If there is one thing I really like about going on a food adventure in the city, it’s the surprise factor. You think you’re just passing through an area, nothing special… and then boom, one bright sign, one curious name, and suddenly you’re walking into a new spot that you know is about to join your “good food list.” LOL
That’s exactly what happened when I wandered around the Aljunied area recently. I was strolling along Sims Avenue and honestly, I didn’t expect to find anything that would stop me in my tracks. But then I saw this huge, catchy signage: Bali Nasi Lemak. The name alone was enough to pull me in because it felt familiar yet new at the same time. I’ve had nasi lemak before, but “Bali” nasi lemak? That was a first for me, and my curiosity immediately kicked in.
The first thing I noticed when I stepped inside was how legit the place felt. It’s air-conditioned (bless), the interior is contemporary and clean, and the spacing between tables is comfortable, no awkward chair-bumping or feeling like you’re eavesdropping on the next table’s conversation. It’s casual but nicely put together, the kind of place that makes you want to sit down properly and enjoy your meal instead of rushing.
And here’s the real clue that this place is popular: there were so many patrons even though it was already night and the location isn’t in a super exposed corner. That means people are deliberately coming here. Like, they’re making an effort to find it, and for me, that’s always a good sign that the food is worth it.
For my order, my total bill came up to SGD 8.50, which is a bit pricey (at least for my usual hawker expectations), but the plate looked pretty satisfying. I had grilled chicken, a fried egg, sautéed spinach, and a spicy mixed pineapple & cucumber salad alongside the nasi lemak rice.
Let’s talk about the rice first because it’s the heart of it all. The rice was properly “lemak”, rich, fragrant, and creamy in that coconut-y way that makes you want to keep taking bites even when you tell yourself you’ll slow down. It had that comforting aroma that feels classic and indulgent at the same time.
The fried egg was simple but lovely, edges slightly crisp, center still soft enough to mix into the rice. I always enjoy that moment when the egg meets the rice and suddenly everything becomes extra satisfying.
The sautéed spinach was… honestly, as good as spinach can be. Not too oily, still fresh, and a good balance to all the heavier flavors on the plate.
Now the pineapple and cucumber salad surprised me the most because it leaned more spicy than sweet. There was real heat here, the kind that builds up and makes you pause for a second like “oh wow okay!” But it was still really nice because the cucumber and pineapple helped keep it refreshing, so it didn’t feel overwhelming... just bold.
As for the grilled chicken… the flavor was good, but it wasn’t as tender as I hoped. I could tell it wasn’t freshly cooked anymore, and that made me think, “I should’ve chosen the fried chicken.” The fried chicken looked freshly fried, and I kind of regret not picking it. But hey, that just gives me a reason to come back (and you already know I will).
