How to Make Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken is a beloved Singaporean breakfast staple, commonly enjoyed in bustling kopitiams and vibrant hawker centres across the island. This iconic dish features fragrant coconut rice, crisp cucumber, spicy sambal, and crunchy peanuts, all brought together with golden, crispy fried chicken. The dish’s roots trace back to Singapore’s multicultural heritage, reflecting both Malay and Chinese influences, and it has become a symbol of local culinary pride. The aroma of pandan-infused coconut rice mingling with savoury fried chicken is a familiar scent in Singapore’s early mornings, drawing locals and tourists alike to their favourite stalls. What makes Nasi Lemak so special is its balance of flavours and textures: creamy rice, spicy and sweet sambal, and the satisfying crunch of fried chicken. While traditionally indulgent, this recipe offers a lighter, health-conscious twist without compromising on authenticity. With a focus on portion control and healthier cooking methods, you can enjoy this Singaporean classic as part of a balanced diet. Whether you’re starting your day or seeking a comforting lunch, Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken is a true taste of Singapore’s hawker culture and fusion cuisine.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Prepare the rice by rinsing jasmine rice until water runs clear
Prepare the rice by rinsing jasmine rice until water runs clear. Combine rice, lite coconut milk, pandan leaves, and salt in a rice cooker. Add water up to the 1-cup line and cook as usual.
Step 2 · Boil eggs in a pot of water for 8 minutes until hard-boiled
Boil eggs in a pot of water for 8 minutes until hard-boiled. Cool under running water, peel, and halve.
Step 3 · Air fry or bake vegetarian fried chicken at 200°C for 10-12 minutes...
Air fry or bake vegetarian fried chicken at 200°C for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip halfway for even cooking.
Step 4 · Slice cucumber thinly and set aside
Slice cucumber thinly and set aside. Dry-roast peanuts in a pan over low heat if not pre-roasted.
Step 5 · Heat sambal chili gently in a small pan or microwave
Heat sambal chili gently in a small pan or microwave. For milder sambal, mix with a bit of lite coconut milk.
Step 6 · Assemble the plate: Spoon coconut rice onto each plate
Assemble the plate: Spoon coconut rice onto each plate, arrange fried chicken, egg halves, cucumber slices, peanuts, and a serving of sambal on the side.
Why this recipe is healthy
By using vegetarian alternatives for fried chicken, reducing coconut milk, and air-frying instead of deep-frying, this Nasi Lemak remains authentic to Singaporean flavors while being lighter and more nutrient-dense. The inclusion of fresh vegetables and portion control makes it suitable for calorie-conscious individuals. This recipe celebrates Singapore hawker food culture in a way that supports healthy eating habits, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a traditional taste with modern nutrition in mind.
A note on tradition
Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken is a quintessential Singaporean breakfast and brunch, found in nearly every hawker centre and kopitiam. Its popularity spans generations and ethnicities, symbolizing Singapore’s unique fusion of Malay and Chinese culinary heritage. While traditionally enjoyed for breakfast, it’s now a staple at any time of day, especially during festive gatherings or casual meals with family and friends. The dish’s adaptable nature—topped with everything from ikan bilis to vegetarian proteins—reflects Singapore’s openness to fusion and innovation.