Exciting news for fans of the renowned private dining experience, Arang! After a brief hiatus due to Nurl Asyraffie Mohamed Shukor's move from his Golden Mile Complex apartment, the talented chef is back in action with a fresh and accessible concept – Kerabu by Arang.
Credit: CNA/Aik Chen
This time, Asyraffie is bringing his culinary expertise to the heart of Yishun Park Hawker Centre, showcasing a more casual side of his culinary prowess. The new venture is all about making delicious food without high-end flair, providing a chance for a broader audience to savour his delectable creations.
Credit: @khoofoodlover
At Kerabu, patrons can indulge in the authentic flavours of nasi kerabu, a traditional Malay dish featuring turmeric rice paired with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb, accompanied by kerabu salad, fish keropok, sambal budu, and salted egg. The dishes are currently available at a special opening offer until the end of November, with prices ranging from S$8.50 to S$15.50.
Asyraffie's inspiration for this culinary adventure stems from his travels through Malaysia and Thailand, where he observed the art of grilling in the kampung areas. The use of coconut husk in the grill imparts a delightful smoky flavour, while delicate proteins like pomfret fish are wrapped in banana leaves for a fragrant touch.
The highlight of the dish, according to Asyraffie, is the kerabu salad, featuring fresh winged bean, pomegranate, and pomelo, adding a burst of freshness and balance to the overall flavour profile.
Credit: Kerabu by Arang
With a focus on doing one thing exceptionally well, Asyraffie aims to build Kerabu by Arang into a casual yet remarkable establishment, drawing parallels to the success of places like The Coconut Club, known for its nasi lemak.
Acknowledging the challenges of hawker life, Asyraffie appreciates the hard work put in by his fellow hawkers, emphasising the volume and intensity required to serve up to 40 plates in an hour. Despite the learning curve, he envisions Kerabu becoming a staple in the hawker scene, even considering the addition of larger sharing dishes to the weekend menu in the near future.
But the excitement doesn't stop there! Asyraffie plans to revive Arang in January, taking the private dining experience directly to people's homes. With a passion for perfection and a commitment to his craft, Asyraffie is set to bring his delicious nasi kerabu to food enthusiasts both at the hawker stall and in the comfort of their own homes!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: Yishun Park Hawker Centre, 51 Yishun Ave 11, #01-04.
Opening hours: 11am until sold out (Tuesday - Friday), 10am until sold out (Saturday, Sunday and PH). Do check their Instagram before going.