I got a little excited when I eat Nasi Ambeng. I have tried Ambeng Cafe in East Village and Pu3 in Bencoolen. Despite enjoying my meal, my pocket became thinner. So when Uncle Smart arranged for the makan kakis to try a $5.50 Nasi Ambeng in Bedok South Hawker Centre, my eyes brightened up!

Opened for less than a month, owner Ibu Bida (right) gave up her corporate job to start a hawker stall. She hired a talented Indonesian cook (centre) from Tanjung Pinang to whip up a good spread of dishes. Coincidentally, her handsome young son was there to help her mum during our visit.

Your inclination at Enak, is definitely to order the $5.50 Nasi Ambeng – a traditional and authentic Javanese feast served in a platter. I think this is the best deal in town. For that price, you get steamed rice surrounded by some of Indonesia’s greatest hits: beef rendang, sambal goreng, bergedil (potato patty), achar (pickled vegetables), terung (spicy brinjal), serunding (grated coconut) and an excellent sambal belancan. That beef rendang has been braised in coconut milk to a blissed-out state, as if the meat can’t wait to disperse itself. The belancan perk things up greatly, so shiok!

They also have nasi lemak ($3.50) with rice, chicken wings, fish, egg and sambal chilli. The sambal was slightly too sweet for us. We were also treated to a plate of curry fish head. Unfortunately, it was too fishy for my liking.

There are other breakfast items. Mee Rebus ($2.50) – a simple dish of thick yellow noodles with taupok, green chilli and a hard-boiled egg drenched in a flavourful spicy-sour gravy. The gravy is not overpoweringly starchy. Mee Siam ($2.50) was too watered down that day. But surprisingly, the star for us was the Mee Soto ($2.50). The soup has many layers of flavours and a perfect balance of spices – not one outshines the others. It is strong, rich and robust, unlike the many versions out there that are weak and lack depth of flavour.

Enak

Address: Blk 16 Bedok South Road Market & Food Centre, Singapore 460016.
Opening hours: Opens daily till late lunch. Closed on Tuesdays.

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