Voice Of Tourism Education 2nd Edition Page 12
Malay Folklores: Nasi Lemak
By: Zamzuri Ahmad Nazari
The Naming and Discovery of Nasi Lemak
The popular folklore of the history of nasi lemak was invented by a girl named Seri who lived with her mother Mak Kuntum and his father whom was never named. As any other Malay cooking, it is very common to have rice as a staple diet. It was identified that Seri was someone who always wanted to try something new in her daily life. Her curiosity and pure ingenuity drove her to think of better ways to cook rice( nasi in Malay). One day while cooking rice, Seri experimented by adding ginger to enhance the taste. Seri thought that it would be great if some aromas can be added to the rice. Hence, she added lemongrass and a pandan leave into the cooking rice. As a result, the rice emits a strong and pleasant smell but she realized there was something lacking which is richness. She quickly poured some coconut milk into the mixture. The result was so amazing that she caught a waft of inviting aroma. Such aromaticity, has alerted Mak Kuntum who was curious of Seri’ s cooking. Immediately Mak Kuntum headed to the kitchen and asked Seri what she was cooking. Instantly, Seri answered“ Nasi Le Mak”( which is literally translated as“ it is rice, mom!”). Henceforth, became the birth of the Nasi Lemak that has satisfied and filled the bellies of many happy Malaysians for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Banana Leaf Wrap
Sweet and Spicy Sambal!!
Hard Boiled Egg
Note: Sambal is a sauce based on chillies and dried krill paste( Belacan in Malay)
Cucumber Slices Aromatic Nasi Lemak
Crispy Fried Anchovies
Zamzuri Ahmad Nazari is a Hotel Management lecturer at UiTM Melaka Kampus Bandaraya specializing in Restaurant Management and Customer Services.
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Voice Of Tourism Education 2nd Edition Page 12