Warong Nasi Pariaman, said to be Singapore's oldest nasi padang eatery, to close after 78 years

After 78 years of service, family-run Warong Nasi Pariaman will be closing. 

The popular nasi padang eatery announced the news in an Instagram post on Tuesday (Jan 20). 

"With immense gratitude, we would like to inform you that Warong Nasi Pariaman will cease business on Jan 31," they wrote in Malay.  

"Thank you for your support, love and sweet memories with us all these years." 

No reason was given for the closure. AsiaOne has reached out to Warong Nasi Pariaman for more details. 

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The establishment is located in a shophouse along 738 North Bridge Road. 

It began operations in 1948 and was founded by a man named Isrin who hailed from the West Sumatran city of Pariaman. 

Some popular dishes on the menu are beef rendang, sambal goreng, and ikan bakar (smoky grilled fish). 

According to the National Library Board's Infopedia, Warong Nasi Pariaman is believed to be the oldest surviving stall in Singapore that serves nasi padang. 

In 2021, it was one of the seven "mini-museums" launched in Kampong Glam by the National Heritage Board in an effort to tell the stories of local shops with at least three decades of history, reported The Straits Times. 

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said he visited the owner's family the day before.

"I shared with the family that I hope they know that they are deeply appreciated, and that their food has been part of many Singaporeans' shared meals and memories over the years."

Assoc Prof Faishal also wrote that the closure took him and many Singaporeans by surprise. Since the announcement, many Singaporeans have come forward to share their memories of Pariaman, offering their support and expressing hope that the business can continue.

"I have also asked my colleagues across different Government agencies to connect with the owner to understand what may be helpful as they plan their next steps," he shared.

"For many families, including mine, a visit to Kampong Gelam has long included a meal here. The value of shops like Pariaman is truly immeasurable in our society."

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melissateo@asiaone.com