Neon lights illuminate the colourful murals that line the walls of Village Nasi Lemak Bar, which puts a modern spin on our traditional nosh.
Located a stone’s throw from the Singapore River, this bar characterised by exposed light bulbs and metal crate bar shelves of the industrial chic variety. Tiles with traditional patterns reminisce the coffeeshops of yesteryear Singapore, while communal long tables and elevated bar chairs complement the narrow layout of this restaurant, which is perfect for groups of friends and family who fancy sharing a meal. Smaller groups and solo diners can sit around the open kitchen, where they can watch the chefs in action.
Owned by the same people behind feted food caterer Nosh Kitchen, Village Nasi Lemak Bar is run by artisans who know a thing or two about cooking a satisfying meal. No prizes for guessing the signature dish here. The chicken drumstick set ($8.80), which is the closest item on the menu to traditional nasi lemak, except it comes with an uptown twist – a sous-vide truffle egg joins the classic condiments of peanuts, ikan bilis, pickled cucumbers (shredded instead of in slices) and great homemade sambal. The spicy-sweet sambal steals the spotlight in the sambal sotong ($7), too, here served in proper hipster fashion: on a wooden paddle. Other spicy highlights of Village Nasi Lemak Bar include lamb and beef rendang ($6.80).
And come 6pm, the restaurant brandishes its Asian tapas menu. It features treats like salted egg chicken wings ($12), torched-grilled sotong ($14) and chilli crab dip with mantou ($10). These local flavours go swimmingly with a pint of beer – your options include Asahi (full pint $9, half pint $7), Kronenbourg (full pint $10, half pint $7) and Heineken (bottle $8). There's also a selection of wines, cocktails and craft beer to soothe all that spice.