Millions of Muslims around the world are now observing Ramadan, a holy month of religious devotion and fasting. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset. At sunset, families hasten for the fast-breaking meal known as iftar and in Singapore, Nasi Ambeng is a popular communal meal shared by families and friends.
My family is a fan of nasi ambeng because we get to enjoy the many different dishes which is like a tasting menu of Javanese cuisine in one course! We usually call the restaurant in advance to place our order and pick up the platter at a later time but the staff has not been answering their calls several days straight (we called at 6 – 7pm in the evenings). Although it is highly unlikely, I can’t help but think they are closed for business during the Ramadan period. Nah! Business must be so overwhelming they can’t cope with customers calling in to make dine-in reservations (which by the way is a must for this particular restaurant during Ramadan) or to entertain take-out calls. Anyway, it was a good thing that they didn’t or we would not have discovered Pu3, which serves better nasi ambeng at reasonable prices to boot, too!
Nasi Ambeng or nasi ambang is a fragrant rice dish consists of white rice prepared with chicken curry or chicken cooked in soy sauce, vegetables, fried noodles, some salted fish, fried coconut flesh, and so on. It is a popular Javanese cuisine, especially in every Javanese-Malay communities in Malaysian states of Selangor and Johor, Singapore and also in Java, Indonesia. It is served during the festivities and served in a tray and enjoyed together in a tray by four to five people. – Wikipedia
Nasi Ambeng from Pu3 – S$55 for this delicious platter which can easily feed 4-5 persons.
Ramadan 2017 – when did the holy month start, how long does the festival last and why do Muslims fast?
The festival falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar – but what is it and why does the start date vary from year to year?
This year Ramadan started on May 27 and will finish on June 24, both Saturdays.
Following this, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which is often known as Eid.
The Eid celebration, which is to be held on June 25, marks the end of the Ramadan fasting and the start of the next month, Shawwal.
The festival falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar – but what is it and why does the start date vary from year to year?
The Islamic calendar is different from the widely-used Gregorian calendar.
It is based on the moon’s cycle, whereas the Gregorian one is determined by the sun.
As the two don’t align, the Islamic dates move back by 11 days each year.
How is Ramadan celebrated?
Ramadan is considered a time for intense prayer and religious devotion, with Muslims encouraged to observe five daily prayers throughout the day.Many will recite the Quran just before sunset and the start of their feasting.
Often people will donate money to charity during Ramadan and help to feed the hungry.
And Muslims will also take the time to cut down on other vices such as gossiping, swearing and fighting.
Married couples refrain from sexual intercourse during the day.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, from dawn to dusk but are able to enjoy feasts in the evening.Dedicated Muslims will refrain from eating or drinking throughout the entire day, with a single puff of a cigarette or sip of water considered enough to invalidate their efforts.
The period is intended to bring religious followers closer to God and to remind them of people who are less fortunate.
Can Muslims be exempt from fasting during Ramadan?
There are a few groups that don’t have to follow the strict fasting during the month.These include children, the sick, the elderly and women who are either pregnant or on their period.
Typically those who have reached puberty or are around the age of 14 or upwards, will take part.
There are other special circumstances that can see people let off, such as athletes competing in a tournament or during periods of travel.
What are the five pillars of Islam?
Fasting is a vital part of Muslim life, and it is even part of the Five Pillars of Islam which form the foundation to the religion.The other pillars are prayer, charity, faith and a pilgrimage to Mecca.
The fasting must be undertaken during the hours of daylight from dawn until dusk.
~ Article by The Sun (https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/3221304/ramadan-2017-holy-month-festival-last-muslims-fasting/)
Below is Nasi Ambeng, our breaking fast bonding meal during this Ramadan from Pu3!
We added more dishes to the S$55 platter (4 pax) and also cooked more rice at home.
Dishes shown here are (starting at 12 o’clock): Ayam Goreng (Fried Chicken, add-on), Sambal Kacang Ikan Bilis (Peanuts & Anchovies), Udang (Prawns with green chilli sambal), Urap (raw beansprouts and angled beans salad), Ayam Cili Lemak has been replaced with this red Curry Chicken, Rendang (spicy stewed beef), Terung (eggplant), Paru (ox lung), Sambal Sotong (spicy alkaline-soaked squid, add-on), Serunding (toasted grated coconut), Bergedil (potato cake), Sambal Goreng (tofu, tempeh and long beans) and Ikan Kering (salted fish on top of the rice). There’s also the dipping sambal not shown here.
Everyone at the table concluded that the beef rendang and over all, this is a better tasting nasi ambeng than the one we usually buy from.
Pu3 Restaurant
Address: 51 Bencoolen Street, #01-06,
Singapore 189630.
Tel: 6338 4419.
Operating Hours: 10am – 9pm
Sat & PH: 11am – 4pm, 5.30pm – 9pm
(Closed on Sun)
Please call to check opening hours during Ramadan period.
Happy breaking fast and bonding! 
Every restaurant has their own delicious version of accompanying dishes, see other Nasi Ambeng posts here:
Mamanda
Ambeng Cafe by Ummi Abdullah
