I miss Singapore and their local favorites. Last Sunday I took my folks to Nasi Lemak to satisfy my craving. Thank goodness that I can still enjoy authentic Singaporean dishes here in the metro.
Poh Piah - 140 Php (2 rolls)
This is the counterpart of the Filipino fresh lumpia. Shredded turnips and carrots are sauteed in garlic with chopped peanuts. Shrimps and lettuce leaves are added then rolled in an egg wrapper similar to crepes. Oyster sauce is drizzled for added flavor and design.
Nasi Goreng - 220 Php (medium)
The Malaysian fried rice or Nasi Goreng looks just like any other fried rice, but what makes it unique is the addition of fried acovies or dilis. The crunchier the anchovies, the better.
Honey Glazed Pork Spareribs - 330 Php
I've heard and read a lot of raves about the Honey Glazed Pork Spareribs. It's said to be one of the house best sellers and even if me and my folks aren't big pork eaters, I decided to give this a try to know for myself if the buzz is true or not. The verdict: right on the dot! The meat is so tender, you can slice it with a fork and with the slightest pressure. As for the flavor, the smokey-sweetness made me think I was eating premium smoked ham.
Penang Char Kway Teow - 148 Php (small)
This hodgepodge platter is one of my favorite Singaporean dishes. I have tried the Char Kway Teow in different establishments here in Manila but the one at Nasi Lemak is the best. Dare I say that it even tastes better than the one I remember eating in Singapore. It has the right mix of sweetness from the dark soy sauce, and just enough spice to add heat. The noodles are firm, and the bean sprouts are not soggy. There are generous slices of chorizo and shrimps, and to my delight, no cockles and fish/squid balls in sight (yey!)
Steamed Fish Fillet with Garlic - 240 Php
Singapore is a melting pot of races, cultures and cuisine so it's no surprise to find usual Chinese fare in the menu. The steamed fish almost melts in your mouth and had the subtle flavor or garlic, ginger and light soy sauce. A nice contrast to the richness of the Malaysian Chicken Curry.
Hailed by the restaurant patrons as the best curry in the metro, the Malaysian Chicken Curry is also another house specialty. I have yet to find out the difference, if any, with the Malaysian curry versus the Indian curry. With what I have tasted, Nasi Lemak's Malaysian curry is spicy but not burn-your-mouth-and-throat-spicy. Tender potato wedges and chicken parts swim in the thick gravy. I assume that the claypot has something to do with the fall-of-the-bones tenderness of the chicken. Even the meat from the chicken breast fell apart with a slight nudge of my fork!
Malaysian Chicken Curry - 270 Php
There were other dishes that I wanted to try such as the Hainanese chicken, chili crab, satay, and laksa. I'll reserve those for my next visit instead.
Nasi Lemak
Thompson Square
Tomas Morato, QC
