Sabar Menanti’s beef rendang and ayam bakar: Nasi padang that’s literally worth the wait

“Craving satisfied,” was Catherine’s verdict. Indeed, from start to finish, our Sabar Menanti experience had been worth waiting for.

According to Madam Maryulis, her son is “fussier” when it comes to quality control. But for Isz, running a tight ship is imperative.

“I just want to bring Sabar Menanti to the next level and we are progressing slowly. And for me, it has to be organic. But eventually, of course I would like to expand, whether it’s going to be a collaboration or opening mini Sabar Menanti in Singapore or outside, it’s in the plans,” he disclosed.

Like his mother and his grandmother before her, Isz harbours some hope that the next generation might be interested in carrying on the family’s legacy. He has already set his 12-year-old twins Isabella and Luca to work on little chores in the restaurant.

“I mean, I’m not forcing them. At the end of the day, it is still up to them. But of course, I get them involved in the business to show them that ‘this is how you guys get your tuition fees’,” he quipped.   

Jokes aside, Sabar Menanti has been built on the dreams of parents for decades. From his grandparents to his mother and to him, its full steam ahead for the family who’s guiding philosophy is, according to Mr Lizar, “Do a good deed. We feed others, keep them happy, it’s a blessing for us.”

In turn, I felt blessed. When it comes to Sabar Menanti’s nasi padang, patience is indeed a virtue and good things come to those who wait.

Sabar Menanti is located at 719 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198687. It’s open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Catch Makan Kakis with Denise Tan every Thursday from 11am on Mediacorp GOLD 905.