Chong Pang Nasi Lemak (Sembawang Road)

There are pretty much some things we eat for the sake of nostalgia — Chong Pang Nasi Lemak is just that sort of thing for me. Stopped visiting them after one visit where we made a visit with a friend and came to a conclusion where it just didn’t taste the same as what it used to in our army days when we still regularly had it. Was actually fairly reluctant to make a visit, but they were pretty much one of the few options left in the area where it comes to late dinner so that’s how we found ourselves back here again.

The effects of the pandemic had made things seem rather different these days over here — gone were the snaking queues at around 8pm with a mix of dine-in patrons and takeaway customers; so is the usual scene of big groups of friends and family sitting around the circular tables right beside the fence line of Chong Pang Camp. These days, there is always a constant stream of people ordering; but it is always just a handful of people in the line with the coffeeshop being barely half-full. Recalled the rice being executed really poorly the previous time when we visited (pre-pandemic) but I guess they did tweak it a little since then and the flavours are somewhat back; it is certainly more flavourful and was easier to finish as compared to then. Opting for the usual which I would go for back in those days, the Chicken Wing does bring back most of the memories for me — it has been pretty consistent over the years; still hot when served on our plate, there is this distinct hint of flavour that may not be significant to some, but it does scream of Chong Pang Nasi Lemak to me. The chicken wing is also crisp, yet with juicy and tender meat within; not too greasy as well. Sunny side up has never been the best here — theirs usually sporting a fully-cooked yolk and being pretty much what some will call a “plastic egg”. The hashbrown isn’t quite as to what I have expected of their standards from the past either — a little limp and lacks crispness on the outside; probably so from how it may have been sitting in the display rack for some time. Otah is pretty decent; those who aren’t fans of the dried out, bright red renditions would be satisfied with this one. The chili is yet another element that has stayed constant over the years — whilst the chili usually served with Nasi Lemak usually goes towards the sweeter side, Chong Pang Nasi Lemak’s version had always been interestingly more spicy than sweet; one that would send those with lower tolerance of spiciness sweating and sipping on loads of water just to get the spice off their taste buds.

Comparing our most recent visit here with our previous visit, Chong Pang Nasi Lemak does seem to have done slightly better to bring back a bit of that familiar taste back to their Nasi Lemak — something closer to what we used to affectionately call “CPNL”. It is interesting to see how they have since made some changes to the space — the former drinks stall is now occupied by a tenant named Jing & Bell Gelato, which seems to offer some very generic gelato to in some way offer a dessert option in-house. The same stall also does retail some snacks similar to those one can purchase during Chinese New Year packaged in a plastic container, as well as some Cartoon Mini Muffins — not something one will come across everyday. Still, one can only wish for them to be back to their glory days — that crowded scene may not make for a pleasant dining experience, but it is something to miss for patrons who used to remember those days.

A popular place for dinner/supper that dishes out a wide selection to feed the young and old. Food is always freshly cooked in batches and replenishes fast. The rice was loose (not clumpy) and light on the coconut. The chicken wing is crispy on the outside and succulent inside but there wasn't much taste to it and their sambal chilli leans more on rather sweet than spicy.

Nasi lemak in a simple coffee shop setting that reminds me of JB. My favourite is the mix of the rice, chilli and ikan billis

Highly recommended supper spot. Highly recommend the fried drumsticks, really crispy and well-marinated.

. So when I’m craving for nasi lemak I will visit this place.
The rice have very light fragrance,the chicken wing is crispy and tasty. But I still prefer Punggol nasi lemak 😆 .
💰$5.2.
📍Chong Pang Nasi Lemak.
447 Sembawang Road.

Open from 5pm to 7am daily, round the gang up for a late night feast at this popular supper haunt in Sembawang. Their Nasi Lemak costs $4.90 for rice and three sides — think economic rice but with fluffy aromatic coconut rice. Pick and choose from their array of side dishes such as ngoh hiang, spicy stir-fried long beans and sambal brinjal. Look out for their delightfully crunchy ikan kuning as well as their succulently crispy chicken wings that will leave you wanting more ($1.20 for an extra one!).
Photo by Burppler Julius Lim