Bali Nasi Lemak

It wouldn’t be quite wrong to call Bali Nasi Lemak a dining institution when it comes to F&B establishments that are situated in Geylang — these folks have been in business since 1985, starting its operations only in the late afternoon for dinner service and serving up Nasi Lemak to its patrons all the way through beyond midnight. The establishment is probably better known for its previous location at Lorong 15 Geylang; itself being an independently-run, coffeeshop-style eatery that was pretty much as basic as it can be. Named Bali Nasi Lemak solely because of a “I Love Bali” shirt that the lady boss used to wear when she had first started out business, Bali Nasi Lemak has since moved out of its former premises at Lorong 15 Geylang, and has occupied the ground floor of a shophouse unit all by themselves at 142 Sims Avenue not too far away from its previous location. With the move, Bali Nasi Lemak seems to have gone through a round of re-branding; there is now a logo created for the brand, while the entire shop space seems to be decked in a way that exudes some form of Balinese vibe especially with the ornaments and wooden shelving that faces out of the entrance — the interior also featuring rustic-looking wooden tables with stools of a wicker element against a colour scheme featuring white walls and turquoise walls and fittings which we found to be a really refreshing look from what they used to be. As with what Bali Nasi Lemak was all about in the past, there are no combo sets that one would be able to settle for at Bali Nasi Lemak; instead, patrons would be able to pick and choose their desired dishes for their Nasi Lemak that is prominently displayed behind the display case. Beverages available at Bali Nasi Lemak includes the variety of bottled and canned beverages that are kept in-stock in the display fridge opposite the counter, though they do interesting serve up espresso-based coffee from automated machines typically found at hotel buffet restaurants as well; yet another unexpected change from what they were known for previously.

With the ability to pick and choose from the wide variety of dishes that they have to offer, we eventually decided to settle for four (4) dishes to go along with our Nasi Lemak order — the dishes that we decided to go for includes the sunny side-up, Otah, Curry Vegetable and their Signature Kecap Manis Chicken Drumstick. It is interesting to note that they dub the Signature Kecap Manis Chicken as “Black Chicken”, while the usual fried chicken is identified as the “White Chicken” — patrons do seem to be able to pick between wings or drumstick for both types of chicken nonetheless. Another interesting point to note is how Ikan Bilis, Peanuts and Cucumbers do not come with the Nasi Lemak by the default — the Ikan Bilis and Peanuts are items to be ordered at the counter, while cucumbers are placed near to the cashier for patrons to help themselves to. Sambal chili is also being kept behind the counter away from patrons as well.

Digging into the coconut-infused rice itself, we were pretty impressed; make no mistake, Bali Nasi Lemak’s rendition of the Nasi Lemak is no artisanal version like the ones that we have had from establishments like The Coconut Club or even that of Spicy Wife Nasi Lemak at Amoy Street Food Centre. That being said, for a Nasi Lemak creation that one would more likely associate to those served up at coffeeshops, food courts or hawker centres like what some would associate to Chong Pang Nasi Lemak and Punggol Nasi Lemak, the execution does seem to hit the tastebuds. The Nasi Lemak itself features short-grain rice; the coconut-y notes here are not particularly strong, they do carry a whiff of light fragrance that lingers at the back of tongue with every spoonful. This is of course made better when it is being had with the sambal chili when especially so with the molten egg yolk from the sunny side-up — the sunny side-up coming with a flowy egg yolk that bursts when like with a fork, while also did not carry any undesirable stench of overused oil. The sambal chili on the other hand adds a hint of sweetness typical of the typical sambal chili that accompanies Nasi Lemak elsewhere; itself also carrying a slight kick of spiciness that would tingle the tastebuds of those whom are tolerable to lighter levels of spiciness in general.

Being a signature item at Bali Nasi Lemak, the Signature Kecap Manis Chicken is probably the closest that things can get here to being actually Indonesian. While the flavours are on-point with the Kecap Manis lending its hand to the chicken by providing an earthy and sweet note, the chicken flesh did felt a little dry and tough especially since these were prepared in large batches and stocked behind the display case; only to be prepared again when the batch is about to run out. The curry vegetables were done pretty decently however with sufficient flavour and the vegetables being stewed to a texture that is soft to bite; the Otah (likely obtained from a supplier) also was pretty on point being soft and moist, carrying a smoky note amidst the evident flavours of the rempah spices. Overall, Bali Nasi Lemak is not, and does not attempt to be that sort of trendy artisanal Nasi Lemak that has been popping up all across the island in recent years since the inception of The Coocnut Club — it is however an establishment that is very focused on serving up quick-service Nasi Lemak. No doubt that the experience is at Bali Nasi Lemak is less fuss-free than the likes of Chong Pang Nasi Lemak and Punggol Nasi Lemak due to the lack of combo sets, but we can definitely understand why Bali Nasi Lemak has held up well against the challenges in the F&B scene over so many years — there is simply a rapport that they have built with their regulars over time, while their offerings are actually pretty satisfying as well. A go-to spot especially for those who reside or frequent the area till late, Bali Nasi Lemak is that sort of establishment of which we will think about for some fast and comforting local fare in Geylang.