N&N Nasi Padang Corner Sembawang: Menu, Prices & More

Anyone who’s tried nasi padang in Singapore already knows the price can vary wildly from stall to stall. But how often do you get an honest breakdown of why that plate costs what it does? At N&N Nasi Padang Corner in Sembawang, the owners have done exactly that — and their explanation is as revealing as the food is satisfying.

Location: 1036 Sembawang Road, Singapore 758504 ·
Operating Hours: 07:00 – 15:00 Daily ·
Owners: Leelavathi Sinnathurai & Nabisah Bevi Maudu ·
Average Dish Price: S$5–S$10 ·
Known For: Explanations behind nasi padang pricing

Six attributes define N&N Nasi Padang Corner at a glance, from its Indonesian‑style dishes to the contact number for take‑away queries.

Why is nasi padang expensive?

Ingredient costs and inflation

The price of a nasi padang plate at N&N — which some customers have found steep, paying S$7 to S$9 — is directly tied to what the owners pay for raw ingredients. In a STOMP article (Singapore news outlet) published in June 2025, co‑owner Leelavathi Sinnathurai pointed out that eggs have nearly doubled in price, from about S$4 per tray to close to S$8 per tray. Beef, coconut milk, and spices have also risen, pushing the cost of every batch of rendang and gulai upward.

Labor and overhead at N&N Nasi Padang Corner

Running a coffee‑shop stall involves rent, utilities, and — as Nabisah Bevi Maudu explained to STOMP — the sheer labor of prepping everything from scratch daily. The stall opens at 7 a.m., which means the team is on site well before sunrise. “Many people don’t realise what goes into one plate,” Nabisah said.

Owner’s perspective on pricing

Rather than hiding behind higher prices, the owners actively address them. They give away free keropok and fruits such as watermelon, papaya, and banana, especially on Fridays — a gesture that undercuts the notion that they are profiteering. The STOMP coverage showed a customer who bought two meals for S$11 — chicken nuggets and nasi lemak for kids — and described the quality as “quite good”.

Where is the best nasi padang in Singapore?

Top nasi padang stalls in Singapore

Eatbook’s list of 10 best nasi padang in Singapore (a regular feature from the local food publication) highlights well‑known names such as Sari Ratu and Sabar Menanti. N&N Nasi Padang Corner is not on that list yet, partly because it opened only in February 2024.

N&N Nasi Padang Corner in the Sembawang context

Within the Sembawang neighbourhood, N&N has carved out a loyal following. Its rating of 4.1 stars on Nears.me (food‑directory aggregator) puts it ahead of many generic coffee‑shop stalls. Customers on Facebook groups praise the ayam masak merah and the generous portions.

Criteria for ‘best’ – taste, price, atmosphere

“Best” depends on what you value. For unbeatable value, N&N’s S$4 nasi lemak is hard to beat. For a classic Padang banquet, the rendang and gulai here hold their own. The atmosphere is a typical kopitiam — no air‑con, but plenty of character.

Seven key aspects, one contrast: N&N’s willingness to discuss money matters sets it apart from most stalls that simply post a price board and leave customers guessing.

What do reviews say about N&N Nasi Padang Corner?

STOMP coverage and customer reactions

The STOMP article generated hundreds of comments on social media. Some readers defended the stall, noting that S$4 nasi lemak is a bargain in 2025 Singapore. Others questioned the S$9 rendang plate, but the owners’ willingness to explain softened the criticism.

Facebook group discussions

In local Sembawang Facebook groups, patrons share photos of colourful plates and praise the “generous portions” and “authentic Minang taste”. One commenter wrote: “Finally, someone who tells us why prices go up — respect.”

Wanderboat and Waze user feedback

On Nears.me, the stall’s 227 reviewers give it 4.1 stars. Frequent mentions include the “friendly aunties” behind the counter and the “spicy sambal that wakes you up”. Waze user tips note that the best time to avoid queues is before 11 a.m.

What’s on the menu and pricing at N&N Nasi Padang Corner?

Signature dishes

The owners’ favourite is ayam masak merah, but the stall rotates a classic Padang lineup: beef rendang, ayam pop (fried chicken with light seasoning), gulai (coconut‑based curry), sambal goreng (fried tofu and tempeh in chilli), and assorted vegetable dishes.

Price range per item

Prices are not listed online, but reporters and customers have documented a S$4 nasi lemak plate and individual dishes ranging from S$5 to S$10. A complete meal with rice, one meat, and two vegetables typically lands around S$8–S$9 (STOMP).

Value for money compared to competitors

N&N sits in the mid‑range for Sembawang nasi padang. Stalls at the nearby Sembawang Park food centre offer dishes for S$4–S$6, but with smaller portions. N&N’s free fruit and keropok tip the scale for those who value extras.

Operating hours and location of N&N Nasi Padang Corner

Address and directions

The stall is at 1036 Sembawang Road, inside a coffee shop. It is about a 5‑minute drive from Sembawang Park and easily accessible by bus (services 169, 882, and 981 stop nearby).

Opening and closing times

N&N opens daily at 7 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. (Nears.me). The early closing time is typical for coffee‑shop stalls that sell breakfast and lunch crowds.

Parking and accessibility

Free parking is available at the coffee‑shop car park, though spaces fill up during lunch peak (11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.). Wheelchair access is possible via the flat entrance.

Timeline

• February 2024 – N&N Nasi Padang Corner opens, run by friends Leelavathi and Nabisah (STOMP)
• Early 2025 – Ingredient costs begin climbing; egg prices nearly double
• June 2025 – STOMP publishes owners’ pricing explanation, sparking wider discussion
• Ongoing – Customer reviews accumulate; N&N builds a reputation as the Sembawang stall that tells the truth about money

Clarity overview

What the owners and customers say

“We want people to understand why the prices are what they are. It’s not about making a quick profit — it’s about covering what we pay for ingredients and still giving you a good plate.”

— Leelavathi Sinnathurai, co‑owner, to STOMP

“People see the price and walk away. They don’t see us waking up at 5 a.m., buying fresh coconut milk, standing over the stove for hours.”

— Nabisah Bevi Maudu, co‑owner, to STOMP

“I paid $11 for two meals — chicken nuggets for my kid and nasi lemak for myself. The quality is quite good, and the variety has improved.”

— Customer quoted in STOMP

The pattern is consistent: N&N’s owners are willing to be vulnerable about costs, and customers who understand that context tend to become regulars. The few who leave without buying are often the ones who expected a S$4 meal and saw S$9 — but that’s exactly the gap the owners are trying to close with their candour.

Summary

N&N Nasi Padang Corner has turned a routine pricing gripe into a lesson in food economics. By laying out the real cost of eggs, beef, and labour, Leelavathi and Nabisah have done what few stall owners dare: they made the price tag make sense. For Sembawang residents who value transparency alongside taste, the choice is clear — support a stall that tells the truth, or accept opaque pricing elsewhere. The S$4 nasi lemak is a bargain that even inflation can’t ruin, and diners who try it understand why this stall matters.

Frequently asked questions