A Fusion of Flavours
If you’re hunting for the best nasi lemak in Singapore, Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang should be on your radar. This Muslim-owned stall has many outlets across the island and has earned a spot in the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Michelin Guide for its bold fusion of classic Malay nasi lemak and Indonesian Ayam Taliwang. Founded by Mohammed Noorman and Puti Andam, the stall brings a love story to life through food, inspired by their honeymoon in Lombok, Indonesia, where they fell for the fiery, grilled chicken dish known as Ayam Taliwang.
The result? A plate of Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang that’s is a fusion of both Singaporean and Indonesian flavours. The dish combines fragrant coconut milk rice with a succulent piece of grilled chicken slathered in a spicy Taliwang sauce, served alongside crispy ikan bilis, peanuts, a runny-yolk egg, cucumber slices, and a punchy sambal.
The Taste: Spicy and Smoky
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Ayam Taliwang. The chicken is marinated in a hand-prepared paste of fresh chilies, shallots, tamarind juice, and belachan, then steamed to lock in flavours before being grilled to a smoky char. The Taliwang sauce is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes is spread on the the chicken, delivering a kick that’s bold but not overwhelming.
The coconut rice is mildly aromatic with a hint of ginger. The ikan bilis and peanuts add a satisfying crunch, while the egg is a basic to go with nasi lemak. The samabl was sweet and spicy and paired well with the rice.
The Experience: Worth the Hype?
Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang has a vibrant red storefront with its Michelin accolades prominently featured on its signboard. At $8.50, it’s pricier than your typical nasi lemak, but you get a whole chicken leg. The stall’s multiple outlets, from Yishun to Tampines, Hougang, Paya Lebar and even Gardens by the Bay, make it accessible island-wide.
However, not every visit is flawless as it just so happened on our first try. Although the chicken was re-heated up at service, it was slightly smoky and tender enough to break apart with our utensils but it was devoid of taste without the chili. The rice was rather mushy and almost clumpy. There wasn’t an individual component that particularly stood out. Overall, this award-winning nasi lemak didn’t quite make the cut for us.
Rating: 2.5 / 5
Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang
18 Raffles Quay, Stall 71 Lau Pa Sat, Singapore 048582
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2ryFsYoyrDVzsj7N9
