Part 6/9:

Nasi Lemak: A Shared but Contested National Dish

Nasi lemak, often regarded as Malaysia’s national dish, occupies a more complex space. Its widespread consumption—breakfast, lunch, dinner—across Malaysia reaches into Singapore as well. However, the roots of nasi lemak appear to originate from the west coast of the Malay Peninsula, with local sambal recipes prevalent in Penang and Kedah, regions with distinct culinary identities.

In Singapore, nasi lemak has become an integral part of local cuisine, with versions adapted to local tastes, incorporating ingredients like processed cuts and different sambals. The question arises: can Singapore claim it as uniquely theirs? Ming suggests, “If they want to own it, they can,” emphasizing that shared history doesn’t preclude regional adaptations.