Uptown Nasi Lemak

rice could be more fragrant imo. chicken was fried perfectly with the right amount of crunch. meat was very tender!!

Housed within a coffeeshop in Telok Ayer lies Uptown Nasi Lemak, an eatery inspired by the best versions found in Damansara, Petaling Jaya. If this is your first time, waste no time and just go straight for the signature nasi lemak with ayam goreng berempah. Tear a bit of the meat from the crispy spiced chicken, get some coconut rice and mix it with the sambal chilli for a wonderful spoonful of flavours.

Decided to brave the weekday lunch crowd to try Uptown Nasi Lemak and it did not disappoint!

Located within a coffeeshop at 121 Telok Ayer Street, this stall sells Malaysian-style Nasi Lemak and the Nasi Lemak with Ayam Goreng Berempah ($8.70 for whole leg, $6.80 for drumstick) is good. The chicken leg is well-marinated, moist and tender, while the skin is crispy and fragrant. The chilli is not the sweet kind of sambal, but it is not too spicy too. The tangy achar served on the side helps to cut through the grease, which is great.

Although it’s a little pricey, the portion is very big and all the elements are quite well done. I’m not very sure if this lives up to Malaysian-style Nasi Lemak as I have not tried it before, but this is definitely a hearty (and food coma-inducing) lunch on its own!

w/ Ayam Goreng Berempah

After countless attempts, we finally managed to try this highly raved Malaysian style Nasi Lemak. We opted for the Nasi Lemak with Ayam Goreng Berempah ($8.70/whole leg) and boy was it worth the wait.

The rice was very fragrant and coconutty, and even when mixed with the chilli, that packs quite a punch, the coconutty goodness can still be detected! Definitely one of the best lemak rice I have had!

The chicken leg was also very well seasoned and executed. Even though it was crisp outside, the moisture was locked in and each bite of the chicken was tender and flavourful. I also love the crispy bits that came atop it. Will definitely be back again!

Due to the current fresh chicken supply shortage, there is an additional $0.50 surcharge to the original price. We finally get what the hype is all about as the crispy fried chicken is wonderfully spiced and you can taste the marination in the meat as well.

The fluffy coconut rice is paired with a half boiled egg, Nyonya acar, fried peanuts and anchovies. To me the key ingredients are the rice and sambal, with the other ingredients being complementary to the overall dish, and whilst the rice hits all the right spot, the sambal is towards the wet and sweeter side, which I would otherwise preferred a spicier version. Nonetheless, if you are in the area during the stall’s operating hours, do drop by and get yourself a plate.
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✨ Uptown Nasi Lemak
📍 121 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068590
🍴 [Self-Funded]