A woman on her first-ever trip to Singapore concluded that Kuala Lumpur’s nasi lemak was better after trying the Ponggol Nasi Lemak at Jalan Besar. The Ponggol Nasi Lemak Jalan Besar clearly left her unimpressed.
Two Grab drivers she chatted with agreed that Malaysian food was probably better than Singapore’s.
TikTok user Ivor Xian Z noted in her video uploaded on Monday (July 18) that she couldn’t believe it was her first time in Singapore. After taking an iconic clip with the Merlion, she showed some conversations she had with Grab drivers.
@ivor_xianz This one really don’t have to try 😮💨🇸🇬🍚 #singaporefoodie #jomtravel #nasilemak #ivortrying
♬ original sound – Ivor Xian Z ✨ – Ivor trying so u dont hve to
She asked the first driver which cuisine he thought was better, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur?
“Singapore…wait, KL better,” said the driver.
She asked the next driver if he liked Penang or Singapore food better. “Of course, Malaysia… Penang rojak also different. Nasi kandar also different,” said the driver.
When she asked for recommendations on where to find nasi lemak in Singapore, the driver quickly said, “Ponggol Nasi Lemak.”
Following the driver’s suggestion, the TikToker went to the eatery in Jalan Besar and ordered fried chicken, fried egg, tempura prawn and one vegetable side dish with coconut rice.
But the Ponggol Nasi Lemak Jalan Besar version disappointed her.
“One slice of cucumber and one teaspoon of sambal!” said the TikToker, noting the meal cost S$8.
Although the fried chicken was good, her look of disappointment was apparent after trying the “sweet” sambal and rice with minimal coconut fragrance.
She then advised those who want to taste real nasi lemak to take a flight to Malaysia and “never look back”.
She showed the generous serving of sambal and ayam goreng for S$4 from Village Park in KL.
Expecting backlash for her review, the TikToker said, “Angry Singaporeans comments coming in 3,2,1…” in a comment with over 4,400 likes.
“Unfortunately, they all will agree with you,” responded TikTok user Aamos, receiving over 300 likes.
“Only one teaspoon of sambal is totally unacceptable,” said another netizen, and 1,940 others agreed.
“Flying back to Malaysia best advise ever,” added TikTok user George to the G./TISG
Ewww maggots! — Man finds plenty in his nasi lemak chicken wing at Changi Famous Food Centre