Ponggol Nasi Lemak (Serangoon)

Drive past Upper Serangoon Road in the evening, and one is bound to notice the never-ending line of hungry customers at Ponggol Nasi Lemak. Having heard mixed reviews about the place, my family decided to check out what the fuss was about one day.

Unfortunately, we were met with disappointment. While decent, the nasi lemak was definitely not worth the fifteen minutes spent in the queue. Though fluffy and moist, the rice could have done with a stronger coconut milk fragrance. To give them credit, the chicken wing was large and crispy and the mandatory sweet chilli was alright. But the otah was just ordinary, so were the greasy and spicy stir-fried long beans and sambal brinjal. My mum also complained that her sunny-side up was cold. 

 

The only thing about this stall that wowed me was the large assortment of side dishes, including achar, curry cabbage and tempura prawns.

I was charged about $4.50 for a stingy portion of rice, a chicken wing, a piece of otah and a serving of veggies. Queue up for average and pricey food again? No thanks... I say, head to Lee Wee & Brothers' outlet at the nearby Kovan Food Centre for nasi lemak if you happen to be around the area instead. 

Surprisingly, the neighbouring chee cheong fun stall fared better than the famed nasi lemak. Though not as soft and smooth as those from Old Airport Road Food Centre, the freshly-prepared rice rolls sold here were much better than the factory-made versions sold at most coffee shops.

Ponggol Nasi Lemak

965 Upper Serangoon Road

Opening hours: 6pm-5am, closed on Thursdays