Here’s a relatively new Nasi Lemak stall in Singapore that’s truly a force to be reckoned with.
Madam Lim’s Nasi Lemak at Holland Drive Food Centre occupies a corner unit, with quite an eye-catching signboard.
Their menu revolves around three mains: Ayam Berempah (spiced fried chicken), Beef Rendang, and Fried Ikan Kuning.
Each plate comes with the usual suspects – coconut rice, sambal, fried egg, ikan bilis, peanuts, and cucumber. But it’s the way they execute these basics that makes all the difference.
After scanning through some of the Google reviews, I went for the Beef Rendang set ($7.50).
The beef was surprisingly tender, with a robust-tasting, house-made rempah sauce that clung to every piece.
It wasn’t overly spicy, but the rempah gave it that deep, complex flavour you’d expect from a proper rendang. It’s the kind of dish you’d keep going back to for just one more spoonful.
Their sambal was another highlight for me.
It was sweet at first, with caramelised onions coming through, then it hit with a spicy kick at the end. It tied the whole plate together perfectly.
Note that if you request for more sambal, there is an additional cost of $0.50 – but it’s worth the money.
Even the sides are solid, like the fried egg which just tasted more well-prepared than the average ones out there.
Now, the coconut rice. I’ll be honest, I thought it could’ve been more aromatic.
It had a nice hint of coconut, but it didn’t quite hit that fragrant note I was expecting.
That said, it paired well with the sambal.
I ordered a fried chicken top-up because I just couldn’t resist.
The chicken thigh was marinated in turmeric, curry powder, and chilli, and you could tell they fry it in small batches.
The crispy skin was golden-crunchy, and the meat inside was moist and packed with flavour. The curry leaves tossed in during frying added a fragrance that made it even more irresistible.
Everything felt like it had been made with care, which is probably why the queues start forming early. If you’re planning to visit, do yourself a favour and go before lunchtime.
Madam Lim’s Nasi Lemak
Holland Drive Market & Food Centre #02-01, 44 Holland Drive, Singapore 270044
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 1:30pm (Mon – Wed, Sat – Sun), Closed Thurs, Fri
Other Related Entries
97 Nasi Lemak (Old Airport Road Food Centre)
Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang (Yishun Park Food Centre)
The Coconut Club (Beach Road)
Dickson Nasi Lemak (Joo Chiat)
Kitchenman Nasi Lemak (CT Hub)
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