rest at chennai after bangalore

After a successful outlet in Bengaluru, Nasi And Mee brings the best of Malaysian-Singaporean street food to Chennai

“Nasi Goreng, you have to try it.” Nasi… noodles… nariyal paani ? Ravi Nahappan, curator of the Singaporean-Malaysian street food canteen, Nasi And Mee, is rattling off 100 dishes a minute. I nod along. Coconut milk and tofu hide behind names like Lemak and Char Kway Teow. But when our curries arrive, accompanied by a delightful coconut milk-rice noodle drink, he’s unfazed. After all, it’s home ground.

Excerpts from a chat with the restaurateur:

Your outlet of Nasi And Mee in Bengaluru has been a huge hit. What parts of that menu have you brought here?

We’ve taken bits and pieces, for sure: the favourites. We do all-day dining here though, which is different, and I’m looking at doing a Malaysian-style brunch soon.

Did you have to adapt your menu for the Chennai audience in any way?

We’ve had to make a lot of things, like our EXO sauce, vegetarian-friendly, without losing the inherent nature of the food. And, of course, we’ve amped up the spice considerably.

You’ve described this as a canteen, but it’s almost got a club vibe to it.

This is Malaysian-Singaporean street food done with fresh, good-for-you ingredients.

We want everyone to come here, from young couples to large families, and just unwind and have fun. We keep innovating, but, for us, it’s all about quality.

(Nasi And Mee is located at 18/24 Yafa Towers, Khader Nawaz Khan Road. Tel: 044-4854-8222.)