OG Lemak Brings Chef Shen Tan’s Legendary Twice‑Steamed Nasi Lemak Back to Newton Food Centre

Chef Shen Tan’s Nasi Lemak: A Singaporean Legend in the Making

Everyone’s favorite two-steamed nasi lemak boasts a backstory that’s as flavourful as the dish itself. Chef Shen Tan, the self-proclaimed “food alchemist,” has turned cooking into a survival skill—climbing the food ladder one plate at a time.

The humble beginnings

Back in 2008, a spotted chef busted out of Maxwell Food Centre’s dusty stalls and rolled the first batch of Madam Tan’s Nasi Lemak. No fancy kitchen, no Michelin stars, just a handful of pots and an inventive spark that would later ignite the tastebuds of the whole city.

From a solo gig to culinary conquests

After Maxwell, Chef Shen teamed up with Wok & Barrel—serving modern Singaporean dishes that were as audacious as her life’s journey.
She then took her wok to Ujong @ Raffles, proving that a single pot can be as grand as a banquet hall.
Her “signature sambals,” the fiery that keep the heat alive, carved a niche that rivaled even the most seasoned chefs.

OG Lemak at Newton Food Centre: The cat‑meets‑chef collaboration

Now, it’s time for the big comeback. OG Lemak, a stall born from the union of Chef Shen and her partner at Wolf Burgers, is a three‑year dream turned reality. The name? A tribute to her feisty ginger cat, OG Dinks—an unofficial mascot that secretly steals the spotlight.

What you’ll find on the menu

2‑steamed nasi lemak that will make your taste buds do a little happy dance.
Signature sambal that’s hot enough to keep the “cool” factor in shipshape.
Fresh sides that can have your stomach whisper “Ooh!”.

So next time you’re craving the ultimate nasi lemak stand, head over to Newton Food Centre and let OG Lemak serve you a plate of legends, cuddling a whisk of culinary genius.

Flavors of Nasi Lemak that Won’t Break the Bank

Think you’ve tried it all? Think again. This place offers four mouth‑watering nasi lemak sets, starting at just $7.90 for the classic OG Lemak plate.

The OG Lemak Plate

Picture this: a golden, well‑battered chicken breast that’s crispy on the outside, with a hint of sweetness that almost makes you think it’s a har cheong kai dessert. Pair that with a fried egg, sprinkles of anchovies, and the legendary 11‑ingredient, twice‑steamed rice – a recipe that would have taken a four‑hour monk‑level meditation session to master.

Tag Your Tastebuds

First steam: onions, ginger, lemongrass
and a bouquet of pandan leaves.
Second soak: coconut milk, water, salt, and a dash of fenugreek to keep the coconut from stealing the show.
Result? Aromatic rice that’s fluffy, non‑greasy, and layered in flavor without the coconut doing a full‑blown takeover.

And There’s More

If you want to level up, the Beef Rendang set goes for $9.90 and comes with a dual‑chili experience.

Chili Combo: Sweet vs. Spicy

Sambal Tumis – the sweet, light hits that give you that “good‑night” buzz.
Sambal Belacan – the fiery kick that feels like a bite of fermented fish!

Why choose? Mix ‘em both. A little sweet, a little spice, and let the flavors explode. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you with a standing ovation.

Chef Shen’s Nasi Lemak Goes Halal‑Friendly

Why it Matters

The stall isn’t officially halal‑certified, but Chef Shen’s got a thoughtful twist.
She’s swapped out pork and lard, clearing the way for a broader crowd.

The Vegan Set: $9.90 of Goodness

Every bite has been lovingly redesigned—except the rice, which keeps that familiar comfort.
Think sambal tau kwa, grilled eggplant, tempeh chips, and sambal goreng, all hugging the same aromatic spirit of nasi lemak.

Future Flavor Hopes

Fans are dreaming of Chef Shen re‑introducing her signature coffee sambal, the one she whirled up at Revolution Coffee.
Infusing coffee grounds lends a subtle bitterness that pairs beautifully with the rich, spicy nasi lemak.

Bottom line? Chef Shen’s kitchen is proving that you don’t need pork or lard to create a classic. And if her coffee sambal makes a comeback, we’ll be buzzing for a taste that’s as bold as the day it was first brewed.

OG Lemak: Singapore’s Nasi Lemak Hub

Don’t let the mid‑afternoon rush scare you away – OG Lemak is famous for starting to sell out pretty early in the day, but trust us, it’s worth the wait. And guess what? They’re planning to roll out even more side dishes soon (unless the early‑slot shelf empties out, of course).

What’s Cooking On The Menu

Fried Chicken Skin with Chicken Fat Sambal ($9.90) – sounds like a culinary adventure that’s too tasty to miss.
Other sides are coming! Stay tuned.

Find OG Lemak

Address: #01-16, Newton Food Centre, 500 Clemenceau Avenue, Singapore 229495

Hours: Open daily from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm, but be quick – you’ll get it “till sold out.”

Why It’s a Must‑Try

OG Lemak is never far from the conversation when you ask locals about the best nasi lemak spots—so it’s safe to say this place is a crowd‑pleaser.

Curious how nasi lemak became Singapore’s top food‑search term in 2020? Check out our detailed article on that.

Back By The Team

This tasty guide came to you from City Nomads. Enjoy your culinary exploration!

OG Lemak Brings Chef Shen Tan’s Legendary Twice‑Steamed Nasi Lemak Back to Newton Food Centre