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Nasi lemak translates to “rich rice”, referring to the rice being cooked in coconut milk with pandan leaves, which give it an aromatic and creamy taste. This dish is usually served with spicy sambal, crispy anchovies (ikan bilis), roasted peanuts, hard-boiled or fried eggs, and cucumber slices. Some variations include fried chicken, rendang, or seafood as additional toppings.

How to Cook Nasi Lemak

To make authentic nasi lemak, you will need:

For the Coconut Rice:

• 2 cups of jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 ½ cups of coconut milk
• 1 ½ cups of water
• 3–4 pandan leaves (tied into a knot)
• 1 teaspoon of salt

For the Sambal (Spicy Chili Sauce):

• 5 dried chilies (soaked and blended)
• 2 tablespoons of chili paste
• 1 onion (blended)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup of anchovies (ikan bilis)

Additional Toppings:

• ½ cup of fried anchovies
• ½ cup of roasted peanuts
• 1 cucumber (sliced)
• 2 hard-boiled or fried eggs
• Optional: Fried chicken, beef rendang, sambal squid

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Coconut Rice

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
2. Add the rice, coconut milk, water, pandan leaves, and salt into a rice cooker or pot.
3. Cook until the rice is fluffy and fragrant.

Step 2: Prepare the Sambal

1. Heat oil in a pan and fry the anchovies until crispy, then set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté the blended onions, garlic, and chili paste until fragrant.
3. Add tamarind paste, sugar, and salt, then let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes.
4. Add the fried anchovies back into the sambal and mix well.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Serve a portion of coconut rice on a plate.
2. Add sambal on the side.
3. Arrange fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, cucumber slices, and eggs around the rice.
4. If desired, add fried chicken, rendang, or sambal squid for extra flavor.

Nasi lemak is traditionally eaten with hands when served on a banana leaf, but it can also be enjoyed with a spoon and fork. The key to enjoying nasi lemak is to mix the rice with the sambal and toppings in every bite, balancing the flavors of spice, creaminess, crunch, and freshness.

Best Occasions to Eat Nasi Lemak

• Breakfast: The most common time to eat nasi lemak, often sold by street vendors wrapped in banana leaves.
• Lunch & Dinner: Many restaurants serve nasi lemak as a full meal with extra side dishes.
• Special Occasions: Served at gatherings, celebrations, and festive events like Hari Raya.

Why You Should Try Nasi Lemak

• Authentic Malaysian flavors: A perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory.
• Versatile dish: Can be enjoyed as a simple breakfast or a luxurious feast with added proteins.
• Widely available: Found in hawker stalls, restaurants, and even homemade versions.

Nasi lemak is more than just a meal—it is a cultural experience that represents Malaysia’s diverse and vibrant cuisine. Whether you try it from a street vendor or make it at home, this dish is guaranteed to be delicious, satisfying, and unforgettable.

Are you ready to experience the authentic taste of Malaysia? Try cooking nasi lemak today!