beef Rendang Padang Box Set (S$14.40), which includes rice, beef rendang, vegetables, bergedil, sambal belacan and a bottle of Teh Botol. If you’re here for breakfast, you can try its Gado Gado Minang (S$5.40) or Lontong Gulai Lodeh (S$5.40).
Alternatively, à la carte options are available as well, though it might be more on the pricey end. For example, its Ayam Percik costs S$7.80 alone, while its Paru Belado will set you back S$7.20.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, refer here.
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4. Coba Coba
If there’s one thing Yishunites has got going for them, it’s Coba Coba. This rustic restaurant, located at Yishun Street 11, was conceptualised in 2014 by a father-and-son team, who wanted to pay homage to their Indonesian background.
With over 30 dishes ranging from tahu telur to sotong sumbat, Coba Coba (which means “try try” in Bahasa Indonesia, and is actually pronounced as “choba”) aims to bring traditional homemade Indonesian food in a halal-certified, clean and homey environment.
Coba Coba is most well known for its massive Deluxe Nasi Ambeng Set (S$39.90 for two pax, S$66.90 for four pax), which includes up to 15 ingredients such as sambal sotong and serunding. You can also try its à la carte nasi padang with dishes such as Ayam Bakar (from S$4.50), or go for Nasi Lemak sets which start from S$4.80.
156 Yishun Street 11, #01-106, Singapore 760156
+65 6382 2622
Wed to Mon: 8am – 9pm
Closed on Tue
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5. Serangoon BBQ & Curry
Most nasi padang stalls are run by Muslim families, so you might be surprised to find that a Chinese family runs ever-popular Serangoon BBQ & Curry instead. Don’t belittle the owners’ race though, because the Tan family first learned how to cook nasi padang from their Malay neighbours back when they were living in the same kampong.
Their authentic nasi padang is so good that it even landed themselves a spot in SETHLUI.com’s Top 300 Hawker awards!
The Tans opened their first stall in Serangoon. Back then, they went by the name “Serangoon Nasi Padang”, before moving to Bishan. After selling off the business with the intention of retiring in October 2020, the Tan family decided to kick-start the business again, and moved to Sin Ming under a new name.
Adorably, Serangoon BBQ & Curry sells Sedap Sets, which consist of one main dish that comes with butterfly pea rice and two free side dishes.
Go for its most popular Sedap Set— the Signature BBQ Chicken (S$5.50), and choose from a wide range of side dishes such as Achar, Begedil, Curry Vegetables, Sambal Kang Kong and more.
22 Sin Ming Road, #01-210, Singapore 570022
+65 8884 4322
Wed to Mon: 9am – 3pm
Closed on Tue
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6. Pagi Sore
Pagi Sore can be found at Far East Square, just a minute’s walk away from Telok Ayer MRT (exit B).
This authentic Indonesian restaurant was established in 1989 by Chef Liyana Kwan, who has now passed over the reins to her son, Chef Park.
Using heritage recipes that present the best flavours of Indonesian cuisine, Pagi Sore’s most famous dishes include the Ikan Goreng Baladi (S$28.90), an entire deep-fried sea bass topped with rich Padang-style balado chilli, as well as the iconic Ikan Otah Kukus (S$28.90 for regular, S$32 for large), a Pagi Sore original dish that features a whole leatherjacket fish steamed in an otah-based gravy.
88 Telok Ayer Street, Far East Square, Singapore 048470
+65 6225 6002
Mon: 11.30am – 3pm
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 9pm
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7. Warong Nasi Pariaman
In my humble opinion, Warong Nasi Pariaman should become a national treasure. Founded in 1948, this could easily be Singapore’s oldest and longest-surviving nasi padang stall in Singapore.
Apart from a couple of moves due to renovation, it largely hasn’t moved from its original location— a mere coffee shop (aka warong) at the corner of Kandahar Street. Its original founders, Mr Isrin and Madam Rosna, hail from Pariaman, a city in West Sumatra.
As of today, Warong Nasi Pariaman is helmed by Mr Isrin’s sons and three generations of their extended families.
Want an authentic taste of Indonesian nasi padang without breaking the bank? Try Warong Nasi Pariaman’s set meals, which range from the Ayam Bakar Set (S$11) to Rendang Set (S$8.25).
If you’re intending to order à la carte style, look out for popular dishes such as the Ikan Bakar (S$6.60), Sambal Goreng (S$3.95) and Rendang Lembu (S$4.85).
738 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198706
+65 6292 5898
Thu to Tue: 7.30am – 3pm
Closed on Wed
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8. Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lock Kee
Ever since I was a little girl, my parents loved bringing me to Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lock Kee for its delicious nasi padang.
What I didn’t know was that this old-school nasi padang institution first started out more than seven whopping decades ago in the 1930s, selling Western food in an unassuming coffee shop along Bras Basah Road. After the British forces withdrew from Singapore in the 1960s, the late Mr Seah Soo Khoon decided to bring in nasi padang instead.
In fact, its name, Rendezvous, means “meeting place” in French, and came about because the British soldiers used to hang out at the eatery! Currently, you can find Rendezvous Restaurant at The Central in Clarke Quay.
At Rendezvous Restaurant, it’s all about pointing and picking what you’d like. Try its signature Curry Chicken (S$9.90 for breast, S$10.90 for thigh), Beef Rendang (S$6.20) and Prawn Sambal (S$6.30/S$7.30), and be sure to order other accompanying dishes like Lodeh (from S$4.90), Sambal Goreng (from S$5.90) and Cuttle-fish Sambal (from S$6.20).
6 Eu Tong Sen Street, The Central, #02-72 to 75/77/92, Singapore 059817
+65 6339 7508
Daily: 11.15am – 8.30pm
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9. Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang
Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre might have plenty of Muslim-friendly stalls, but those familiar with this popular hawker centre will know Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang for its long queues.
This well-loved nasi padang stall sets itself apart from others by offering traditional Kapau-style nasi padang, with over 40 types of yummy ingredients that’ll seriously leave you spoilt for choice. Its history goes back to the 1960s, when its founder sold authentic nasi kapau in a makeshift stall in Geylang Serai.
Be sure to come hungry, as Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang doesn’t scrimp on its serving sizes.
I ordered three types of vegetables— Brinjal Belado (S$1), Sambal Goreng (S$1) and Sayur Lodeh (S$1)— with one protein of choice, which was Ayam Sambal (S$6), and was shocked to see that I couldn’t even spot my rice underneath all that ingredients. And mind you, my Ayam Sambal was served on another side plate altogether.
My best advice to you would be to come early, as Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang is said to sell out as early as lunchtime!
1 Geylang Serai, Geylang Serai Market, #02-137, Singapore 402001
+65 9067 8907
Mon: 8am – 4pm
Tue to Sun: 8am – 7pm
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10. Sabar Menanti 2
Sabar Menanti 2, a well-known nasi padang restaurant that was founded in the 1920s, used to occupy a pre-World War II colonial shophouse along Kandahar Street. Today, they’ve relocated a few blocks away to 719 North Bridge Road.
The business grew from a small food stall to a modest restaurant, and the running of the restaurant was passed over from its original founder, the late Haji Marlian, to his children.
Fun fact: the restaurant’s name can be literally translated to “patiently waiting”, which is an accurate description of the state of its queue!
Out of all the usual nasi padang items such as Chicken Rendang (S$5.50) and Squid Sambal (S$5.50), be sure to order one of Sabar Menanti II’s iconic and most unique dishes— the Opor Nangka (S$1.70), young jackfruit and beef tripe cooked in lemak curry gravy.
719 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198687
+65 6291 0109
Tue to Sun: 6.30am – 5pm
Closed on Mon
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11. Istimewa Nasi Padang
Istimewa Nasi Padang’s story began in 1989, when a husband-and-wife team left their jobs as a policeman and store helper to open their nasi padang stall in Bukit Merah. Today, you’ll find this humble stall at Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, where they continue to serve hungry guests.
At Istimewa Nasi Padang, everything tastes like home-cooked comfort food. Go for the signature Rendang Lembu (S$6), which is tender slow-cooked beef that had been marinated in rich coconut milk and spices, or the Ayam Goreng Istimewa (S$4), which is the house special fried chicken.
You can also try Istimewa’s huge Nasi Ambeng Platter for S$32.80, perfect for sharing with the family.
470 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, #02-70, Singapore 310470
+65 8318 9577
Daily: 9am – 8pm
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12. Raden Lina Nasi Padang
Pasir Ris residents might know Raden Lina Nasi Padang from its snaking queues, and this hidden gem deserves a spot on this list for its authentic and affordable nasi padang.
You can find this unassuming Muslim-owned stall at West Plaza’s Koufu in Pasir Ris, but for those who aren’t willing to travel all the way down to Pasir Ris, you might be delighted to know that there other outlets in Oxley Bizhub Uni and Heartbeat@Bedok.
At Raden Lina Nasi Padang, you can choose to order your nasi padang à la carte style by choosing ingredients such as Beef Rendang, Big Chicken or Drumsticks at assorted prices.
Not sure what to choose? Go for Raden Lina Nasi Padang’s fuss-free set and platter options like the Nasi Ambeng (S$9.30), Nasi Sambal Goreng (S$7) and Nasi Padang Sotong Set (S$7.30).
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, refer here.
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13. Warong Java Nasi Padang
Nestled in a quiet coffee shop in Bedok is Warong Java Nasi Padang, a popular nasi padang stall that has won the hearts of Easties with its rich, fragrant and authentic nasi padang dishes.
A must-try is its super popular Nasi Rawon (from S$5.80), which is essentially rice ladled with rawon gravy.
Rawon is an Indonesian beef stew simmered in a spice paste made of keluak, so you can only imagine how delectable it’ll taste when paired with fluffy white rice! Accompanying the beef pieces and buah keluak are other ingredients such as fried beef lung and sambal goreng.
You can also find other popular Indonesian classics such as Nasi Ambeng (S$7) and Nasi Jenganan (S$5.60) here, the latter of which features thick satay gravy.
539 Bedok North Street 3, #01-619, Singapore 460539
+65 9734 0350
Tue to Sun: 7am – 6pm
Closed on Mon
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14. Warung M. Nasir
Warung M. Nasir’s prices aren’t exactly the most affordable, but the reason behind it lies in its location— Killiney Road, just a short walk from Somerset MRT. It’s right beside the famous Killiney Kopitiam at shophouse no. 67, so you definitely won’t miss it.
It’s opened by Mohanad Nasir Mohamad, or M. Nasir, a Singaporean-Malaysian poet, singer-songwriter, actor and film director.
This is where you head to if you’re looking for authentic nasi padang within town.
Its set meals cost S$9.80 each and include options such as Beef Rendang Set, Chicken Gulai Set and Ayam Goreng Bumbu Set. Each set comes with your choice of three side dishes, and you can pick between popular ingredients like Sambal Ikan Bilis with Peanuts, Bergedil, Achar and Sayur Lodeh.
Its à la carte menu is considerably pricier, with items such as Beef Rendang going for S$10 for two pieces, and the Sambal Lodeh going for S$7.
69 Killiney Road, Singapore 39526
+65 6734 6228
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
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15. Anthony Indonesian Cuisine
Anthony Indonesian Cuisine, located within Albert Centre Market & Food Centre, serves nasi padang with 28 offerings like chicken, begedil and various chillis. The sambal here errs on the milder side, so if you’re sensitive to spice, you may be able to handle this stall’s chilli.
Dig into a variety of chicken and fish dishes, such as the Ikan Goreng Set (S$6), which comes with a slab of ikan kurau (threadfin), egg sambal, a portion of braised vegetables and plain rice. The fish is flakey and decently-moist, and the outer crust imparts an additional aromatic layer to the overall experience.
Don’t look down on the seemingly drab-looking braised vegetables either as the simple blend of cabbage and carrot slices is incredibly tender, practically melting in the mouth.
270 Queen Street, #01-63, Singapore 180270
Daily: 9.30am – 8pm
16. Chopstix & Rice
Chopstix & Rice had humble beginnings, starting out as a modest stall within Orchard Towers in 2002, before being acquired by local caterer Neo Group in 2022 and moving to Tower 4 of Suntec City in 2023. Helmed by Madam Loij, who has over 2 decades of culinary expertise, this restaurant presents dishes rich in colour and flavour, with each creation being carefully curated by Madam Loij and her son, Wilson Tan.
Wondering what delectable dishes await you at Chopstix & Rice? Dig into their signature dishes, such as Ayam Lemak (S$8.90), featuring chicken simmered in golden curry, bird’s eye chilli, kaffir lime leaf and lemongrass, or go for the stunning Ayam Goreng Belado (S$8.90), containing fried chicken, home-made Belado sauce, a variety of chillis, lime and spices.
You absolutely must try the award-winning Beef Rendang (S$14.90), which is made with lob-cut beef and a signature secret chilli paste that has been passed down from generation to generation. For something a little different, go for Paru Goreng (S$8.90), which are parboiled beef lungs that are seasoned with a blend of spices and fried.
3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Mall Tower 4, East Wing, #B1-100/101, Singapore 038983
+65 8509 9082
Daily: 11am – 9pm
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