Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang - Michelin - Recommended Nasi Lemak with Indonesian Heritage

Picture this: two airline cabin crew members from different countries fall in love, honeymoon in Indonesia, and return to Singapore with a culinary revelation that would eventually earn them a spot in the prestigious Michelin Guide. This isn't just another food success story—it's the heartwarming tale behind Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang, one of Singapore's most talked-about hawker innovations.

The story begins with Mohammed Noorman (Singaporean) and Puti Andam (Indonesian), who met while working as cabin crew for the same airline. During their honeymoon in Lombok, Indonesia, they discovered Ayam Taliwang - a traditional grilled chicken dish that would change their lives forever. The couple was so captivated by the fiery, complex flavors of this ancient Indonesian recipe that they decided to bring it back to Singapore and marry it with the beloved local favorite: nasi lemak.

What emerged was something entirely new yet familiar—a fusion that honors both cultures while creating something uniquely Singaporean.

Since opening their first stall at Yishun Park Hawker Centre in 2017, Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang has been on an incredible journey. The Muslim-owned establishment caught the attention of Michelin inspectors and has been featured in the Michelin Guide Singapore since 2021, earning the coveted Michelin Plate recognition for "good cooking."

Today, with over 10 outlets scattered across the island—from their original Yishun location to Gardens by the Bay, SMU, and Lau Pa Sat—this humble hawker stall has become a Singapore success story.

The star of the show is the Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang ($6.20-$8.50), featuring hand-marinated grilled chicken with traditional Taliwang sauce, fragrant coconut rice, crispy ikan bilis and peanuts, perfectly runny sunny-side-up egg, fresh cucumber slices, and house-made sambal chili.

What sets their chicken apart is the meticulous preparation process. The Ayam Taliwang marinade is hand-prepared using fresh chilies, shallots, tamarind juice, and belachan. But here's the genius part: after marinating, they steam the chicken first to lock in all those incredible flavors, then grill it to achieve that perfect smoky char and release the aromatic magic.

Don't let the beautiful presentation fool you—this dish packs a serious punch. The Taliwang sauce delivers what one reviewer described as a "full-on flavor uppercut" that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. If you're sensitive to spice, consider starting with their milder options like the Nasi Lemak Ayam Kecap Sambal.

While the Ayam Taliwang steals the spotlight, their menu offers variety for every palate:

Be prepared for a 10-15 minute wait during peak hours, as everything is made fresh to order. Trust us, it's worth every minute. The sizzling sounds and incredible aromas wafting from the grill will have your mouth watering before your number is called.

Original Location: Yishun Park Hawker Centre 51 Yishun Avenue 11, #01-33 Singapore 768867
Hours: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM daily

Other Notable Locations:

Is Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang worth the hype? Absolutely. While it's pricier than your average nasi lemak (expect to pay $6-$8.50), you're getting a unique culinary experience that you literally cannot find anywhere else in Singapore. The fusion of Indonesian Taliwang traditions with Singaporean nasi lemak creates something that's both comfortingly familiar and excitingly new.

Whether you're a spice lover looking for your next challenge or a curious foodie wanting to taste a true fusion success story, Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang delivers on all fronts. Just remember to keep a cold drink handy—you're going to need it!