Kitchenman Nasi Lemak - Award-Winning Ayam Goreng Berempah

If you’re craving authentic Malaysian nasi lemak in Singapore, Kitchenman Nasi Lemak at CT Hub might just be your new favorite spot. This unassuming eatery has been making waves since opening its doors in late 2023, and for good reason—it’s earned a coveted MICHELIN Bib Gourmand award for both 2024 and 2025.

Launched on December 17, 2023, Kitchenman Nasi Lemak brings a taste of Malaysia to Singapore’s Lavender neighborhood. The restaurant is helmed by a Malaysian owner and chef who are passionate about recreating the authentic flavors of their homeland. Their mission? To serve nasi lemak—often considered Malaysia’s national dish—with the same heart and soul you’d find in Kuala Lumpur.

The restaurant has quickly drawn comparisons to the legendary Village Park Restaurant in KL, which is high praise in the nasi lemak world. Many reviewers note that Kitchenman offers the closest thing to Village Park’s famous nasi lemak right here in Singapore.

Kitchenman takes a no-shortcuts approach to their cooking. Every dish is made fresh using quality ingredients, with no pork, no lard, and no MSG. The rice is cooked in coconut milk with fragrant pandan leaves, creating that signature aromatic base that makes nasi lemak so irresistible.

The setup is casual and no-frills—think simple tiled floors, wooden furnishings with cushioned seats, and a charming wall mural featuring coconut trees. It’s the kind of place where the food does all the talking.

Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah ($12.80)

This is the star of the show. The signature dish features chicken marinated in homemade rempah (a blend of aromatic spices including curry leaves, shallots, ginger, and lemongrass) and deep-fried to golden perfection. You can choose between chicken leg or breast—the leg is particularly juicy and flavorful. It comes with all the classic accompaniments: fragrant coconut rice, crispy anchovies, crunchy peanuts, a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg with runny yolk, fresh cucumber slices, and spicy sambal.

Nasi Lemak Rendang Chicken ($14.80)

For those who prefer their chicken simmered rather than fried, the rendang option delivers rich, complex flavors. The chicken is cooked in a luscious coconut-infused sauce with a medley of spices that create a savory gravy with a pleasantly spicy kick.

Nasi Lemak Ayam Kunyit ($13.80)

The turmeric chicken offers a different flavor profile—earthier and more aromatic. The chicken chunks are marinated with turmeric and deep-fried, staying succulent inside. This version comes with extra vegetables like long beans, carrots, and onions for added crunch and nutrition.

Don’t skip the sides! Options include:

• Otak-Otak ($7) - thick, succulent, and fresh-tasting

• Sambal Fried Fish ($8)

• Sayur Lemak ($8.80)

• Belacan Wing Beans ($8.80)

• Nyonya Eggplant ($8.80)

• Tofu and Tempeh ($8.80)

Wash it all down with a Malaysian-style Iced White Kopi ($2.50), which reviewers describe as aromatic and smooth.

Timing is Everything: Since every plate is made to order, expect a 20-25 minute wait during peak hours. Visit during off-peak times if you’re in a hurry or have a tight schedule.

Pricing: Dishes range from $5.80 for a classic nasi lemak (just egg, anchovies, and peanuts) to $15.80 for rendang chicken. While slightly pricier than typical hawker centers, the quality and MICHELIN recognition justify the cost.

Location: The restaurant is located at CT Hub, a short walk from Bendemeer MRT Station. It’s a small space, so it fills up quickly during lunch and dinner rushes.

In a city with no shortage of nasi lemak options—from The Coconut Club to Wild Coco to HUSK Nasi Lemak—Kitchenman holds its own by focusing on authenticity and quality execution. What started as a simple Malaysian eatery has become a MICHELIN-recognized destination that delivers consistently delicious plates of one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved dishes.

Whether you’re a nasi lemak connoisseur comparing it to Village Park or someone new to this iconic dish, Kitchenman offers a genuine taste of Malaysia that’s worth the trip to CT Hub—and the wait.