The Best Side Dishes for Nasi Lemak

You rock up to the nasi lemak stall and stare at the rows of dishes in front of you. Faced with the dilemma of the huge nasi lemak menu, which dishes do you pick? Do you go for the safety of the chicken wing, or try a new set with something different? To help you decide, we’ve curated a list of our favourite nasi lemak sides that will pair wonderfully with the base of aromatic steamed rice. Read on to check out our top picks for the best Nasi Lemak side dishes in Singapore!

1. Chicken Wing

Chicken wings are an absolute must-have when tucking into nasi lemak. Nothing beats sinking your teeth into crispy skin and juicy, succulent chicken meat. The humble fried chicken wing or chicken thigh is a beloved side dish among Singaporeans and a mainstay in nasi lemak menus across the country. So the next time you find yourself yearning for fried chicken from the ole Kentucky Colonel, you can easily satisfy your craving with nasi lemak fried chicken instead!

2. Fried Egg (Mixed) 

In the mood for an egg-citing and eggcellent side dish? Then a fried egg is your best bet! While it usually isn’t the star of the meal, a mixed fried egg offers lovely crispy edges and adds a subtle fragrance to the overall dish. You could opt for sunny side up as a healthier option (runny yolk, anyone?), but the irresistible combination of blue pea rice and mixed fried egg can’t be beaten.

3. Sambal Prawn

If you’re not a big fan of meat, then seafood is the perfect choice for your nasi lemak set! Sambal prawns are perfect for seafood lovers. After all, who can say no to a heap of big, juicy prawns coated in a luscious chilli sauce? Enjoy the incredible sensation of sweet, salty, and spicy on your tongue at the same time when you take a bite into our sambal prawns. Guaranteed satisfaction for all!

4. Ikan Bilis & Peanuts

No authentic nasi lemak can do without a generous spoonful of ikan bilis (dried anchovies) and roasted peanuts on the side. The ikan bilis provides a mouth-watering savouriness and umami, while the peanuts offer a roasted nutty flavour that enhances the overall dish. In addition, both of them serve as a crunchy element that adds a variety in texture to each bite.

5. Chilli Fish

Fish is no stranger to traditional nasi lemak in Singapore. It is often seen served in many different variations, from fried selar fish to fish fillet. Many people love sweet and sour fish from zi char stalls in Singapore, so why not try it with nasi lemak too — but with a Thai-style twist? The creamy blue pea rice of nasi lemak goes beautifully with fried fish covered in Thai chilli sauce, not to mention the tangy flavour of the accompanying pineapple and onions!

BONUS: Mango Salad

Believe it or not, traditional nasi lemak isn’t the healthiest dish in the world as it often lacks a serving of fruits or vegetables. The cucumber you’d usually get is more of a garnish, as only one of two sleeves are normally included. With a set of Thai-inspired nasi lemak, you can enjoy a refreshing side of mango salad!

Apart from the satisfying crunch, the green mango offers a tanginess that cuts through the rich, creamy rice and fried chicken. It adds a healthy helping of fruits to a meal of meat and carbohydrates that leaves you feeling energised!

Spice Up Your Meal with Thai-Style Sides at Lavender Nasi Lemak

Still not convinced these are the best nasi lemak side dishes? Well, you will never know until you try! Here at Lavender Nasi Lemak, our selection of unique Thai-inspired sides is sure to add some spice to your life and leave you wanting more. Tuck into all these side dishes and more by dropping by our outlet at Yishun Blk 504. Alternatively, you can order from our online menu and enjoy fast delivery of nasi lemak to your home.