Having lived in Canada for the past year, I have become accustomed to having French pastries in the morning, crepes for lunch and the occasional foie gras but I still refuse there is any better food than at home – Singapore and Malaysia. Nasi Lemak, Char Kway Teow are all pretty popular choices,but it is the less conspicuous Nasi Briyani that I arguably missed the most.

Nasi Briyani is a traditional Indian rice-based dish accompanied by meat or vegetables, salad and a gravy or curry or both. The long grain basmati rice is cooked with garlic, yogurt, aromatic spices, onions and sometimes with ghee or a substitute for this unique butter.

However, there are Malay variations of it as well. Hence, the word ‘Nasi’.

Nasi Briyani is my staple takeaway go-to in Canada; the portions are big so the meal lasts me an entire day or two and I like rice – it all made economical and gastronomical sense – but sitting in the comfort of my college dorm is not quite like the experience in Singapore.

I love how each Nasi Briyani in Singapore is different so here is a list of Nasi Briyanis that make me burp for joy!

1. Skeikh Indian Pakistani Food

Located in ABC Brickworks Hawker Centre, this Nasi Briyani ($5) is a good hour away from where I live but I would still make the journey there any day. This is the best Tandoori Chicken Nasi Briyani in town.

The fluffy rice, rich mutton gravy and melt-in-your-mouth tandoori chicken makes an excellent lunch combo. The gravy was spicy but not to the point that it masked the flavour of the saffron. The saffron scent, in particular, reminds me of my best friend’s mother’s cooking back in Kuala Lumpur.

Skeikh Indian Pakistani Food: 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 150006, ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, #01-12 | Tel: 8287 1410 | Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 9.30 am – 9.00 pm

2. Thambi’s

It is not very often that you stumble upon an obscure Nasi Briyani stall in the CBD. With big Nasi Briyani household names such as Golden Nur Nasi Briyani in Golden Shoe Food Centre nearby and Sedaaap Nasi Briyani just on the floor below, Thambi’s is a hidden gem that sits on the 2nd floor of Amoy Street Food Centre that is yet to be discovered.

Thambi’s rendition of Nasi Briyani is not only authentic but also healthier than most Nasi Briyanis. I was surprised by how light I felt after consuming the Nasi Briyani here.

The owner laughed at my puzzled reaction and told me that unlike the average Nasi Briyani, his rendition is cooked with peanut oil. So if you’re looking for a guilt-free Nasi Briyani, you know where to head to. If you’re looking for some Muttu Mayam and Apam Balik to snack on, Thambi’s is where you should be headed to too!

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