Sabar Menanti - Over 100 Year Old Nasi Padang Worth Waiting For

If there’s one nasi padang institution in Singapore that has truly stood the test of time, it’s Sabar Menanti on North Bridge Road. Rooted in Kampong Glam since the 1920s — when the original owner, Haji Marlian Athar from Sumatra, ran a humble pushcart along Kandahar Street — this family-run establishment has now passed into its third generation. Today, grandson Iszahar Tambunan (Isz) helms the restaurant, which relaunched in October 2023 in a two-storey shophouse just a stone’s throw from its founding spot. The name, meaning “wait patiently” in Malay, has always been a quiet promise: the food here is absolutely worth the wait.

Beef Rendang ($6)

The one dish everyone keeps coming back for. Sabar Menanti’s beef rendang is slow-cooked low and slow until the meat reaches that perfect fall-apart tenderness, with a thick, dry gravy that’s rich in toasted coconut, lemongrass, and galangal. The result is a deeply aromatic, intensely flavoured rendang that layers spice after spice without ever feeling overwhelming. Regulars consistently point to this as some of the best rendang in Singapore — generous in portion and bold in taste. At around $5 per serving, it’s arguably one of the best value plates in the Kampong Glam area.

Ayam Bakar ($5)

The grilled chicken at Sabar Menanti punches well above its price point. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and grilled until the skin takes on a slightly charred, smoky finish, the ayam bakar delivers deep flavour with every bite. The breast meat stays juicy despite the high heat treatment, while the piquant, golden-brown skin carries a satisfying smokiness that lingers. Pair it with a scoop of white rice and a dollop of their signature sambal for the full effect.

Tahu Telur ($6.50)

A firm crowd favourite and one of the most talked-about dishes on the menu. Pieces of firm beancurd are fried to a rich golden-brown, then set atop a pool of savoury gravy and finished with strips of fresh carrot, cucumber, and a generous handful of crushed peanuts. The layering of textures is what makes this dish stand out — crisp tofu against cool, crunchy vegetables and earthy peanuts, all tied together by a punchy, well-seasoned gravy. At $6, it’s an affordable must-order that draws praise from practically every diner who tries it.

Sotong Masak Hitam — Squid in Black Ink Sauce ($6)

Visually striking and full of umami, the sotong masak hitam is a standout on any nasi padang spread. The squid is well-cooked and tender — none of that rubbery texture you sometimes get elsewhere — and the black ink gravy carries a subtle citrus undertone that keeps things from getting too heavy. It’s a dish that consistently earns shoutouts from diners alongside the beef rendang as the other go-to order at Sabar Menanti.

Gulai Nangka — Young Jackfruit Tripe ($2)

One of the more traditional dishes on the menu that deserves more attention than it gets. Young jackfruit tripe are slow-cooked in a thick, coconut-based curry that’s fragrant, rich, and deeply satisfying. The tripe, in particular, is a standout — supremely tender and soaking up all that gulai goodness. For anyone who wants to experience classic Padang cuisine beyond the usual suspects, this is the dish to order.

Sambal Goreng ($2)

A solid nasi padang spread isn’t complete without a good sambal goreng, and Sabar Menanti’s version delivers. Long beans, tau kwa, and tempeh are tossed in a thick, robust sambal — the beans cooked just right to retain their vibrant green colour and fresh snap, while the tofu and tempeh absorb the bold, spiced sauce beautifully. It’s a reliable order that works as both a main and a supporting dish, and the thick gravy makes it especially good poured over white rice.

Breakfast Staples: Mee Siam, Lontong & Nasi Lemak

Sabar Menanti isn’t just a lunch destination — it’s a beloved breakfast spot too. Early risers head here for comforting classics like nasi lemak with a thick egg omelette, crispy ikan bilis, and crunchy peanuts; mee siam; mee rebus; and lontong with sayur lodeh. All prepared fresh daily, these morning staples draw a loyal crowd of regulars who have been starting their days here for years.

Between its century-old heritage, family-run warmth, and a spread of Minangkabau dishes that are hard to find this good anywhere else in Singapore, Sabar Menanti is a dining experience that goes well beyond just filling your stomach. Whether you’re going all in on a full nasi padang lunch loaded with beef rendang, tahu telur, and sotong masak hitam — or just grabbing a quiet breakfast of nasi lemak before heading to work — this North Bridge Road stalwart earns every bit of its legendary status. A solid meal here typically runs around $10–$12 per person, making it a satisfying and accessible eat.

📍 Address: 719 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198687
📞 Contact: +65 6291 0109
🕐 Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 7am – 5pm (Closed Monday)