Culinary

Do you love experiencing the local culture when you visit a new country? If you do, then what better way to engage with the local community than through their food! Rest assured on your Indonesia tour because you get a wide variety of local food options to experience. The expansive food culture of Indonesia takes you on a gastronomic adventure. And Bintan Island stands no far behind in contributing to this experience. Ask your local guide for the meal everyone relishes and he/she remains bound to say ‘Nasi Padang’.

This Indonesian speciality is a style of steamed rice served with an array of pre-cooked dishes. True to its origin, these side dishes can vary from meat, fish, vegetables, and spicy sambals eaten with plain rice.

Experiencing Nasi Padang

A usual spread comprises of 12 dishes but you can also opt for a super lavish spread of 14 dishes. Defined through spices and a mix of local herbs, Nasi Padang remains one of the most flavourful and filling dishes. This seems as though Indonesia served to you on a plate. Most of the side dishes in Nasi Padang include curries but you get the option to add boiled dishes. The boiled dishes in a sambal base include deep fried seafood as well as grilled sides. Savour it best using hands and clean them with warm water and a slice of lime given at the end.

What better way to experience Indonesia than through its food along with the locals while discovering stories from the region. If you want to enjoy an authentic Nasi Padang during your stay, why not ask your local guide from Locaguide ? The guide will set it up for you. The unique flavour and assortment of dishes happen to leave you craving for more!

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Nasi Lemak sometimes referred to as the national dish of Malaysia, is an aromatic rice dish. Cooked in a base of coconut milk and pandan leaf, the dish is usually served piping hot. Featured in the Times Magazine as one of the top ten healthy breakfast dishes across the globe, it is a must-have when you visit Malaysia.

Culinary background of Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak became popular worldwide upon its mention in “The Circumstances of Malay Life”, a book by Sir Winstedt. The dish gets its name from the cooking method used and thus translates to creamy rice. While the preparation uses a traditional method, the difference in taste and aroma remain attributed to the use of Pandan leaves. The rice cooked in coconut milk continues to steam along with the knotted leaves of Pandan screwpine. Meanwhile, the leaves enhance the flavour and fragrance of the dish. Few recipes even involve the addition of spices such as ginger and herbs like lemongrass for a distinctive flavour.

How they serve it

Traditionally served with sambal, a hot spicy sauce, the dish comes with a variety of garnishes. The garnishes include cucumber slices, fried anchovies, crushed roasted peanuts and fried or boiled eggs. You can customise the dish on adding meat of your choice from — fried chicken (Ayam Goreng), fish, squid or cockles. Thus, many stalls or restaurants pre-pack portions of Nasi Lemak in banana leaves to serve them on the go.

Sometimes the best way to explore a city is through the eyes of a local guide. Opt for a guided city tour from Locaguide. The guide can take you to some of the best places that serve the authentic Nasi Lemak in Kuala Lumpur. Order a side of Malay-style fried chicken and a glass of chilled Milo for more awesome feels.

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