Conrad Hotel’s $40 Lobster Nasi Lemak With Free-Flow Side Dishes: Nice Or Not?

Choose between a glass of Air Limau or Gula Melaka Iced Tea — we got the former. That’s freshly squeezed lime juice with ice, lah. Zesty, refreshing, and the perfect palate cleanser for the decadent makan to come.

A generous serving of Kueh Pie Tee with all the fixings, like small steamed prawns, fried shallots, coriander and braised bangkwang (jicama aka Mexican turnip) to go with the crunchy little shells. While the veggies were a bit too sweet, the accompanying “home-made signature sauce”, a tangy concoction reminiscent of lime juice, chilli and fish sauce added a nice spike of sharpness.

On to the main event: the lobster in your nasi lemak. What you get — 350g of South American rock lobster, slathered with a sweet, mildly spicy sambal and grilled till a little smoky but still juicy and tender. Like a milder, umami crustacean version of sambal stingray. Quite yummy and fun to eat.

The rice is perfumed with a light whiff of coconut milk, but we wish the soft grains were firmer. The fried chicken wing on the other hand, is quite addictive: fragrant with the warm, earthy notes of turmeric. The usual accompaniments like a gooey-yolked egg, crisp ikan bilis, peanuts and onion sambal make this an overall satisfying plate.

The line-up of all-you-can-eat dishes is long: Beef Rendang, Muar Otah Otah, Sotong Chilli Sambal, Bergedil, Green Beans with Dried Shrimp, Prawn Chilli and Kerabu Timun. Standouts for us? The slippery squid bathed in punchy sambal brimming with the scent of caramelised onions. Plus the otah, mainly because it’s been steamed in a bed of eggs and looks cute. Ha. Honestly? We could only stomach one or two servings of these rich, hearty dishes — but those with larger appetites will appreciate the unlimited helpings.

While the rather mild-tasting Durian Puff is perfectly serviceable, the Pandan Milo Tiramisu is the more exciting dessert. Satiny mascarpone cheese kissed with the aromatic leaf and the familiar malty notes of Milo add a hint of nostalgia.

Quite nice. Conrad’s $40 lobster nasi lemak set gives a fun, luxe spin to an old hawker fave, served in a comfy hotel setting too. While not everything is memorable, the items that count, like the sambal-slicked lobster, are pretty good. And thoughtful frills such as the fresh lime juice, mod Sin desserts and free-flow side dishes ensure you’ll roll out of the restaurant with a very, very full belly. A good place to treat the parents.

Available till 31 July for lunch & dinner at Conrad Centennial Singapore, Lobby Level at Oscar’s, Two Temasek Blvd, S038982. Tel: 6432-7481/63 or or email sinci.oscars [at] conradhotels.com (sinci[dot]oscars[at]conradhotels[dot]com)

Photos: Florence Fong & Conrad Centennial