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Nasi lemak

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Nasi lemak
BERJAYA
Nasi lemak with spicy squid, sambal chilli paste, boiled egg, slices of cucumber, anchovies, and peanuts, served at a restaurant in Penang
CourseMain course, usually for breakfast
Place of originMalaysia[1][2][3][4]
Region or state
Serving temperatureHot or room-temperature
Main ingredientsRice cooked in coconut milk with pandan leaves
Ingredients generally usedServed with sambal, anchovies, cucumber, and various side dishes
VariationsNasi lemak (standard), nasi lemak halba (Johor), nasi lemak kuning (Kedah), nasi lemak sambal tongkol (Terengganu), nasi lemak tumpang (Kelantan)[5]
Food energy
(per serving)
352[6] kcal (1,470 kJ)
  •  Wikimedia Commons logo Media: Nasi lemak
Breakfast culture in Malaysia: dining experience in a multi-ethnic society
Traditional nasi lemak wrapped with leaves
Nasi lemak is traditionally wrapped in leaves[7]
CountryMalaysia
Reference02113
RegionAsia and the Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription2024 (19th session)
ListRepresentative

Nasi lemak (Jawi: ناسي لمق‎; Malay pronunciation: [ˌnasi ləˈmaʔ]; lit. 'fatty rice') is a dish originating in Malay cuisine that consists of rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf. It is commonly found in Malaysia, where it is considered the national dish.[8][9][10] As it is common throughout the Malay world, it is also a native dish in neighbouring areas with significant ethnic Malay populations, such as Singapore[11][12] and Southern Thailand.[13][14] In Indonesia, it can be found in parts of Sumatra, especially the Malay regions of Riau, Riau Islands, and Medan.[15] Nasi lemak can also be found in the neighbouring Philippines[16] as well as in Australia's external territories of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.[17][18]

It is considered an essential dish for a typical Malay-style breakfast,[19] and it has been recognised by the National Heritage Department of Malaysia.[20] It was nominated to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2024 by Malaysia, where it was subsequently listed.[21][22]

History and background

[edit]

Nasi lemak was mentioned as early as 1875 in a French–Malay dictionary compiled by Pierre-Étienne-Lazare Favre,[23] a Roman Catholic missionary based on the Malay peninsula, and in a book titled The Circumstances of Malay Life, written by Richard Olaf Winstedt in 1909.[24] One legend tells the story of a young girl named Seri in Malacca who accidentally spilled coconut milk into rice while she was cooking for her mother.[25] When the latter asked her what she was preparing, the daughter replied, "Nasi le, mak" ("just rice, Mom").[25] With roots in Malay culture and cuisine, the name of the dish in Malay literally means "fat rice"[26][27] but is taken in this context to mean "rich" or "creamy".[28] This refers to the cooking process, which involves soaking the rice in coconut milk and steaming the mixture. The addition of pandan leaves gives the rice its distinct flavour.[26] Traditionally, nasi lemak is wrapped and served in banana leaves,[29] together with a hot spicy sauce (sambal) and various garnishes, including fresh cucumber slices, fried anchovies (ikan bilis), roasted peanuts, and hard-boiled or fried eggs.[26][30]

As a more substantial meal, nasi lemak may also be served with an additional protein dish such as ayam goreng (fried chicken), sambal sotong (cuttlefish in chilli), small fried fish, cockles, and rendang daging (beef stewed in coconut milk and spices).[30][31] Other accompaniments include stir-fried water convolvulus[32] and spicy pickled vegetable salad (acar). Nasi lemak is widely eaten in Malaysia and Singapore as breakfast and is sold in hawker centres and roadside stalls.[11] In Indonesia, it is also common breakfast fare, especially in Sumatra (Riau Islands, Riau, and Medan).[33] In the Palembang and Jambi provinces, it is called nasi gemuk, since in Palembang Malay, gemuk is a synonym of lemak.[34] In January 2019, Google released a Google Doodle celebrating nasi lemak.[35] In 2024, Malaysia nominated the dish, along with roti canai and teh tarik, for United Nations recognition as intangible cultural heritage foods and beverages, where it was subsequently listed.[21][22]

Variations

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In Malaysia and Singapore, nasi lemak comes in many variations, as it is prepared by different chefs from different cultures.[5][36] In northwestern Peninsular Malaysia, nasi lemak dishes typically incorporate curry into their recipe.[37] The sambal served with the dish varies in spiciness, ranging from mild to very spicy. Hawker centres usually wrap the dish in banana leaves to enhance its flavour.[29] Roadside stalls sell it ready-packed, known as nasi lemak bungkus, with prices as low as RM2.00 ($0.49 USD).[38]

Malaysia

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Traditional Malaysian version

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A traditional Malaysian nasi lemak calls for rice and a serving of sambal, anchovies, peanuts, and boiled egg. While the dish is typically made using white rice, brown rice can also be used.[39] Cooked with fresh coconut milk, with pandan leaves thrown in, the dish is served on banana leaves.[29]

Alor Setar variant

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Also known as nasi lemak kuning ("yellow nasi lemak"), or nasi lemak royale, this version is prevalent around parts of northern Kedah, especially in Alor Setar, as well as in the state of Perlis.[40] The rice is yellow in colour and commonly eaten with curries.[41] As both variations of nasi lemak are widely available in northern Kedah and Perlis, locals commonly refer to the traditional dish as nasi lemak daun pisang ("banana leaf nasi lemak").[40]

Terengganu variant

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In the east-coast state of Terengganu, ikan aye/aya/tongkol ("mackerel tuna") is often added to the dish.[41]

Malacca variant

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In Malacca, kangkung is usually served together with nasi lemak, a contrast from the cucumber that is commonly used in the standard version of the dish.[41]

Malaysian Chinese variant

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Although it is not common to see Chinese stalls and restaurants selling nasi lemak, there is a non-halal version that contains pork, sold in towns and cities such as Malacca, Penang, Perak, and certain parts of Kuala Lumpur.[42]

Malaysian Indian variant

[edit]

The Malaysian Indian variation is similar to the original one. As many Malaysian Indians are Hindus, however, and thus do not eat beef, their variant of nasi lemak is often served with chicken curry, fish curry, or lamb curry, as well as with dishes like chicken masala or chicken varuval.[42]

Vegetarian variant

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In certain parts of Malaysia and Singapore, hawkers and restaurants may offer vegetarian nasi lemak. In this version, the dried anchovies and the shrimp paste for sambal are replaced with vegetarian substitutes. The dish can also be served with stir-fried vegetables and plant-based imitation fish or meat.[43]

Strawberry variant

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This variant is usually regarded as a unique Cameron Highlands speciality, where strawberries are commercially grown. The fruit is added to the sambal, and the rice is coloured dark pink.[44]

Singapore

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BERJAYA
Nasi lemak in Singapore, served with chicken cutlet, sambal ikan bilis (anchovy sambal), peanuts, salted anchovies, egg, and otah

Singaporean variant

[edit]

Retaining the familiar aroma of pandan leaves, the Singaporean variation of nasi lemak comes with a variety of sides that include deep-fried chicken drumsticks, chicken franks, fish cake, curried vegetables, and tongsan luncheon meat.[11]

Indonesia

[edit]

Across the Malacca Strait, the Malay Indonesians of the Sumatran east coast share a common heritage and cuisine with their Malaysian counterparts. As a result, nasi lemak is also native to the provinces of Riau Islands and Riau.[45]

Riau Islands variant

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In the Riau Archipelago, nasi lemak is considered a native Malay dish as well as a favourite breakfast food.[45] Being an archipelagic region,[46] seafood is usually added to the dish, including ikan tamban, ikan selar kuning, sotong (cuttlefish), cumi-cumi (squid), or shrimp.[33][47]

Riau variant

[edit]
BERJAYA
An Indonesian stamp depicting nasi lemak as a local dish of Riau province

In Pekanbaru, locally caught freshwater river fishes are commonly used to accompany nasi lemak. These include ikan selais, ikan patin, and ikan lomek. The fish are usually cooked in Minang-style lado ijo (green chilli pepper), minced and fried as perkedel ikan, or just plain fried.[48]

Other than fried fish, Pekanbaru's nasi lemak might also be served with fried tempeh, beef prepared as gulai or rendang, with the addition of stir-fried long beans, often cooked in spicy coconut milk.[49]

Medan variant

[edit]

The Medan Melayu Deli version of nasi lemak is usually served with a choice of side dishes, either rendang (beef or chicken) or balado (egg or shrimp in chilli sauce). It may additionally include a sprinkle of crispy fried shallot, slices of omelette, kripik kentang balado (spicy potato chips), tempe orek (seasoned fried tempeh), perkedel (fried potato patties), sambal, and slightly bitter emping crackers.[15]

Next to rendang and balado, the vegetable dish sayur masak lemak (vegetables including long beans, cabbage, and long green chillies in coconut milk) is also offered. It is a popular street food in Medan, sold in small warung, usually together with lontong Medan.[50]

Similar dishes

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Nasi lemak's closest analogue is probably the Sumatran nasi gemuk (lit. "fatty rice"), commonly found in the Indonesian cities of Jambi and Palembang. The two dishes are essentially the same.[51]

Other, similar regional dishes that use rice cooked in coconut milk include nasi uduk from Jakarta, nasi gurih from Aceh, and the Javanese nasi liwet.[52] Nasi lemuni is a similar savoury rice dish traditionally found in northern Peninsular Malaysia. Its preparation is similar to that of nasi lemak, though the inclusion of lemuni leaf makes it distinctive.[53] Nasi katok is another similar dish, this one from Brunei, which uses plain white rice rather than coconut rice.[54]

Preparation

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The ingredients for cooking traditional nasi lemak can easily be found in and around traditional Malay villages.[55] This includes anchovies that have been deep-fried, peanuts that have been fried, cucumber slices, egg wedges that have been hard-boiled, and the red chilli condiment known as sambal, either spicy or non-spicy.[56] The traditional method of preparation has been passed down through generations to ensure its consistency and unique taste.[55]

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See also

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References

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  1. ↑ Au, Rachel (18 August 2021). "Nasi Lemak: An Origin Story". Buro 24/7. Archived from the original on 14 July 2026. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
  2. ↑ Teh, Eng Hock (17 September 2009). "Laksa and nasi lemak among our pride, says Yen Yen". The Star. Archived from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  3. ↑ Ahmad, Aida (19 November 2014). "Nasi lemak – once a farmer's meal, now Malaysia's favourite". The Star. Archived from the original on 15 March 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  4. ↑ Ram, Sadho (18 May 2014). "Ipoh-Born Ping Coombes Wins MasterChef 2014 by Cooking Nasi Lemak and Wonton Soup". Says.com. Archived from the original on 3 December 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  5. 1 2 "Malaysian National Dish – Nasi Lemak from different state". Ajinomoto FoodBiz Partner MY. Archived from the original on 8 November 2025. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  6. ↑ "Nasi Lemak". Fat Secret, Australia. Archived from the original on 18 July 2026. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  7. ↑ N, Wan (26 August 2025). "Selain Daun Pisang, Ada Daun Lain Yang Boleh Balut Nasi Lemak, Aroma Tetap Wangi & Menyelerakan!" [Besides Banana Leaves, There Are Other Leaves That Can Be Wrapped Around Nasi Lemak, the Aroma Will Remain Fragrant & Appetising!]. MyResipi (in Malay). Archived from the original on 17 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  8. ↑ A. Rules, Dwayne (7 April 2011). "Nasi lemak, our 'national dish'". The Star. Archived from the original on 2 July 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
  9. ↑ Lindt, Naomi (22 November 2012). "A Food Bloggers' Tour of Kuala Lumpur". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 26 December 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  10. ↑ "#CNNFoodchallnge: What's your national dish?". CNN Travel. 18 September 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  11. 1 2 3 Williams, Vicki (15 July 2019). "Is nasi lemak from Malaysia or Singapore?". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 16 July 2019. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  12. ↑ "Nasi lemak". VisitSingapore.com. Archived from the original on 10 May 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
  13. ↑ "[บทที่ 2 — เอกสารและงานวิจัยที่เกี่ยวข้อง] 2.1 ลักษณะทั่วไปของชาวไทยมุสลิมภาคใต้ตอนล่าง" [[Chapter 2 — Related documents and research] 2.1 General characteristics of Thai Muslims in the lower southern region]. PSU Knowledge Bank (in Thai). p. 9. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  14. ↑ นาซิ เลอมัก อาหารเช้าแบบมลายู [Nasi Lemak, a Malay breakfast] (media). ThaiPBS (in Thai) (Thai Public Broadcasting Service ed.). Bangkok, Thailand. 3 January 2026. 25:00 minutes in. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  15. 1 2 Adiakurnia, Muhammad Irzal (11 August 2017). "Mencicipi Harum dan Lembutnya Nasi Lemak Medan di Jakarta" [Taste the Fragrant and Softness of Medan Nasi Lemak in Jakarta]. Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 15 July 2026.
  16. ↑ "From 'same as pancit' to best-seller: How Filipino chef conquered Cebu with Malaysian 'mi goreng' and 'nasi lemak', one plate at a time". Bernama. 28 February 2026. Archived from the original on 14 July 2026. Retrieved 14 July 2026 – via The Malay Mail.
  17. ↑ Grossetti, Carla (17 November 2024). "Uncover the best culture and foodie experiences on Christmas Island". Australian Traveller. Archived from the original on 14 July 2026. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
  18. ↑ Woodley, Melissa (29 November 2021). "You can try the cuisine of the Cocos Islands here". SBS Food (Australia). Archived from the original on 14 July 2026. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
  19. ↑ (Tibère et al. 2019, pp. 51–66)
  20. ↑ Meiselman 2026, p. 650.
  21. 1 2 Ajos, Ercy Gracella (9 March 2024). "Nasi lemak tercalon sebagai makanan warisan dunia" [Nasi lemak nominated as a world heritage food]. Berita Harian (in Malay). Archived from the original on 17 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  22. 1 2 "Malaysia's UNESCO breakfast culture". Asian Trails. 27 January 2025. Archived from the original on 22 April 2026. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
  23. ↑ Favre 1875, p. 574.
  24. ↑ Winstedt 1909, p. 62.
  25. 1 2 Jayne, Tamara (22 August 2025). "Who Really Created Nasi Lemak? The Story Behind Malaysia's Beloved Dish". Says.com. Archived from the original on 28 August 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  26. 1 2 3 Chronicle Books LLC 2014, p. 52.
  27. ↑ "Nasi Lemak". Delectable Asia. 4 September 2014. Archived from the original on 30 May 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
  28. ↑ Rajah & Thompson 2008, p. 103.
  29. 1 2 3 Abdul Raji et al. 2017, pp. 221–231.
  30. 1 2 Khang Yi, Lee (31 August 2014). "Nasi lemak: The one dish that unites us all". The Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 15 July 2026. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
  31. ↑ Tan, Karen-Michaela (14 October 2014). "Nasi Lemak Wars". Hungry Go Where. Archived from the original on 28 September 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  32. ↑ Zahara 2012, p. 126.
  33. 1 2 "Local Favorite Food". Wonderful Riau Archipelago. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015.
  34. ↑ "Nasi Gemuk, Sajian Khas Jambi yang Bikin Kangen Rumah" [Nasi Gemuk, a Typical Jambi Dish That Makes You Miss Home]. Sasa (in Indonesian). 5 May 2025. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  35. ↑ Michallon, Clémence (31 January 2019). "Nasi lemak: What is the Malaysian dish and why is it being celebrated?". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2 February 2019. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
  36. ↑ "26 Best Nasi Lemak in Singapore, Including Buffet and Michelin-Approved Eateries". Eatbook SG. 9 March 2026. Archived from the original on 17 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  37. ↑ "Nasi lemak". TasteAtlas. Archived from the original on 17 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  38. ↑ Khang Yi, Lee (16 June 2021). "MCO takeaway: Start the day right with RM2 'nasi lemak bungkus' from this PJ Ara Damansara food truck". The Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 15 July 2026. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  39. ↑ "Healthier Nasi Lemak". Recipeland. Archived from the original on 21 November 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  40. 1 2 Hassan et al. 2024, p. 7.
  41. 1 2 3 Gunathevan, Sashidaran (23 June 2026). "Nasi Lemak isn't the same everywhere — here's proof". Citizens Journal. Archived from the original on 23 June 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  42. 1 2 "Nasi Lemak "Malaysia Truly Asia"". Embassy of Malaysia, Santiago. 17 June 2021. Archived from the original on 17 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026 – via Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia.
  43. ↑ Gopal, Suwaytha. "Vegetarian Nasi Lemak: A Malaysian Art". Munch Malaysia. Archived from the original on 17 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  44. ↑ Leong, Isabelle (21 January 2019). "Bagaimana rasa Nasi Lemak Sambal Strawberi di Cameron Highlands?" [How does Nasi Lemak Sambal Strawberry taste in Cameron Highlands?]. Astro Awani (in Malay). Archived from the original on 26 October 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  45. 1 2 Wiranata, Ruzi (21 March 2023). "Nasi Lemak, Menu Sarapan Pagi Favorit di Kepri" [Nasi Lemak, Favourite Breakfast Menu in Kepri]. Batam News (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 23 January 2025. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  46. ↑ "Nasi Lemak Khas Karimun, Enaknya Sesuai Namanya" [Karimun's Special Nasi lemak, Delicious as the name suggests]. Melayupedia (in Indonesian). 13 July 2021. Archived from the original on 23 January 2025. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  47. ↑ Aminuddin (28 May 2015). "Kedai Kopi Jalan Bintan Hadir dengan Konsep Berbeda" [Jalan Bintan Coffee Shop Presents a Different Concept]. Tribunnews (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  48. ↑ "Nasi Lemak Pekanbaru". Melayu Online (in Malay). Archived from the original on 28 March 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  49. ↑ Amira, Khansa (27 March 2023). "Makanan Khas Riau Mulai dari Makanan Berat hingga Makanan Ringan" [Typical Riau Foods, from Heavy Meals to Snacks]. Gramedia (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  50. ↑ "Medan on a Plate". Eating Asia. 21 May 2007. Archived from the original on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  51. ↑ Amalia, Lita (9 March 2023). "Gurihnya Nasi Gemuk Khas Jambi, Yuk Bikin!" [The Savoury Jambi Specialty of Nasi Gemuk, Let's Make It!]. Detik Sumut (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  52. ↑ "Semerbak Aroma Rempah Nasi Uduk Betawi" [The fragrant aroma of Betawi Uduk Rice spices]. Interaktif Kompas (in Indonesian). 7 September 2023. Archived from the original on 1 October 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
  53. ↑ Japre, Fatin Farhana (10 November 2016). "Rahsia nasi lemuni" [The secret of lemuni rice]. Harian Metro (in Malay). Retrieved 17 July 2026 – via PressReader.
  54. ↑ "Brunei: Nasi Katok with Sambal and Butter-Milk Sauce". One-World Whisk. 9 March 2024. Archived from the original on 20 March 2025. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  55. 1 2 Kama, Abdul Latif @ Bapoo & Kama 2023, p. 5.
  56. ↑ Thane 2022, p. 81.

Bibliography

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Wikimedia Commons logo Media related to Nasi lemak at Wikimedia Commons

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