Singapore’s vending machine game is getting pretty strong. While it certainly can’t rival Japan's, we’ve got some pretty cool machines that dole out everything from chilli crab, to frozen salmon fillets, and now, nasi lemak.
But this isn’t just any nasi lemak. This vending machine dishes up the famed Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak, a stall draws queues for its power-packed plate of coconut rice. Ordering is simple. Choose what you want from the screen, flash your card (the machine doesn’t take cash), and wait for some 20 seconds for it to dispense your food. Then, pop it in the microwave and hit the corresponding button stated on the packaging for a piping hot meal under three minutes.
We got the Nasi Lemak Chicken Set ($5.50), which comes with the standard fix-ins of fried chicken wing, egg, ikan billis with peanuts, and sambal. Given how everything is stored frozen, don’t expect anything crispy to retain its crunch. The egg is also cooked through so don't expect a runny yolk. Still, the rice is decently fluffy with notes of coconut, and the sweet-spicy punch of the sambal becomes more pronounced after spending some time in the microwave. While it obviously can’t match up to the OG, it's still a great, convenient meal to have at odd hours when you’re not in the mood for instant noodles.
There’re also variants with fish ($5.50), beef rendang ($6.50), sambal udang ($6.50), and even Siput Sedut ($6.50), sea snails cooked in a coconut turmeric gravy, for those looking to spice things up.
To try your hands at this nasi lemak-dispensing machine, drop by its two different locations. For CBD folks, you’ll find it on the first floor of International Plaza (near Tanjong Pagar MRT). East-siders can spot the machine at Heartbeat Bedok, and there are plans in the pipeline to install the machine at more locations.
