More than a year ago was the last time I visited Singapore. It was because of Universal Studios that made our family decide to go back to the small country again. If for my family, Universal Studios was the highlight of that Singapore trip, for me, it was The Food Scout adventures – food trip.

Cost of food in Singapore is surely not cheap, but if you talk about the flavor factor, I raise all my thumbs to them. Singapore has a diverse culture food originating from Malaysia and influenced by Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and even the Western culture of cooking. There is no standard ‘Singaporean’ food as their cuisine is the sum of many cuisines around the globe.

My favorite foodie spots in Singapore are their Hawker centres. Hawker centres are food centers (food courts) that is friendly to your budget. This is where delicious inexpensive food are. While I was exploring their Hawker centres, I actually remembered Filipino food courts, only the one in Singapore is honestly better. Singapore’s Hawker centres offer numerous dishes, which makes it confusing to choose what to try. So when I was told by the Food Club that our next food trip will be at Nasi Lemak, I wasn’t sure at first if it was a Singaporean cuisine restaurant. I immediately went online and double-checked if it was. Upon checking, I shouted “hooray!” after finding out it was indeed a Singaporean restaurant.

Usually restaurants located at Fort could be quite intimidating since the prices are most likely for those who are willing to splurge. The view from the outside of Nasi Lemak at Fort Bonifacio may not look intimidating with all the photos of dishes displayed. But if you take a look at the menu, you should be willing to spend at least. What’s customer-friendly about this restaurant is the welcoming ambiance as you enter, with promos and discounts signs plus the fact that most of their dishes are good for sharing.

Lemongrass Seafood Sticks (Php 350) Rate: 4/5

I remembered shrimp pancakes from Thai restaurants when this was served. Also paired with sweet & chili sauce and it is deep fried with crisp taste from the outside while juicy seafood meat inside. I was impressed with the aroma the lemongrass sticks give.

Thai Green Mango Salad (Php 248) Rate: 4/5

I never knew crab sticks and green mangoes go well together until I tasted this salad. Being a green mangoes addict, I wouldn’t say no to this type of salad. I choose to lean on the sour side than on the sweet side when you present to me dishes with green mangoes.

Thai Seafood Mango Roll (Php 388) Rate: 5/5

For those who don’t appreciate green mangoes, this is what they love. A combination of green mangoes and ripe mangoes with veggies on top of breaded fish fillet won’t be complete without the sweet & sour mango sauce. I call this as The Food Club’s choice.

Pot Beef Steak (Php 380) Rate: 3/5

The Food Club noticed the tenderness of its beef above all else. There is nothing more to claim about this dish since you can get this type of dish in Chinese or other Asian restaurants.

Bah Kut Teh (Php 420) Rate: 4/5

Nasi Lemak is proud of their Bah Kut Teh since the recipe came all the way from Singapore. This is Singapore’s version of our Bulalo and Sinigang, 2 of Filipino’s favorite soup dishes. According to Nasi Lemak, this is pork ribs simmered in hours in a clear broth infused with a complex concoction of herbs and spices. You eat this with dark soy sauce with chopped Chili Padi (siling Labuyo).

Sizzling Japanese Tofu Seafood (Php 380) Rate: 3/5

A famous vegetable and seafood sizzling dish in Hong Kong and Singapore. The tasty sauce is made out of seafood – shrimps, seafood roll, tofu and more. I would love Tofu even more if this is how Tofus are served in all restaurants.

Braised Pork Knuckle in Superior Soy (Php 380) Rate: 2/5

According to the club, there were more bones and ligaments than meat. I didn’t bother to get more of it after hearing those comments from my peers.

Spicy Garlic Fish Fillet (Php 380) Rate: 4/5

A new dish from Nasi Lemak. Just like other dishes, it is filled with sauce and spices. I think among the other rice dishes, I ate more of this Spicy Garlic Fish Fillet Tofu. The choice of meat and spices (garlic, to be specific) fits my taste.

Kueh Pai Ti (Php 268) Rate: 5/5

8 pieces of edible crunchy cups with sauteed vegetables and prawns. This is known as a Peranakan appetizer, wherein you will be given empty edible cups, sauteed vegetables and prawns. This is a D-I-Y or Do It Yourself dish you can enjoy at Nasi Lemak. Don’t forget to add their sweet chili sauce to add flavor to its freshness.

Muffins (Php 66/2pcs) Rate: 4/5

Moist and flavorful muffins freshly baked at Nasi Lemak’s kitchen. My favorite is their carrot muffins.

I would say Nasi Lemak is the most convenient restaurant to visit if Singaporean cuisine is your preferrence. With branches at Fort and Robinsons Galleria, I find it convenient for me to take my family to any of the 2 branches. Most dishes are flavored with sauces, herbs and spices, just how Singaporean dishes are supposed to be made. I wasn’t able to try all of their dishes, but just by looking at the menu, I know I want to head back and try more of those pictures on display.

Cheers,

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Location: 8 Commercenter 4th Ave. cor. 31st St., Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Contact: (+632) 925-1988

Budget: PHP400++

Rate:

Food	9/10
Ambiance	9/10
Service	9/10
Cost	8/10
Overall	8.75/10