Where to get the best nasi kerabu in Singapore

Kerabu by Arang is the brainchild of chef Nurl Asyraffie Bin Mohamed Shukor. He previously ran a home-based business selling contemporary Malay food on Instagram during the Covid-19 pandemic, then started his own private dining experience Arang. And as the name clues you in, nasi kerabu is the star dish at the hawker establishment. Instead of the traditional blue rice made with butterfly pea flowers, he uses turmeric to make yellow nasi kunyit, which is then paired with either whole chicken leg, lamb ribs or pomfret fish.

Kerabu by Arang is at 51 Yishun Ave 11, #01-04 Yishun Park Hawker Centre, Singapore 768867. Visit its Instagram for more information.

Masakan Anak Bujang is located within Bedok Food Centre, which is three bus stops away from Tanah Merah MRT station. There, make a beeline for the hawker stall and get a taste of their nasi kerabu, which is served either with fried chicken, fish or both. If you’re still feeling peckish, Masakan Anak Bujang also serves nasi lemak and porridge as well as Kacang Phool and Shakshouka. Kacang Phool is a Malay rendition of an Egyptian bean stew, which they serve with bread.

Masakan Anak Bujang is at 1 Bedok Rd, #23/24 Bedok Food Centre, Singapore 469572. Visit its Facebook for more information.

Helmed by Madam Azidah Kamis, Hajjah Mariam Cafe is one of the many purveyors of Malay food along the Arab Street area. 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the restaurant. The menu is pared down but to the point, with two main dishes to pick from — nasi kerabu and nasi ambeng. For sides, there are options such as Tahu Goreng, Rojak Buah and Gado-Gado, among a few others.

Hajjah Mariam Cafe is at 371 Beach Rd, #01-36 City Gate, Singapore 199597. Visit its Instagram for more information.

Fancy hosting a nasi kerabu party? Head over to Nenda to fulfil your food needs. Nenda was founded by Haikal and Farid, who wanted to continue the legacy of the family recipes handed down through the generations. Order the impressive Nasi Kerabu Dulang that serves two per portion ($30), with a minimum order of two sets. Nasi kerabu is available by online orders only. Nenda offers Nasi Ambeng and bento sets too.

Nenda can be contacted here. Visit its Instagram for more information.

The Malayan Council is known for its big portions and hearty Malay and fusion fare. It is often a spot chosen for celebrations, too, as it has a wide range of baked goods and non-alcoholic beverages as well as a kids’ menu. On their menu is the Ayam Panggang Kerabu ($32) which comes with a grilled whole chicken leg glazed with a secret homemade sauce.

The Malayan Council has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its website for more information.

La Porpo was previously at Newton Food Centre before moving to Bendemeer Food Centre in September 2023. The fried chicken by chef-owner Wandi is its claim to fame and was even given a shout-out by local chef Bjorn Shen of Artichoke. Of course, you can have the fried chicken with nasi kerabu. Alternatively, you can have it with prawns or fish too. Other hits on the menu are Ayam Penyet and Ayam Geprek.

La Porpo is at 29 Bendemeer Road, #01-76 Bendemeer Market & Food Centre, Singapore 330029. Visit its Facebook for more information.

Although considered a specialty dish here in Singapore, nasi kerabu is often eaten for breakfast in Kelantan. With a Kelantan-born hawker at the helm of Ji Hui Lai Nasi Kerabu, you can be sure to find authentic nasi kerabu flavours at their stall in Woodleigh Village Hawker Centre. Not a huge fan of the acquired ulam (vegetables) taste? Don’t fret; they’ve tweaked their recipe slightly to make their nasi kerabu more palatable for locals while still keeping its distinct flavour profile. 

Ji Hui Lai Nasi Kerabu is located at 202C Woodleigh Link, Woodleigh Village Hawker Centre, #01-07, Singapore 363202. Check out their Instagram for more information. 

This article was originally published in Singapore Women’s Weekly.

Additional reporting by Anis Nabilah Azlee.