Origins Of The Nasi Lemak

This delicacy is a very popular dish in Southeast Asia particularly in Malaysia. But do you also know that Nasi Lemak has once got the recognition as one of the healthiest food by 10 countries in the world in TIME magazine in 2016? Other dishes included as well will be Pho from Vietnam and Eschews from Japan.

In 2019, a Cardiologist & Orthomolecular from Japan named Dr. Atsuo Kanagawa presented Nasi Lemak as one of the healthiest breakfasts in the world at the Longevity Conference. This is quite a surprise as it is one of the traditional Malaysian cuisines and is the healthiest one out there.

ADVERT

Dr. Atsuo presenting the top 10 healthiest breakfasts in the world

If we were to look back at the origins of Nasi Lemak, there is a tale about one family in which the mother named Kuntun and her daughter, Seri. The story is related to the Malacca Sultanate state where the mother goes out to work as a massager and leaves her daughter alone at home.

In a state of boredom, Seri tried to create a new recipe whilst she was cooking the rice and she put into the rice pandan leave and some galangal. Accidentally, Seri also poured some coconut milk into the rice as it cooked to perfection.

As her mother arrives home from work, she tried out the rice. But because the rice has an unusual taste than normal she asked her daughter what she made and Seri replied, "nasi Le Mak". The mother asked repeatedly and the same answer was given.

However according to Sir Richard Olof Winstedt in his book, "The Circumstances of Malay Life" in 1909, the word Nasi Lemak was used in the traditional food because of the texture and its heavy and creamy taste.

In fact, he also mentioned in his book that Nasi Lemak is usually served at the local festivals and even during the wedding ceremony.

ADVERT

On the other hand, Ahmad Najib Ariffin who is the founder of the Nusantara Academy of Development, Geocultures & Ethnolinguistics(NADGE) states that Nasi Lemak came from the western parts of Peninsula Malaysia.

He also added that Nasi Lemak is mostly enjoyed as breakfast by the people back then before they start their day off and go work at the paddy field or farm. This is because it was believed that Nasi Lemak was nutritious, tasty, and very satisfying.

Nasi Lemak being featured as Google Doodle

If we were to look at things now, Nasi Lemak is no longer a dish that is eaten by the farmers alone but it has become one of the favorite routine breakfasts among Malaysians. Not just that, there are also many countries out there that made Nasi Lemak one of their healthy breakfast.

Every Malaysian out there would know this favorite delicacy and maybe some of you out there should try it out too if you come and visit Malaysia.

Source: