Nasi Lemak: Singapore Food Republic

Note: This restaurant is already closed. 

 I've recently read several posts about Hainanese Chicken from my fellow food bloggers, so I decided to visit the nearest Singaporean restaurant from the office: Nasi Lemak.

Nasi Lemak specializes in authentic Singaporean dishes and also serves Chinese, Thai, Malay, Indian, Indonesian, and Japanese dishes. The restaurant looks classy with images depicting the streets of Singapore are posted on walls. Nasi Lemak literally means 'fatty rice' in Malay, whereby the rice is cooked in coconut cream. (Thanks to my friend from Malaysia who gave me a little lecture when he learned that I went to this restaurant).

buzzer beater!

Each table has a buzzer to call the staff's attention if you're ready to order or if you need anything else. It's quite a convenience that I think other restaurants should install buzzers too.

To start the meal, we ordered Hakao or shrimp dumpling (Php 108 for 3 pieces).

Hakao

Hakao has two big pieces of shrimp inside. It tastes almost similar to the ones I've had in Binondo, but I found the price a bit steep.

We ordered another Chinese specialty, Beef Hofan (Php 220).

Beef Hofan

Beef Hofan is flat noodles with beef with scrambled eggs on top. The sweetness was just right, and the beef was tender. A serving is good for two persons.

We also got what I was craving for Hainanese Chicken (Php 228) which can be ordered in half chicken or large chicken set for one. I ordered the latter.

Hainanese Chicken

What's so special about this chicken?

The chicken is prepared in traditional Hainanese methods which involve the boiling of the entire chicken in a pork and chicken bone stock, reusing the broth over and over and only topping it up with water when needed, in accordance with the Chinese preferences for creating master stocks. (Source: Wikipedia)

Hainanese Chicken always looks bland and usually served with ginger in oil, lime-flavored chili and soy sauce and flavored rice. Looks can really be deceiving as it really tastes good! The flavors are consistent even on the insides. The mixture of the condiments combines well and the flavored rice makes it really better tasting. Thumbs up!

I was intimidated by the ambiance of Nasi Lemak at first, thinking that it's expensive. But I was wrong. The dishes are reasonably priced (except for the dim sum) and the dishes are superb! The service was great too (I think I kinda abused the buzzer, tee hee!)

I'd love to go back soon. :)

-------------------------------------

Nasi Lemak: Singapore Food Republic
Level 2, East Lane
Robinson's Galleria
EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue,
Quezon City
Contact No.5718988