QI LI XIANG 七里香 (Royal Square at Novena)

There seems to be quite a number of establishments with a focus on Malaysian cuisine that has opened around the island fairly recently — this includes the new Nan Yang Dao 南洋岛 at Serangoon Central, as well as Qi Li Xiang 七里香 which has been operating for quite a while at Royal Square at Novena; the latter being a short walk away from Novena MRT Station and linked to Velocity@Novena Square and Square2. Occupying a small corner unit that is located just beside the walkway leading to Velocity@Novena Square, Qi Li Xiang serves up quite a good range of Malaysian fare — this includes Hainanese Toasts (i.e. Hainan Kaya Butter Toast), Nasi Lemak sets, soup noodles (i.e. Luncheon Egg Soup Noodles), and even a Herbal Chicken Whole Leg with Rice. Beverages here includes Ipoh White Coffee, Nanyang-style Teh, as well as Milo, Ginger Tea and the other usual suspects that one would expect of such establishments. The decor can be said to replicate the charm of an old-school Nanyang-style coffeehouse; pretty decently decorated for a cafe that is more tuned towards fuss-free dining despite its size.

The Signature Nasi Lemak was an obvious choice to us — opted for the Chicken Wing variant since it is a must for us to have Nasi Lemak with chicken wing, but there are also variants offering a fried fish fillet, as well as one that offers luncheon meat for those who prefer other types of meat options for their Nasi Lemak. Available in both ala-carte and set options, going for the set adds a drink to the main dish opted for — patrons can pick between the hot Kopi or Teh options (a large size of the choice of drink will be served alongside), or iced Kopi or Teh options as listed on the menu (a small size of the choice of drink will be served alongside). By large, this was a Nasi Lemak that surpassed our expectations for a spot that seemed like an indie version of Ya Kun/Toast Box/Heavenly Wang/Fun Toast/Kate & Toast — the rice here comes light and fluffy, distinguishable to the grain. It is lightly fragrant — there is a lingering hint of coconut-y aroma that lies towards the more ginger-y side; all that whilst being sufficiently moist. While pairing it up with the sambal on the side does overwhelm the coconut-y fragrance a little, we did like how the sambal comes slightly tuned towards the sweet side; wasn’t something too spicy so this would also work for those whom have a lower tolerance to spiciness in general — also comes with bits of Ikan Bilis for a good bite in between. The chicken wings are probably the only qualm we would have with the Signature Nasi Lemak (Chicken Wing) here — feeling like it was prepared way beforehand, the chicken wing is served at room temperature and while the batter is sufficiently savoury, it felt like it lost quite a bit of crisp in the process; could feel how good it would be if it was actually served piping hot. That being said, we were glad that the Ikan Bilis served on the side were actually still pretty crisp, while the sunny-side-up was a detail that they didn’t miss out on — that flowy egg yolk that bursts upon a touch with the fork being a crowd pleaser no doubt.

A visit to Qi Li Xiang is also not complete without having their Iced Kopi — serving Ipoh Chang Jiang White Coffee for their Kopi beverages here; they actually froth their coffee up using a machine during the preparation process so one does get that frothy cuppa that isn’t too sweet and carries the roasty aroma of Nanyang-style coffee. Those feeling a little luxurious can even switch things up and go for the Iced Kopi Ice-Cream for an elevated experience.

Given the sort of establishment that Qi Li Xiang is, it is east to really assume that they would serve up pretty basic fare that is more tuned towards the mass market than one that actually satisfies the taste buds. Bearing those sort of expectations, it is easy to see how Qi Li Xiang was able to leave a stronger impression — yes, there are details such as the chicken wing in the Signature Nasi Lemak (Chicken Wing) that could have been more better taken care of, but everything comes together as a package where there were also considerations made in terms of the flavour and texture of the items being put out. Wouldn’t really say that this warrants a visit if one is really out of the way, but I do feel that it makes for a great spot to visit for some Ipoh White Coffee that I do not mind making a small detour for!