This story about nasi kandar in Singapore is written by one of our contributors, Alfred Chua. Some parts of the article may have been edited for length and clarity.
It is a non-descript coffeeshop, oozing retro charm, and tucked away in one of Singapore's oldest housing estates.
What will first catch your attention is the (rather) unique name of the coffeeshop: Peking Room is nestled among low-rise shophouses - built in the 1970s - in Tanglin Halt. The main draw here, however, is the solo food stall fronting the coffeeshop.
P.S. Wondering what to do around the area? Check out our guide to the Singapore Green Corridor!
Every day, at the crack of dawn, Tanglin Halt Roti Prata opens for business. Like its namesake, the stall serves up roti prata to scores of hungry customers. The pratas are made in batches, so if you are lucky, there will be stacks upon stacks of these heavenly treats waiting for you to pick from.
We tried the plain and egg pratas paired with a side of chicken curry, and it did not disappoint. They were chewy, yet slightly crispy on the outside, and the curry packs flavour. The chicken in the curry was tender - the meat fell off the bone when we pulled it apart.
But the real magic kicks in mid-morning, when the stall - a family business for nearly 30 years - begins selling what could be a rare find in Singapore: Nasi Kandar.
While Nasi Kandar is a mainstay in the mamak stalls across the Causeway, it is less common in Singapore. While we were there, it was evident the dish was sought after among diners. There were long queues for both customers dining in and taking away - a testament to its popularity.
P.S. Check out what else to eat in the area with our West Coast halal food guide.
We ordered rice, with beansprouts, long beans, and a side of fried chicken, and curry on the side, for around $5-6. The fried chicken was nicely spiced, while not being overwhelming. As with the prata, the curry proved to be an excellent companion to my rice (and vegetables!). There was a wide range of other fried and curry dishes too - from Mutton Curry to Fried Fish, Fish Curry and more.
#HHWT Tip: Don't wait till lunch hour to order the Nasi Kandar, as they begin selling it before 11am. Things sell out fairly quickly, so come early to enjoy!
Another tip: The stall also sells Nasi Biryani on the weekends (Friday to Sundays) from 11.30am or so, until sold out.
Tanglin Halt Roti Prata (at Peking Room Coffeeshop)
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Wed-Mon; 6.30AM-3PM (closed on Tue)
Address: #01-365, Blk 49 Tanglin Halt Rd, Singapore 142049
Contact: +6597943124
#HHWT Tip: Looking for other hidden food finds? Check out this halal char kway teow stall at Bukit Merah!
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