Nikmat Nasi Lemak by Husk

For those whom have been following us for quite a while, perhaps the mention or the name Husk Nasi Lemak might ring a few bells. A brand that had first started their operations within a hole-in-the-wall space at Bugis Cube, Husk Nasi Lemak is one of those establishments that had been overshadowed by the many other Nasi Lemak-centric dining establishments that have came after it. With that being said, these folks had subsequently opened another outlet in the basement of Changi Airport Terminal 3 at one point of time. Whilst being a name they had been around for be local F&B scene for quite a while, Husk Nasi Lemak is a name that had always operated somewhat as qn individually-run dining establishment; these folks had however recently opened yet another brand — Nikmat Nasi Lemak by Husk, which is situated within the Hawkers’ Street food court at Tampines 1. The food court replaces the previous outlet of Kopitiam in the mall, which is now neighbours with the iSTEAKS outlet there. The menu at Nikmat Nasi Lemak by Husk doesn’t seem to differ much from what Husk Nasi Lemak has to offer; their Nasi Lemak are primarily offered in sets where they would come with a type of meat / fish which the patron opts for — patrons can also order the meats / fish options ala-carte as an add-on as well.

We recalled having the Wholesome Lemak Drumstick Set previously during our visit to Husk Nasi Lemak and it has left us being pretty impressed with them. Considering so, we found ourselves stuck to ordering the Wholesome Lemak Drumstick Set again during our visit to Nikmat Nasi Lemak since it was that comforting an item to have. Essentially a Nasi Lemak dish that comes with Ayam Masak Lemak Cili Api, the Wholesome Lemak Drumstick Set also comes with coconut-infused rice, fried crumbs, sunny side-up, anchovies and peanuts, as well as sambal chili on the side. The Wholesome Lemak Drumstick Set from Nikmat Nasi Lemak by Husk does feel like an improved version of what we have had previously at Husk Nasi Lemak when they had first opened their doors at Bugis Cube — digging into the rice, the Nasi Lemak itself was pretty well-executed; it carried a wafting fragrance of coconut milk that subtly lingers on the tastebud, itself also carrying a light note of ginger while the rice remains soft, light and fluffy. As though the rice is not easy to have on its own already, the crumbs on top of the rice provided a crispy texture that gave it a good contrast — almost similar to the crumbs that typically come with Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah, though this one definitely did not carry the notes of the spices that one would get with Ayam Goreng Berempah. Digging into the Lemak Drumstick itself, the drumstick comes with meat that separates from the bone easily; all that whilst the skin of the chicken having absorbed the flavours of the gravy that it is soaked in. The Lemak Cili Api was totally on-point; rich from the coconut milk, the gravy was also of a vibrant yellow hue from the use of turmeric in its cooking process. The gravy was also not shy of giving a spicy kick; the chili padi definitely giving that tickle to the tastebuds especially for those whom are tolerable to lower levels of spiciness.

Other components like the sunny side-up weee also done well; the sunny side-up coming with fluffy whites and a runny egg yolk — also free from any undesirable stench of overused oil, while the anchovies provided a saltish note and a crisp texture. We personally felt that the sambal chili isn’t particularly needed in this setting since the other elements do seem to work well on their own, though it does provide a sweet note that would do well with the fried meat options like the chicken cutlet that they have to offer. With the prices of their Nasi Lemak Sets being priced between $5.90 and $9.90, we do find that there is a decent variety of dishes offered by Nikmat Nasi Lemak by Husk for days where one wishes to just to for something more simpler as a usual lunch / dinner affair, as well as more “luxe” offerings should one wishes to splurge a little and treat themselves to something better. Considering the quality of their Nasi Lemak offerings, the Nasi Lemak is definitely worth going for even for those whom are looking out for a good plate of Nasi Lemak around the island — definitely wishing to see more outlets of Nikmat Nasi Lemak by Husk being around, especially with more Hawkers’ Street locations in the pipeline to come in the near future!