This Aussie Dude Sells Makcik-Approved Nasi Lemak At Aliwal Street

nasi lemak singapore

Fighting over which country makes the best Nasi Lemak has been a constant debate that never seems to get resolved.

Nasi Lemak has been a long perennial favourite among Singaporeans regardless of race. So I understand why we’re so territorial over our Nasi Lemak.

Question is, do we really know our nasi lemak? Are we truly the best?

Most of us have had Nasi Lemak from both Singapore and Malaysia, but have you guys tried Nasi Lemak cooked by an Australian guy?

We have.

And he’s definitely our new competitor.

[caption id="attachment_36933" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Nasi Lemak For The Soul

SoulFood Catering has been around for the last 8 months but no one ever really paid attention to this humble shop located at Aliwal Street.

Meet Brett and his wife, Yani. They’ve been married for the last 5 years and they both run SoulFood Catering.

[caption id="attachment_36915" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Now, my expectations for their Nasi Lemak was low because I’m a Malay girl and I KNOW my Nasi Lemak. An Ang Moh cooking Nasi Lemak completely threw me off because I was expecting a 50 year old makcik or auntie to serve me instead.

As I walked to the entrance, Brett flashed me a smile and warmly welcomed me with a question: “You ready to makan?”

Brett first discovered Nasi Lemak while on holiday in Malaysia. After multiple tries of recreating Nasi Lemak in his kitchen back in Australia, he was never satisfied with the outcome.

[caption id="attachment_36927" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

That’s where his wife and mother in law came into the picture.

“My wife and mak (mother in malay), are both great cooks. They’re amazing. One thing led to another, now we have this little shop in Aliwal.

“Everybody knows Nasi Lemak, it’s cultural. You just can’t go wrong with it.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Sugar, Spice, And Everything Nice

Unlike the typical nasi lemak stalls, SoulFood Catering offers a variety of Nasi Lemak. From your standard fried chicken wing to Barbecued Salmon, you name it, they have it all.

But what makes their Nasi Lemak special would definitely be the different ingredients that comes with it.

“Back in Australia, I used to enjoy a good barbecue. We’d grill meats and enjoy food with our friends.”

From chicken and prawns to salmon and scallops, they’re all barbecued fresh upon order.

[caption id="attachment_36917" align="aligncenter" width="5750"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

The sambal however, is the star of this simple dish. We all know a good sambal makes or breaks a good plate of Nasi Lemak.

“Mak, makes the best sambal. Oh you have to try it to believe it!”, he exclaimed.

Yani laughed and added, “I haven’t learn how to make the sambal yet, but I know she’ll make me learn it soon!”

Singapore’s Next Top Nasi Lemak 

The basic Nasi Lemak with Chicken Wing ($4) was definitely a game-changer.

[caption id="attachment_36920" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

As I took my first bite, I was left completely speechless. That sambal, was honestly love at first bite.

I haven’t met this famous Mak they fondly spoke of but I knew I have to meet her some day.

They gave me a generous portion of sambal which I was happy about as most sellers are quite stingy with theirs. The sambal was definitely spicy but it had a hint of sweetness which made it enjoyable and not jelak at all.

[caption id="attachment_36918" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

The chicken wing was coated in their own special batter as well. It was fragrant and incredibly crispy – just the way any good fried chicken wing should be. The recipe for their chicken wings took multiple tries before they finally settled on the perfect combination. I also liked that the outer coating was not too thick to the extent that it became overwhelming.

[caption id="attachment_36921" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

If you know your rice, a lot of stalls swap jasmine rice for basmati rice instead. Which just doesn’t give you the same satisfaction.

The rice is prepared in the shop and is the perfect balance of lemak and not being overly “mushy”. From the moment the rice is scooped from the massive rice cooker, your senses will be awoken. Mix the rice together with the sweet and spicy sambal and that itself can be a meal on its own.

[caption id="attachment_36932" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Next up, I got the BBQ Prawns Nasi Lemak ($8.90) which comprises of the standard coconut rice, fried ikan bilis, a fried egg, a generous dollop of sambal and of course, 4 juicy prawns that are barbecued to perfection.

[caption id="attachment_36938" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

This one took about 5-10 minutes of waiting time. Smoke started to fill the shop as Brett was manning the barbecue station in the kitchen. He placed the prawns on the grill and covered it with a lid to ensure that the prawns are evenly cooked and contain all that smokey flavour.

Once that was done, he glazes them with his special sambal oil which gives it that fiery red colour.

[caption id="attachment_36923" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

I know we’re all lazy to peel our prawns but this is one dish that is worth getting your fingers dirty for.

Saving the best for last, the BBQ Salmon Steak Nasi Lemak ($9.90) was the one I was most excited for.

[caption id="attachment_36916" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

You’ll have to wait at least 20 minutes for the salmon but rest assured, it’s definitely worth the wait.

He first seasons the salmon with salt, pepper and mixed herbs before throwing it on the grill. Just like the prawns, he covers them with the lid so you’ll get that extra smokey flavour.

[caption id="attachment_36922" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

He then glazes the salmon with the sambal oil for the extra kick.

Despite being on the grill for about 20 minutes, the salmon was perfectly cooked throughout and best part, the skin was crispy as well. Safe to say, I had a real good food coma afterwards.

[caption id="attachment_36928" align="aligncenter" width="5076"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Atmosphere at SoulFood Catering

To sum up their entire menu, it would definitely be “Australian Meets Singapore Nasi Lemak” – and I’m all up for it.

It’s not your traditional everyday nasi lemak but this is perfect if you want an upgrade from your usual Changi Village Nasi Lemak.

The space may not be ideal for big groups but it’s definitely a great option if you prefer to dabao your lunch instead. It gets a bit hot and stuffy when they start grilling as the space is not big but there are a couple of seats outside for you to enjoy your meal.

[caption id="attachment_36943" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]nasi lemak singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

The shop may often be overlooked as they’re located on the quieter part of Aliwal street but this shop definitely does not lack in character and flavours.

The next time you’re in the area, drop by SoulFood Catering for your Nasi Lemak fix.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think the Australians won this time round.

SoulFood Catering
Address: 77 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199948
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 8.30am – 8.30pm, Sat: 10.30am – 10.00pm, Sun: 10.30am – 8.30pm, Closed on Tuesdays.
Contact No.: 8767 8299
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(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

A Makcik Revamped Nasi Ayam With Lava Eggs And Sous-Vide Chicken – But Is It Worth $9.50?

Chicken rice might seem like a simple dish – easy to cook, but hard to perfect.

In Singapore, you’ll find that most stalls offer up Hainanese chicken rice, served up with sides like braised eggs, vegetables and tau kwa (braised tofu).

Makcik Chicken is here to change the chicken rice game, putting a modern twist on the classic Singaporean dish!

Legend has it that there is a makcik with chicken rice skills second to none

Mackcik Chicken is run by a couple who used to work at a media advertising agency, which would explain why their branding game is so on point.

Makcik Chicken maintains that a very camera-shy makcik wants everyone to try her secret recipe. We’re going to assume that makcik exists, so here goes nothing!

Our boxes of chicken rice arrived in simple brown cardboard boxes, no frills attached. But as soon as you open the box, you’ll be greeted by the comforting fragrance of chicken rice. Smells good? Check.

[caption id="attachment_29922" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Simple yet satisfying chicken[/caption]

In case you were wondering what’s so special about Makcik’s chicken; the chicken is cooked sous-vide style. For those who didn’t learn to cook from a French chef, that means your chicken was cooked in a vacuum bag to keep it from becoming overcooked. As promised, the chicken was juicy, tender and bursting with flavor with every mouthful.

If you don’t like spice, you probably won’t be impressed by the rice (although it does come in a huge portion). Once you add a lil red or green chili, it’s like the rice suddenly came alive in your mouth. The red chili is potent, with loads of garlic, whilst the green chili is slightly sourer because of the vinegar.

Tastes good? Check.

[caption id="attachment_29929" align="alignnone" width="1192"] Pick from red or green chili![/caption]

Makcik be working her magic with lava eggs and glittery drinks

The Hanjuku eggs (soft boiled eggs) was the ultimate deciding factor that made me decide that I liked Makcik’s chicken rice. Seriously, their Hanjuku eggs can even compete with the ones that are sold at 7-Eleven.

[caption id="attachment_29914" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Cik Rose Syrup Limau (left), Bandung Baik Gila (right)[/caption]

Grab a drink to accompany your meal while you’re at it. Makcik has stirred up three concoctions to choose from; a crazy good Bandung that even comes with rose petals, a Calamansi Fantasti that comes with a refreshing tinge of mint, and Cik Rose Syrup Limau, a combination of rose syrup, lime and pomegranate drink to satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you have $10 to spare, you might want to consider trying Makcik’s Jambu Jampi Juice, a rose apple drink that swirls with shiny, sparkly edible glitter. Plus points for presentation!

[caption id="attachment_29920" align="alignnone" width="1180"] Let makcik work her magic (Image Credit: makcikchicken)[/caption]

The only downside that we could really foresee is that there isn’t space for you to dine in when you visit their outlet; there’s only a bench outside right now.

Your best bet is to order Makcik Chicken through Deliveroo, Ubereats, or Honestbee so that you don’t need to hunt for a place to enjoy your meal before it becomes cold.

The only thing really stopping me from ordering from my dear Makcik everyday is the $9.50 price tag. While you might not be able to afford to have it everyday, it’s definitely worth trying. Or maybe every once in a while as a treat.

Makcik Chicken
Address: 77 Aliwal Street
Opening Hours: Wed – Sat, 11am – 8pm
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