Heard about the controversies about the “Peranakan” aspect of the establishment before they had opened — but that did not quite change my interest on heading down to Lemak Boys to give their offerings a try; after all I am one who is usually all in for great Nasi Lemak despite being not too much of a rice person, but I would not say no to one that is well-executed with finesse and skill.

Given its price tag at $12.80, it’s difficult not to carry expectations even for the most basic version of the Nasi Lemak they have to offer here; after all, one would already be paying for a premium here against those served up at coffee shops and hawker centres. Coming with other condiments such as omelette, Otah, Fried Drumstick, Ikan Bilis, Peanuts and Sambal, it felt like it was lacking that artisan quality that the price tag seemed to have suggest — while the rice was sufficiently moist and did carry a light whiff of coconut aroma, it felt a tad too tame; easily overpowered by everything else on the plate. And then moving on to the condiments, while the Otah does remind me of the thick Muar Otahs which was something I appreciated, the Fried Chicken was served at room temperature; understandably so considering how most of the condiments have been prepared before-hand and placed on the counter only to be picked up and plated upon order, but I do have had crispier chicken drumsticks/wings from mom-and-pop Nasi Lemak specialty stalls, let alone an establishment that seems to suggest that they serve up artisanal Nasi Lemak — a shame considering I liked how it carried a light lemongrass fragrance and a slight hint of turmeric in its marination which was rather flavourful. Thought the omelette felt rather pedestrian; would have much preferred a sunny side-up though I am not quite sure if they are trying to stick to the Peranakan roots here, though thankfully the Ikan Bilis provided just enough crunch and saltish flavour for a good contrast with the other elements on the plate. The sambal provided a light kick of spiciness that should be manageable to most, though may be a little odd for those used to the sweet sambal more commonly found at other places.

Considering the hype built up for their Nasi Lemak, it felt like a mix of hits and misses — a little disappointing for an artisan establishment with a focus on Nasi Lemak. Don’t get it wrong; it’s pretty serviceable and a rather decent plate, though considering the likes of The Coconut Club or even Punggol Nasi Lemak’s more upscale concept at Capitol Piazza, I would have wished that they could have delivered more than it did at that price tag ...

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