We wandered into Icon Village at 16 Enggor Street on a Tuesday just before noon, drawn by the smell of charcoal, grilled rice, and something sweet and smoky from a small unit near the entrance. That led us to Bara Food Tanjong Pagar. We stayed over an hour and have been thinking about that rice ever since.
First Impressions of Bara Food: Small, Warm, and Already Filling Up
Bara Food is compact with under twenty seats and tables close together, yet it doesn’t feel cramped. Greenery, warm lighting, and Indonesian decor create a cozy, casual ambiance where you can hear nearby conversations but still feel comfortable. Arriving around 11:45am is smart, as the office crowd fills every table by 12:15pm. It’s self-service. You order from the menu, grab your cutlery, and settle in, matching the no-fuss style of the food.
Indonesian Cuisine at Its Most Honest: Why Everyone Kept Talking About the Rice
We came expecting the chicken to be the star. We were wrong. Bara Food is the kind of restaurant that surprises you with its depth. Let’s start with what we ordered.
Ayam Bakar Bara: Balinese Style Grilled Chicken Done Right
The Ayam Bakar Bara Set (~S$16.50) is a must-try. This Balinese style grilled chicken features a charred, sticky skin glazed with kecap manis. We chose thigh meat, which was tender, juicy, and carried a smoky aroma. This is authentic ayam bakar, bold spices, caramelized crust, and moist meat.
The side sambal matah is bright and sharp with shallot and lemongrass, perfectly balancing the glaze’s sweetness. This blend of sweet, savory, and heat captures true Indonesian flavours.
Pro Tip: always opt for thigh over breast for moist, flavorful meat. One good thigh beats two dry breasts every time.
Indonesian Grilled Rice Wrapped in Banana Leaves: The Actual Star
We’re not exaggerating when we say the nasi bakar stole the meal. This aromatic rice wrapped in banana leaves is grilled until the leaf chars and the rice inside absorbs a deep, earthy smoky aroma. The spiced rice is lightly salted with a rich umami depth, reminiscent of nasi padang but smokier and more aromatic.
The banana leaves infuse the rice with a grassy, herbaceous note impossible with plain steamed rice. We found ourselves eating the Indonesian grilled rice plain between bites. Every protein on the plate tasted better alongside it. That’s the trick here.
Just Ayam Penyet: A Different Kind of Crunch
Just ayam penyet features crispy, smashed fried chicken served with bold, spicy sambal and rice. The sambal is flavorful without being overpowering, providing a satisfying crunch and a lively kick mid-meal. Trying it alongside the grilled dishes offers a great taste comparison.
Ayam Goreng Serundeng: Fried Chicken Topped With Fragrant Spices
If you’re not in the mood for grilled, try the Ayam Goreng Serundeng (~S$16). This fried chicken is topped with fragrant toasted, spiced coconut shavings called serundeng. The exterior stays crisp while the meat remains juicy, and the aromatic spices add texture and warmth that complement the sambal beautifully. The flavors are earthy and nutty, contrasting nicely with the smokiness of the ayam bakar bara. Paired with the green chilli sauce (similar to ayam goreng cabe ijo), it offers great flavor for the price.
Side Dishes and the Extras Worth Ordering
The side dishes here are thoughtfully prepared.
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Bergedel: A soft, well-seasoned potato fritter, one of the better versions around Tanjong Pagar.
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Prawn Satay: Charcoal-grilled skewers blending chicken and prawn, served with a rich peanut dip.
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Soto Betawi: A comforting, rich coconut beef soup with tender meat and fragrant broth.
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Eggplant Sambal: Silky, deeply flavored, with sambal soaking into the eggplant flesh.
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Corn Fritter: Softer than expected, lacking the desired crunch; a skip on return visits.
Each set includes your main, the signature nasi bakar, fried tofu, tempeh, melinjo crackers, fresh salad, and twin sambals. The tofu and tempeh are simply but well cooked, rounding out a generous meal for the price.
Service at Bara Food: Fast, Friendly, No Fuss
Despite the lunch rush during peak hours, the service was impressively efficient. Staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and guided us through the menu without pressure. Food arrived quickly, ideal for a tight Singapore CBD lunch break. The straightforward, no-frills approach showed their expertise and kept things moving smoothly. We appreciated that.
Indonesian Food at Icon Village, 16 Enggor Street: Practical Info Before You Go
Here’s what you need to know before visiting Icon Village.
The Prices
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Average spend: S$15 to S$25 per person
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Signature sets: Around S$14.50 to S$18.50
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Adding a side dish and drink totals about S$20
For CBD lunch prices in Singapore, this is fair value given the portion sizes.
Timing
The peak hours fill up fast between 12pm and 1pm on weekdays.
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Arrive before 12:00pm or after 1:30pm for a relaxed meal.
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Weekend lunch is busy; book ahead via their website or phone.
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Saturday evening is quieter with little to no wait.
Getting There From Tanjong Pagar MRT
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Address: 16 Enggor Street, #01-10, Icon Village / Altez
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, a 5-minute walk
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Parking is available nearby if driving.
The short walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT makes Bara Food Tanjong Pagar an accessible spot for office lunch or dinner.
Booking
Walk-ins work off-peak, but reserve for weekend lunch or larger groups due to under twenty seats.
Our Verdict: Who Bara Food Tanjong Pagar Is Really For
We arrived curious and left quietly satisfied after a meal that truly hit the spot.
Bara Food keeps it simple, small space, authentic Indonesian flavors, and standout nasi bakar: aromatic rice wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to a rich smoky aroma. That first bite of fragrant rice made every dish taste like home-cooked Indonesia.
The dining experience focuses on thoughtful flavors, generous portions, and Indonesian cuisine that speaks for itself. For more nearby culinary gems, see our guide on Hidden Gems Worth Visiting for Great Food and Affordable Prices in Tanjong Pagar.
Ideal for:
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Those craving genuine Indonesian food without high prices
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Office workers near Tanjong Pagar MRT Station seeking a real meal
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Fans of bold sambal, grilled chicken, and aromatic rice
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Lovers of nasi padang-style side dishes and authentic ayam bakar
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Small groups (up to four)
Not suited for large groups or quiet meals during busy hours due to limited space and noise. Visit off-peak or on a slow Saturday evening to fully enjoy and savour each bite.
Would we return? Yes, especially for the Indonesian grilled rice and a relaxed experience. If you appreciate honest, no-frills food, explore more at SG Foodie Travels for your next memorable meal.
