8 Places For Delicious Nasi Kerabu In Singapore

Nasi kerabu can be considered to offer a relatively balanced plate hitting all the major dietary requirements. It contains rice as the main carbohydrate, which is usually tinted blue with the help of butterfly pea flowers, alongside a protein such as chicken and a side of ulam, raw or steamed vegetables. The dish is accented with sambal chilli sauce and herbs like kaffir lime leaves to further enhance the eating experience. Fermented fish sauce, or budu, is also added to deepen the umami quality.

Found in Malaysian states Kelantan and Terengganu (where the dish is sometimes known as nasi ulam) as well as the southern provinces of Thailand (where the dish is known as khao yum), the flavour smorgasbord that is nasi kerabu can be difficult to find here. Fortunately, we've tracked down eight places that offer nasi kerabu in Singapore.

1. Kerabu by Arang

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 ($8.50), lamb ribs ($15.50) or pomfret fish ($11.50).

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

2. Masakan Anak Bujang

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 ($8 or $10). If you're still feeling peckish, Masakan Anak Bujang also serves nasi lemak (from $4) and porridge ($4) as well as Kacang Phool ($4.50) and Shakshouka ($5.50). 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.

3. Hajjah Mariam Cafe

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 (from $10). For sides, there are options such as Tahu Goreng ($5.80), Rojak Buah ($5.80) and Gado-Gado ($6.80), among a few others.

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

4. Nenda

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. For smaller crowds, order the impressive Nasi Kerabu Dulang that serves two per portion ($30). Bigger groups can consider the Nasi Kerabu Exclusive ($20), which has a minimum order of five pax. 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.

5. The Malayan Council

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.

6. La Porpo

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 ($6). Alternatively, you can have it with prawns ($7) or fish ($8) too. Other hits on the menu are Ayam Penyet and Ayam Geprek (from $7).

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

7. Walaku

Located along Joo Chiat Road, Walaku is a place for Asian, Western and fusion food. The menu consequently contains a mishmash of items ranging from seafood boil ($66 to $70) and pasta ($18 to $20) to Crayfish Char Kway Teow ($15) and Nasi Lemak Bakar (from $10). We're focusing on the Nasi Goreng Kerabu Ayam Percik ($15) here, which is fried rice with ulam (a salad of fresh vegetables and herbs) served with grilled chicken topped with percik sauce (coconut cream-based) and mango salad. Cap off the meal with martabak manis ($7 to $8).

Walaku is at 102 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427396. Visit its Instagram for more information.

8. Kerabu.sg

Kerabu.sg is fronted by Malaysian comedian and host Shuk Sahar. The nasi kerabu-focused brand seems to only be available via online orders but you can follow its Instagram to find out when they will be hosting an in-place booth to tuck into the dish without much waiting. One option they just released in early January 2024 is the Nasi Kerabu Platter. It retails for $38 and feeds four to five pax. According to an older video, the nasi kerabu comes with either chicken, lamb or beef.

Contact Kerabu.sg via its Instagram or 9222 2405.