Review M.
Google
Nasi and Mee has long been a place of comfort, a restaurant tied to memories of warm evenings and plates that rarely failed us. Reaching it now feels like perseverance. The entire stretch outside is torn apart for beautification, the dust rising proudly, the traffic snarling, and parking becoming an achievement worthy of applause. Yet once you step inside, the frustration dissolves.
The waiting area is more photo booth than waiting space, dressed in lush fake greenery, warm lights and soft sofas. It is charming but can seat barely half a dozen people, which must make peak hours quite the spectacle. Thankfully the dining area inside is spacious enough, and even on a weekday afternoon it was packed, a testament to its popularity. The interior is minimal yet expressive. A mural of an old woman enjoying ramen, well placed greenery and warm lighting create a pleasant atmosphere. One full glass wall opens to the road beyond, where we settled.
We began with pandan chicken. Six beautifully wrapped pieces arrived, elegant and inviting. The chicken inside was astonishingly soft, the layers melting gently, enhanced by a mildly sweet sauce. The sambal, usually a favourite, decided to lose its personality today and simply did not blend.
Next came the N and M Nasi Goreng, plated like a miniature festival. The chicken satay was tender and beautifully flavoured, though only two pieces felt far too stingy. The prawn crackers were crisp and clean, without the usual off putting smell. The omelette added quiet support. The rice was tasty but slightly greasy, and the sambal again refused to shine. The real letdown was the chicken mixed into the rice, which was tough and stringy, the unmistakable signature of frozen meat tossed in without care.
Chendol lifted the meal again. The coconut milk base was rich and refreshing while the green noodles sat inside looking confused yet harmless. The Japanese cheesecake, however, fell from grace instantly. It tasted more like plain bread, lacking flavour, with a cherry compote that did not save it and a garnish that looked decorative rather than purposeful.
Through all this the service remained warm and attentive. The pricing felt slightly high today, though on most visits it has felt justified. This meal dimmed some of our fond memories, yet it feels like a temporary stumble rather than a lasting decline. Nasi and Mee still holds its charm, but it owes us a return to its former brilliance.
8/10
