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As someone who loves to sample all sorts of different dishes instead of just picking one, the concept of nasi padang is so enticing to me. Nasi padang stalls offer such a wide variety of mains and sides that diners are given the option to try all sorts of flavourful delights. If you are a lover of nasi padang, Putra Minang is a spot you have to check out.
Putra Minang first made their mark on the local F&B scene in 2021 when they opened their first outlet within CT Hub. Today, you’ll find 3 of their restaurants islandwide, including their flagship store within Somerset Bencoolen Hotel Singapore. Their other 2 outlets are located at Lucky Plaza and International Plaza.
The eatery serves Padang cuisine, aiming to offer fans of Padang food the most authentic dishes possible— the chefs at Putra Minang are trained in Padang, Indonesia, and they use ingredients and spices sourced directly from Indonesia!
Putra Minang offers a huge variety of mains, veggies and sides for you to choose from— I counted over 30 dishes during my visit. Prices depend on which ingredients you choose, so make sure to check with the staff before placing your order. For example, a plate of rice with 2 veggies, 1 main and 1 side will cost you S$10, while rice with 3 veggies will set you back S$5.50.
What I tried at Putra Minang
Putra Minang is well-recognised by Indonesians in Singapore due to their affordable prices and authentic Padang taste. They also have dishes that aren’t commonly found in other nasi padang eateries, including Krupuk Jangek (cow skin crackers) and Kikil Gulai (beef tendon curry).
The huge selection of dishes include plenty of chicken and fish, both fried and saucy versions, as well as a big range of flavourful veggies and even housemade bergedil.
Rendang Sapi is one of the most popular dishes at Putra Minang— this Padang style beef rendang is full of beef meat, herbs and spices.
The Rendang Sapi is incredibly aromatic with a strong coconut fragrance that makes the whole dish super tasty. The rendang sauce is the perfect pairing with plain rice, as it adds loads of delicious savoury flavours to the neutral-tasting carb.
If you prefer chicken, you must get the Ayam Kalio, which is chicken cooked in spiced coconut gravy. This Indonesian dish consists of thick, vibrant gravy with tender whole chicken pieces within.
The chicken meat is tender while the kalio gives it a slight kick without being overwhelmingly spicy. The fragrance of the coconut milk is prominent and absolutely delightful, making this an aromatic and noteworthy main.
Sotong Masak Hitam is a pretty fascinating dish on the menu at Putra Minang— this unique creation consists of squid cooked in its own black ink!
Though the Sotong Masak Hitam is not as vibrant or colourful as the other dishes, do not be fooled by its appearance— this squid dish is packed full of complex savoury flavours. Take a bite of the chewy sotong and be amazed by the lovely umami flavours packed in the sauce.
Putra Minang offers dishes made with beef tendon, too. For the uninitiated, beef tendon is a popular ingredient among many due to the fact that it is high in collagen and protein.
Kikil Gulai is one such dish on the menu, made with a generous amount of beef tendon within curry sauce.
The beef tendon has a rich, gelatinous mouthfeel. Like all the previous dishes, the curry is aromatic and packed full of flavour, and coats every inch of the tendon perfectly.
Kikil Sambal Ijo is another option for beef tendon lovers to consider. In this case, the tendons are coated in green chilli paste, making it a spicier and more piquant version of Kikil Gulai.
The sambal ijo generously coats each piece of tendon, and has a bright, tart flavour throughout. The tendons are similarly gelatinous and rich, pairing beautifully with the sharper taste of the sambal ijo.
Final thoughts
The variety of dishes available at Putra Minang is incredibly commendable. Regardless of whether you prefer spicy or non-spicy food, meat or seafood, chicken or beef, or fried or saucy food, you’ll be sure to find plenty of mains and sides that you’ll enjoy.
Don’t hesitate to try one of Singapore’s best nasi padang restaurants now!
Expected damage: S$6.50 – S$10 per pax
*This post was brought to you in partnership with Putra Minang.
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