For more than seven years, Salero Minang Nasi Padang has brought a true taste of Sumatra to Alexandra Village Food Centre. Located at stall #01-65, the eatery is run by a husband and wife team from Sumatra who remain faithful to the rich traditions of their homeland’s cooking. Their approach focuses on authentic recipes, generous portions, and prices that keep customers coming back. In a hawker centre already famous for standout food, this stall holds its own with dishes that deliver depth of flavor and warmth in every bite.
A Lunch Experience Worth Timing Right
Salero Minang serves an extensive Nasi Padang spread. This traditional Indonesian meal pairs steamed rice with a variety of pre-cooked dishes. The concept is simple yet satisfying. Diners choose their favorites from trays of meats, seafood, vegetables, and side dishes, creating a plate that reflects both appetite and mood. Arriving around lunchtime is the best way to see the full range on display, as the popularity of the stall means many dishes sell out by 2 p.m.
The food is prepared each morning using traditional methods, ensuring freshness and authenticity. Spices are ground, meats are slow-cooked, and sauces are reduced to the right consistency. Customers are greeted by the aromatic scent of coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and chili as they approach.
Signature Dishes Worth Every Bite
The star of the menu is the Beef Rendang. This dish has earned a loyal following for its deeply spiced gravy and fall-apart tender beef. The meat is simmered for hours with a fragrant blend of spices and onions, resulting in a rich, slightly sweet profile balanced with a gentle heat. The gravy clings to each piece and seeps into the rice, making every bite satisfying.
For those seeking an alternative, Chicken Rendang offers a similar flavor profile, with the sauce coating succulent chicken pieces. The cooking process is just as meticulous, delivering a comforting depth of taste.
Seafood lovers gravitate toward Sotong Hitam, squid cooked in its own ink. The deep, savory sauce contrasts beautifully with steamed rice, while the squid is tender without losing its bite.
Another standout is Sambal Prawns with Petai. The prawns are fresh and meaty, tossed in a spicy sambal that is both fiery and aromatic. Petai beans add a distinctive bitter note that regular customers appreciate for its bold character.
For those who prefer something fried, the Fried Chicken Drumstick is marinated with spices before hitting the oil. It delivers crispy skin and a satisfying size, though the meat may lean slightly dry for some palates. Otak-Otak, a grilled fish cake with a smoky sweetness, makes for a flavorful side that complements richer dishes.
Side Dishes That Complete the Meal
Nasi Padang is never complete without side dishes. Salero Minang offers begedil, golden fried potato patties with a soft, seasoned interior, and achar, pickled vegetables that cut through the richness of the meats. The house-made sambal belachan is another favorite, delivering a powerful chili punch that enhances everything on the plate.
What Makes It Stand Out
Salero Minang’s appeal lies in more than just its recipes. The husband and wife team maintain a hands-on approach, often serving customers themselves. This personal touch adds to the dining experience, making it feel like a home-cooked meal shared with friends.
The stall also represents value for money. Portion sizes are generous, and the quality of ingredients is consistently high. Many customers appreciate that the food remains faithful to Sumatran traditions, resisting unnecessary tweaks that might dilute authenticity.
Visiting Salero Minang
The stall is located at #01-65, 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Alexandra Village Food Centre, Singapore 150123. Opening hours run from Monday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with Sundays off.
Although prepared in traditional Indonesian style, the stall is not halal-certified as of the latest available update in 2019. Those with specific dietary requirements should take note.
The best approach is to arrive early, ideally before the lunch rush. Not only will you have access to the full range of dishes, but you will also enjoy them at their freshest.
Recommended Combinations for a Memorable Plate
- Beef Rendang with Begedil and Achar for a balance of richness and freshness
- Sotong Hitam paired with Sambal Prawns with Petai for seafood lovers
- Chicken Rendang with Otak-Otak for a mix of textures and flavors
- Fried Chicken Drumstick with Sambal Belachan for spice enthusiasts
Final Thoughts
Salero Minang Nasi Padang delivers more than just food. It offers a connection to Sumatra through time-tested recipes, meticulous preparation, and the warmth of a family-run stall. For those seeking a true taste of Indonesian comfort fare in Singapore, this is a destination worth making time for, especially if you appreciate the layered complexity of spice-rich cooking.
Every visit promises a plate that is as generous in flavor as it is in portion, and for many, that is reason enough to keep coming back.
