Traditional vs Thai-Inspired Nasi Lemak: What’s the Difference?

We all love a good plate of nasi lemak. It’s something most Singaporeans have grown up with and are more than familiar with the traditional flavours of aromatic steamed rice, spicy sambal chilli, and savoury sides. But have you ever tried Thai-inspired nasi lemak? With a twist of Thai, this beloved dish takes on a whole new form that is both classic and delicious. Read on to discover what sets Thai-inspired nasi lemak apart from the traditional food we know and love!

The Ingredients

Grab a plate of nasi lemak at most hawker stalls in Singapore and you’ll experience the traditional flavours of coconut milk, pandan, and anchovies. As nasi lemak originated from Malaysia, it’s most traditionally made using these typical Malaysian flavours. However, Thai-inspired nasi lemak takes things one step further. By incorporating classic Thai ingredients and sides like mango salad, sour belacan chilli and blue pea-infused rice, a whole new version of nasi lemak is born! 

Not only are these Thai ingredients flavourful and delicious, but they also offer nutritional benefits! For example, the Thai green mango (also known as raw mango) that we use in our mango salad is packed with antioxidants and vitamins. These are great in helping to boost your immunity and the overall health of your heart, liver, and digestive system! 

What’s more, the blue pea flowers used to create our signature blue pea rice also contain powerful antioxidants that can enhance your skin tone, prevent premature ageing, and promote healthy hair growth. Who knew a plate of Thai-inspired nasi lemak could have so many benefits?

The Blend of Flavours

Traditional nasi lemak mostly comprises salty and spicy flavours from the side dishes and sambal chilli.  While savoury, this could end up tasting rather one-note after a couple of bites. In comparison, by adding a twist of Thai to nasi lemak, it opens up a whole new world of flavours! 

Traditional Thai flavour profiles are a well-balanced combination of sour, sweet, salty and spicy. The sweet and sour sauces go perfectly with the creamy steamed rice for an explosion of flavours in your mouth. There’s no better way to get a cross-cultural taste of both Singapore and Thailand together on one plate!

The Unique Side Dishes

Most of the time, nasi lemak comes with the standard fare of side dishes — chicken wing, cucumber, egg, peanuts and ikan bilis. Even at stalls where you have an array of dishes to choose from, most of them don’t stray far from typical ones like begedil, luncheon meat, fish fillet and other deep-fried items.

With Thai-inspired nasi lemak, you get to enjoy many unique and different side dishes that you don’t often find in Singapore. These include sambal prawn, chilli fish, mango salad, and more. And for those that love the crunch of ikan bilis, get ready for the superbly shiok crunch of crispy Keropok that accompanies every nasi lemak dish here at Lavender Nasi Lemak!

Get Your First Taste of Thai-Inspired Nasi Lemak at Lavender Nasi Lemak

Drooling for some Thai-style nasi lemak now? Lavender Nasi Lemak has got you covered. Our very own Chef Nolee (Auntie Nolee) is ready to whip you up a delectable plate of Thai-inspired nasi lemak to satisfy your tastebuds! With years of experience cooking in Chiang Rai, Thailand, Auntie Nolee’s famous nasi lemak menu is cooked with love and loved by many for its perfectly harmonious blend of local and Thai flavours. Try it for yourself by visiting us at Yishun Blk 504 or simply order online and enjoy delicious Thai-inspired nasi lemak delivered right to your doorstep in Singapore today!