Restoran Nasi Kandar Saddam

Was scrolling around social media and got to learn about the opening of Restoran Nasi Kandar Saddam in Singapore. For those whom are not in the now, Restoran Nasi Kandar Saddam is a brand that hails from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; these folks do actually operate quite a number of outlets within Malaysia itself with locations situated within Selangor and Perak as well — this would be their very first international location that is situated outside the borders of Malaysia. Housed within 44 Changi Road, Restoran Nasi Kandar Saddam’s signage can be described as being pretty prominent especially for those whom are passing by from across the road, though it is noted that Restoran Nasi Kandar Saddam operates a stall space that is within the grounds of Al Mubin Coffee House that seems to be the master tenant of the entire ground floor space that Restoran Nasi Kandar Saddam is situated in. Restoran Nasi Kandar Saddam occupies quite a wide stall space here, with a counter that comes with a big display case showcasing the various dishes that they have to offer. Ordering the food here is most akin to that of being at a Nasi Padang stall here one picks and chooses that they want, though there are suggestions of possible combinations available on the signboard above. The ordering process can be slightly confusing where there isn’t exactly a sequence to how the staff seem to operate, and payments are to be made at the common counter at the entrance after these folks issue a paper slip indicating the price of the patron’s order.

We did note that the suggested combinations per the signboard does all include a portion of Sayur with the variations of Nasi Kandar illustrated — we had also noted that the Ayam Saddam is one of the specialty items here considering how it carries the namesake of the establishment within the name of the dish. The Nasi Kandar experience is also not complete if one doesn’t opt for the Kuah Campur Banjir — this essentially means “mixture of curry gravies till the rice is flooded”. For those whom are unaware, the difference between Nasi Padang and Nasi Kandar is where Nasi Kandar often features Indian-style curries; the dishes offered also more tuned towards Mamak-style offerings as one would find from Indian-Muslim establishments — the roots of Nasi Kandar is said to have originated from Penang, Malaysia. Going for the Ayam Saddam, the Ayam Saddam does feel like their very own rendition of the Ayam Goreng Berempah considering that there is much likeness in the looks of the dish — we did feel that these felt like they were prepared way before hand with the chicken feeling a little bit on the drier side and with the crispy batter seemingly turning a little limp after sitting on the display for quite some time. That being said, the chicken does come with a slight savouriness and sweetness that is a little different from the usual notes of lemongrass and ginger that is used in the typical Ayam Goreng Berempah — it also does not come with Serunding (i.e. spiced grated coconut) as well. The mixture of curry gravies here provides a very rich flavour to the rice; the flavours being pretty much a party in the mouth with a mix of sweetness, savouriness, tanginess, meatiness and spiciness that is no doubt heavy, but absolutely flavoursome — very complex, and carries a lightly spicy note that should be manageable for those whom are tolerable to moderate levels of spice. Meanwhile, the cabbage on the side that sees the use of turmeric and some seeds included in the preparation process; this helps to create a crunch whilst giving a good break in between the Ayam Saddam and the rice that comes with the mixed gravies to reset the tastebuds from the heaviness of the other elements. Hadn’t really properly given Nasi Kandar a try in Malaysia — and perhaps this is the same reason why we probably can’t really comment on whether the experience at Restoran Nasi Kandar Saddam’s location in Singapore is authentic or not. That being said, Restoran Nasi Kandar Saddam is probably a spot worth trying for those whom want a taste of Penang-style Nasi Kandar without stepping foot out of the island just to see what it is all about.