Orchard Plaza may look old and unassuming from the outside, but contrary to popular belief, it is home to plenty of hidden gems (and not just sleazy siam dius).
One such example is La Pona Snack Bar, an old-school establishment that has been around since the 1980s, and the best part? It only operates from 10.30pm to 4am, making it one of the most underrated and unique supper spots in town.
Located on the fourth floor of the mall, the tiny, no-frills eatery is outfitted with bar counter seats that can fit up to eight (though it’ll be a tight squeeze), with the third-gen owner serving up plates of nasi lemak in the middle.
Speaking of the nasi lemak, La Pona’s rendition may just take you back in time. There’s also not a single green vegetable in sight, which adds to its reputation as the perfect “drunk food”.
For S$11.80, you can get a nostalgic-tasting Nasi Lemak Platter comprising fluffy coconut rice piled high with “everything”, namely fried chicken, otah, luncheon meat, fried fish fillet, hot dog, fish cake, ikan billis, sambal, and a fried egg drizzled with dark soya sauce.
But of course, you can also customise your own nasi lemak with a la carte toppings. You’ll notice that many regular customers tend to just order plates of fried chicken wings that, if they’re lucky, come straight out of the fryer!
Those with no time to dine in can order takeaway, or grab a simple Fish or Chicken Burger (S$4.50), fried fish fillet or fried chicken patty topped with a fried egg, cheese slice, and chilli sauce (if you ask for it) to go.
The next time you find yourself seeking sweet, sweet respite in the form of nasi lemak after a long night of drinking in Somerset, you know where to go! But be prepared to queue.
La Pona Snack Bar
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????150 Orchard Rd, #04-53 Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841
???? 10.30pm–4am (Tue to Sat), Closed on Sun & Mon
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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨