Kerabu by Arang is a unique halal and Muslim-owned hawker stall at Yishun Park Hawker Centre, where former fine dining chef Nurl Asyraffie Bin Mohamed Shukor elevates traditional Nasi Kerabu using sophisticated culinary techniques while maintaining authentic Malay flavors. Operating daily from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this innovative establishment has gained recognition for transforming humble hawker fare into gourmet experiences through methods like herb water marination and sous vide cooking before grilling. The signature Nasi Kerabu features distinctive blue rice dyed with butterfly pea flowers (bunga telang), served with meticulously prepared accompaniments including melt-in-your-mouth lamb ribs, succulent whole chicken leg, and flaky pomfret fish, all priced at \3 for the chicken option. Chef Afy's expertise shines through in the complex Kerabu Salad containing winged beans, pomelo pulp, pomegranate, lemongrass, torch ginger flower, kaffir lime, and fish crackers, paired with a unique Sambal Budu that showcases the depth of traditional Malay cuisine. The stall often sells out early due to its popularity, drawing crowds despite premium pricing that reflects the quality ingredients and fine dining techniques employed in preparation. What makes Kerabu by Arang extraordinary is its successful bridging of fine dining sophistication with traditional hawker accessibility, proving that authentic Malay cuisine can be elevated without losing its cultural essence, making it a destination for food enthusiasts seeking both culinary innovation and traditional flavors in Singapore's evolving hawker landscape.
the rice and the sauce was really good, only thing is for the whole chicken leg, the drumstick part
The rice and sauce were really good. The only issue was with the whole chicken leg; the drumstick part was probably undercooked. It wasn't slimy, but it was uncomfortably pink and cold (perhaps room temperature, as it wasn't warm or hot), so I couldn't bring myself to eat it. However, I have to say the parts that were well-cooked were super delicious. The smoky flavour and juiciness paired extremely well with the sauce, rice, and chilli, making it packed full of flavour. The portion size was also good, filling for a quick lunch. I devoured the rest of the plate, except for the drumstick part which was slightly off-putting. The food was also a little cold. It's also good to note that the price has increased; the whole chicken leg set is now $14, which seems a little high for a quick hawker meal.
Ethan Lee
Ordered the pomfret set, $23.
It does taste good and filling. The fish and sauce is tender and deli
Ordered the pomfret set for $23.
It tasted good and was filling. The fish and sauce were tender and delicious. The salad was fresh and uniquely flavoured.
However, from a price standpoint, it's not worth it personally. I'd pay perhaps $10-12 for the fish and around $3 for the salad, so this feels more like a $15 meal at a restaurant. This is $23 at a hawker centre, so take that for what it is. I would still come back to try the lamb and chicken.
Hui Seng Goh
Taste-wise, not bad - chicken was slightly undercooked though. Price is on the higher side for a haw
Taste-wise, not bad, though the chicken was slightly undercooked. The price is on the higher side for a hawker setting. I was advised to pre-order but ended up paying an extra $4 for pick-up and dine-in. That's $18 for a chicken set.
Positive Reviews
Sean Tan
Good service staff and SUPER GOOD FOOD! The chicken set cost $14 but having tried the set, my partne
Good service from the staff and SUPER GOOD FOOD! The chicken set costs $14, but having tried it, my partner and I will be back for more... to try the fish set next time! It's amazing to enjoy such high-quality food in this location. While there's no aircon, do give the food a try and you'll understand why it's highly raved by many. The salad had pomelo and pomegranates, which greatly elevated the flavour of the dish. The chicken was super tender and grilled to perfection. I'm not sure what was in the sauce, but it was really addictive... and I usually don't finish my rice, but this was wiped clean! I will be back for more; this was very well worth the journey and waking up early on a weekend to ensure I reached before the food ran out! It's also nice that we get a buzzer so we can order first and come back later to collect our food.
K Tan
Second time here and the food is still very good! Michelin grade hawker food. They changed the desse
Second time here and the food is still very good! Michelin-grade hawker food. They changed the dessert to Cempedak ice cream and it's so good. Highly recommended!
Jason Chan
Fantastic food & great service. Expect to wait 20 min for the chef to put a nice char on the meats.
Fantastic food and great service. Expect to wait about 20 minutes for the chef to put a nice char on the meats. One set is almost enough for two people (especially for small eaters). I added two thighs because the meat was delicious – tender and well-seasoned.
Gavin Joseph
TLDR: Get yourself down there to try the Chicken and Lamb Rib Kerabu sets and your food cravings wil
TLDR: Get yourself down there to try the Chicken and Lamb Rib Kerabu sets and your food cravings will be infinitely satisfied for the rest of the week. #SupportLocal
The Impression Before the First Impression:
I do not usually post reviews unless there feels like an absolute need to. What I experienced was more than a taste of fine dining; it was truly passionate owners who excel in their craft with consistent quality. I stumbled upon this gem of a place through CNA's documentary. Since its release, I've been eager to find a perfect time to try their food amidst their short operating hours. Nevertheless, on a rainy Friday afternoon, I ordered both the Chicken and Lamb Rib Kerabu to go, with an added serving of the Percik sauce for $2.
The First Impression:
Every element of the Kerabu sets was separated, allowing maximum flavours to be retained once I reached home and mixed it all up. You know I'm going to praise every element from here…
The Rice:
Flavourful, pure Basmati mixed with the traditional Kerabu salad. Each pomegranate never fails to burst in your mouth with every bite, and the winged beans were consistently fresh and crunchy. You could simply eat the rice and the sauces and call it a day. Add the Keropok for that additional textured crunch you would expect.
The Chicken Leg:
After hearing the meats were sous vide, I expected the tenderness and juiciness of fine dining. And indeed, I was not disappointed at all. There's really not much else to say other than to applaud the chefs and owners for maintaining such high quality after all these years!
The Lamb Rib:
There is the characteristic gaminess of lamb, which I do not mind at all. I used a spoon to portion the rib out, and the meat immediately separated from the bone with nothing left on it. That was a sign of heavenly meat. The ratio of fat to meat was more or less equal (I prefer this, though some might want more meat). To supplement (or calm) the strong flavours of the meat, pair it with the Percik sauce and rice. After all, they must go together. What you get is that perfect flavour balance in your mouth. I tried every element individually before slowly adding each sauce/rice just to savour it all!
If you read this far, you're a champ! I wish the owners and chefs all the best and continued success in your endeavours. For the rest of us eaters, you should now be convinced to go try this out for yourselves!
Faizal Lim
Sous-vide juicy chicken, finished on a grill to a smoke-kissed skin. Add a gravy laden with flavour,
Sous-vide juicy chicken, finished on a grill for a smoke-kissed skin. The gravy is laden with flavour, yet so light and silky you'd do a double take about the definition of 'gulai'.
The kerabu is hand-sliced consistently thin – no machine can replicate this texture in your mouth! Listen as your teeth lightly crunch with joy.
Pomegranate seeds and keropok provide a stroke of sour, crispy genius to contrast the rempah richness, and an accent of salinity from a quarter salted egg.
$14 for the Nasi Kerabu + Ayam set done well.
Worth every goddamn cent!
