Warong Nasi Pariaman: Authentic Nasi Padang
Ayam Pangang $4
When I think of "Nasi Padang", the first word that comes to mind is "Rendezvous". Then the next image that forms in my mind is the really shiok yellow green Chicken Korma that the original Rendezvous Restaurant used to dish out. Nasi Padang might mean many things to many different people, but for me it is all about the Chicken Korma. This was the dish my parents used to order for me because I was a kid then and wouldn't eat stuff that is too spicy. My first taste of the dish was a little tentative as I thought that since it is a curry, it had to be spicy. Mom was emphatic that this was not a curry but a Korma. Yes Mom, being a parent now, I too use the same argument for my own kids!
That first taste changed my life forever. Well, I still remember it today and use it as a yardstick to gauge all other Nasi Padang, so I'd say it was a life changing event, wouldn't you? The creamy, citrus-coconutty flavour of that non-spicy curry was incredible but unfortunately, it is not so easy to come by nowadays. I remember there used to be another Nasi Padang restaurant along the same stretch where Rendezvous was which also served a pretty mean Chicken Korma. Sadly when they were demolished to make way for the present Rendezvous Hotel, we really lost a heritage eating haunt. The last time I ate at the current Rendezvous Hotel, I felt that the Chicken Korma had lost some of its original ooomph. It almost always happens when the old makes way for the new.
My search for the elusive Chicken Korma brought me to this very famous Nasi Padang eatery which has been in the same location since 1948. This is a 3G Nasi Padang (To borrow our SAF's acronym for third generation) but Mr Jumrin insists that their traditional recipes continue unadulterated and they remain faithful to the original Padang recipes. The yellow-green curry chicken is known as "Ayam Pangang" at this stall which just means "Grilled Chicken" They don't call it Korma here, but it certainly has a taste and an appearance that hints of Chicken Korma. The chicken is first cooked in the gravy then grilled and left dry. The gravy is poured over the chicken just before serving.
I found the caramelized, chargrilled flavours of the spices on the chicken skin really shiok but the gravy was too light for me. I would have liked it a little thicker and more fragrant. Still it was great with rice. Not quite the Chicken Korma I was hoping to find, but perhaps it was not exactly the same dish? 4.25/5
Beef Rendang $4
The Beef Rendang is the other signature dish at this stall. I was told that this is the style of Beef Rendang that they serve in Padang. The meat is cooked till it is almost dry and it had a shreddible consistency. It's quite fiery and should appeal to those who like to sweat while they eat. 4/5
Conclusion
This is one of those Heritage Nasi Padangs that everyone talks about so you have to check it out if you have never been there. The Chicken Korma (Ayam Pangang) was not exactly the one I was looking for, but overall it was a very good meal. Do write in if you know where I can find that die die must try Chicken Korma
Warong Nasi Pariaman
738 North Bridge Road
7.30am to 3pm daily
Closed on Sun and PH
11 comments:
ieat, have u tried the chix korma at adam road food centre? Bring back memory.... as had not been there for a long time. Those days it was $2.50 per quarter chix.
Anyway, I had found a true blue ayam panggang at plaza singapore kopitiam. Intend to go there today, so can't tell you much about the chix korma till I visit next week. Will keep u posted with the details.
sorry, ieat, to whet your appetite please visit the link http://sparklette.net/archives/riverside-indonesian-bbq-best-grilled-ayam-of-all-time/
This is where I learn about the ayam panggang. Drool worthy photo, no?
Ooooh, my appetite has been whetted!
Will try this one soon. U can try this one: Yanti Nasi Padang, 45 Keong Siak Road. (opp. Kok Seng). Damein agreed too but a little expensive. Must try the 'green curry' (korma?).
Used to chill at this place during my secondary school with a couple of classmates from Padang.
If i remember correctly, the Ayam Panggang is called Apor Ayam in Padang.
There are also two Nasi Padang stall that are worth mentioning along Kandahar Street. Sabar Menanti (the grilled fish and the dendeng belado are a must try) and a coffeeshop whose name just slipped my mind.
erhem, ieat, came back from plaza singapura. The pic show the drumstick all charred from grilling but in reality, it is precooked then seared on the hot grill for short while before being served but it is still delicious with the kicap sauce though on the sweet side. If you are tempted to tried the sotong skip it, I tried it - was rubbery and not that fresh. Skip the veg too, it was tasteless, seem to me it was just parboiled in water. Chili, too me, was tame.
"Damien said... Used to chill at this place during my secondary school with a couple of classmates from Padang"
guess that was not too long ago hehe
Not exactly chicken korma, but the butter chicken at Everest (Chander Road)is worth a try also! and definitely do not miss out on the naan..cooked to crispy perfection! =)
My childhood favorite and definitely my bench mark for nasi padang. The grilled chicken is my absolute favourite. The soup of the day, which isnt displayed is another fav or mine. Too bad they don't open on Sundays!
No ayam korma at this stall but Rubiah Nasi Padang at Binjai Park (corner coffeeshop before Ivin's) is where I get my nasi padang fix closer to home!
Hi LP65,
We had to rush from school to North Bridge road as the stall usually close at 2.30.
Many moons ago, before the it's current renovation, it was a rustic place and a teh-c after the meal made my otherwise dull day complete.
ellow everyone.. leh tau x nasi padang nie kat ner...
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