Best Nasi Padang in Singapore

What is nasi padang?

Nasi padang means 'Padang rice'. Padang is a city in West Sumatra, Indonesia. The food comes from the Minangkabau cooking of that region. It is famous for rich, slow-cooked dishes such as rendang. This guide explains how nasi padang in Singapore works, what to order and where to go.

In Singapore, the name is used for Malay and Indonesian-style rice meals where you pick from many dishes. The meal is simple. You get a plate of plain rice. Then you choose two, three or more dishes from the display. Staff spoon them onto your plate, often with a little gravy over the rice.

Dishes to look for

Each stall has its own range, and it can change from day to day. These dishes are common:

• Beef rendang. Beef cooked slowly in coconut milk and spices until the sauce is thick and dark.
• Ayam goreng or ayam bakar. Fried or grilled chicken, often rubbed with spices.
• Sayur lodeh. Mixed vegetables in a mild coconut gravy.
• Sambal goreng. A stir-fry of items such as tempeh, tofu and long beans in a sweet chilli sauce. Tempeh is a firm cake made from fermented soybeans.
• Begedil. A fried potato patty that is soft inside.
• Sambal eggs. Hard-boiled eggs in a red chilli sauce.
• Fish. Fried with spices or cooked in a curry.

Spice levels

Some dishes are hot, while others are mild. Rendang is rich rather than fiery. If you are unsure, ask the staff which dishes are less spicy.

How to order nasi padang

1. Join the queue at the display. Look at all the dishes before you reach the front.
2. Ask for rice first. Then point to each dish you want.
3. Keep it to two or three dishes. This makes a full meal for one person.
4. Ask about gravy. Staff may offer curry gravy over your rice. It adds flavour.
5. Pay at the counter. The cashier works out the price from what is on your plate.

The price depends on the dishes you choose. Meat and fish cost more than vegetables. A plate with rice and two or three dishes often costs around S$6 to S$12. Prices change, so ask for the total before you pay if you want to know.

This way of ordering is a lot like economy rice at Chinese stalls. Our guide How to Order Economy Rice and Keep the Bill Low has more tips on mixed-rice meals.

Where to eat nasi padang in Singapore

The Bugis and Kampong Glam area is the best place to start. Both places on our list are here, and both serve Malay food.

• Rumah Makan Minang. The name means 'Minang eating house'.
• Warong Nasi Pariaman. Pariaman is a town in West Sumatra, and a warong is a small eatery.

Nearby, Hjh Maimunah is another well-rated Malay restaurant in the same area. Browse more in our Malay restaurant list.

Go early

Nasi padang is mostly a lunch meal. The full range of dishes is usually out around midday, and popular items can sell out. Go early for the best choice.

Halal food

Many nasi padang stalls serve halal food. If this matters to you, look for the MUIS halal certificate on display before you order.

Things to see nearby

After lunch, walk to the Sultan Mosque. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times. Dress modestly, with your shoulders and knees covered. To learn more Malay food words before you go, read Malay Hawker Dishes to Know Before You Order.

FAQs about nasi padang

Is nasi padang Malay or Indonesian?

It comes from the Minangkabau cooking of West Sumatra in Indonesia. In Singapore, it is closely linked with Malay food and sold at many Malay eateries.

How much does nasi padang cost?

It depends on what you choose. A plate with two or three dishes often costs around S$6 to S$12. Prices change.

Can I eat nasi padang with my hands?

Some locals eat with their right hand. Using a spoon and fork is just as normal, and most places provide them.

Is there vegetarian nasi padang?

You can build a plate from vegetable dishes, tofu and tempeh. But sauces may contain shrimp paste or anchovies, so ask the staff first.