Nasi Padang isn’t just a meal—it’s a spread of flavors, textures, and family recipes passed through generations. With influences from Minangkabau cuisine in West Sumatra, it’s made for diners who want variety and bold flavor. Singapore, with its strong Malay and Indonesian communities, is home to some of the best Nasi Padang outside Indonesia. Here’s where you’ll find the most respected and consistently praised spots.
1. Hjh Maimunah Restaurant
Location: 11 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199078
Website: hjmaimunah.com
Awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, Hjh Maimunah has been serving Nasi Padang since 1992. With over 40 dishes daily, customers queue for their Tahu Telur, grilled fish, and Rendang. The restaurant blends Malay and Indonesian influences, with everything cooked fresh and rich in spice.
Must-Try:
- Tahu Telur (fried tofu tower with peanut sauce)
- Sambal Goreng
- Beef Rendang
Other outlets: Tampines Mall, City Square Mall, Woodlands, Joo Chiat
2. Istimewa Nasi Padang
Location: Blk 28 Hoy Fatt Road, Singapore 151028
Started in 1989 in Bukit Merah, Istimewa moved to Hoy Fatt Road and never looked back. Their offerings carry a home-cooked spirit, with generous portions and signature dishes that regulars swear by. Their Rendang Lembu is a slow-cooked star.
Must-Try:
- Rendang Lembu
- Ayam Goreng Istimewa
- Sambal Goreng
- Sayur Lodeh
- Nasi Ambeng Platters
The stall’s charm lies in its consistency and simplicity.
3. Rumah Makan Minang
Location: 18 & 18A Kandahar Street, Singapore 198884
Website: minang.sg
Founded in 1954, Rumah Makan Minang has roots that go back to the 1940s. Their Minangkabau dishes are known for their depth of flavor and adherence to traditional recipes. Operated by a family for generations, their Rendang and Ayam Belado Hijau draw regulars from all over the island.
Must-Try:
- Beef Rendang
- Ayam Belado Hijau
- Gulai Ayam (spiced chicken curry)
Other outlets: Our Tampines Hub, The Frontier CC in Jurong West
4. Warong Nasi Pariaman
Location: 738 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198706
Facebook: PariamanMasakanPadang
Opened in 1948 by Haji Isrin, this stall is believed to be Singapore’s oldest surviving Nasi Padang business. Unlike many others, their beef rendang excludes coriander and cumin, giving it a distinct taste. Each day begins with prep work at 4 a.m., a ritual that reflects their commitment to heritage.
Must-Try:
- Beef Rendang
- Ayam Bakar (charcoal-grilled chicken)
- Gulai Nangka (young jackfruit curry)
In 2021, the stall was designated a “mini-museum” by the National Heritage Board.
5. Nasi Padang Sabar Menanti
Location: 719 North Bridge Road, #01-01, Singapore 198687
Instagram: sabarmenantisg
Named after the phrase “wait patiently,” Sabar Menanti has a history going back to a 1920s street stall. Today, the family-run business continues to serve Minangkabau food with thick gravies, creamy coconut bases, and a full-bodied spice profile.
Must-Try:
- Ayam Opor (turmeric-infused chicken in coconut gravy)
- Bergedil (fried potato patties)
- Sambal Sotong (spicy squid)
The ambiance retains the old-world charm with recipes unchanged for decades.
6. Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang
Location: Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre, 1 Geylang Serai, #02-137, Singapore 402001
Website: sinarpagionline.com
This stall often has a queue even before it opens. Founded in the 1960s by Haji Nasir Kiram, a Bukit Tinggi native, Sinar Pagi sticks to Kapau-style Nasi Padang. Their food displays fill with over 40 dishes ranging from spicy fish to beef lungs, all ready to be mixed and matched.
Must-Try:
- Asam Pedas (spicy tamarind fish)
- Ayam Panggang (BBQ chicken)
- Paru Goreng (fried beef lung)
Second outlet: 327 Joo Chiat Road
7. Putra Minang Restaurant
Location: Somerset Bencoolen Hotel, 51 Bencoolen St, #01-05, Singapore 189630
Website: putraminangsg.com
Putra Minang takes pride in authenticity by training its chefs in Padang and importing ingredients from Indonesia. That attention to detail shows in the consistency and depth of its dishes. Their rendang, sambals, and stews deliver on aroma and complexity.
Must-Try:
- Rendang Lembu
- Sambal Hijau Chicken
- Sayur Lodeh (vegetables in coconut broth)
Other outlets: Lucky Plaza, International Plaza
8. Pagi Sore
Location: Far East Square, Telok Ayer St, #88 – 90, Singapore 048470
Website: pagi-sore.com
Serving since 1973, Pagi Sore is committed to preserving Minang flavors. Though based in Singapore, their operations span across Indonesia. It’s best known for dishes made with patience and spice-rich profiles.
Must-Try:
- Rendang Sapi
- Ikan Bakar (grilled fish with sambal)
- Brinjal Balado
The Telok Ayer address also serves as the brand’s Singapore office.
9. Coba Coba
Address: 156 Yishun Street 11, #01-106, Singapore 760156
Website: cobacoba.sg
This Yishun favorite delivers traditional Indonesian food at reasonable prices. The setting is a retro-style kopitiam, but the flavors are bold and modern in quality. Their sambals pack heat, and dishes like fried tofu drenched in thick sauce leave a mark.
Must-Try:
- Tahu Telur
- Beef Rendang
- Ayam Sambal Ijo
It’s a neighborhood spot with a loyal following.
10. Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lock Kee
Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #02-72 to 75/77/92 The Central, Singapore 059817
Website: rendezvous-hlk.com.sg
Dating back to the 1940s, Rendezvous once served colonial soldiers. In the 1950s, it shifted to serving West Sumatran dishes, including some of the finest rendang and sambal eggplant dishes around. The menu still reflects the flavors that made it famous decades ago.
Must-Try:
- Sambal Eggplant
- Chicken Curry
- Spicy Anchovies with Peanuts
Expect a more refined setting, but without losing its original roots.
The best Nasi Padang doesn’t come from one place. It comes from kitchens steeped in tradition, recipes that resist shortcuts, and cooks who start prepping before sunrise. Whether you prefer bustling markets, quiet corners, or old-school restaurants, these names guarantee the kind of meal that stays with you long after the last spoonful.
