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Nasi kuning

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nasi kuning
Nasi kuning personal serving, surrounded with rich Indonesian dishes
Alternative namesNasi kunyit
CourseMain course
Place of originJava[1][2], Indonesia[3]
Region or stateSumatra, Malay Peninsula, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, Mindanao
Associated cuisineIndonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Suriname, Sri Lanka (known as kaha buth) and South Africa
Serving temperatureHot and room temperature
Main ingredientsRice cooked in turmeric surrounded with side dishes
Similar dishesHsi htamin

Nasi kuning (Indonesian/Malay for: "yellow rice"),[4][5][6] or sometimes called nasi kunyit (Indonesian/Malay for: "turmeric rice")[7], is an Indonesian and Malaysian fragrant rice dish cooked with coconut milk and turmeric,[8][9] hence the name nasi kuning (yellow rice).[3]

In the Philippines, a related dish exists in Mindanao, particularly among the Maranao people, where it is known as kuning. Like the Indonesian version, it primarily uses turmeric, but also adds lemongrass and does not use coconut milk.[10][11] A similar dish is also found in Sri Lankan cuisine where it is known as kaha buth (and lamprais) and draws from both Indonesian and Sri Lankan influences.[12][13]

History and origin

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Javanese Kejawen community performing Birat Sengkolo ritual with offerings including cone-shaped tumpeng nasi kuning

The origin of nasi kuning can be traced to the culinary legacy of ancient Java and Bali.[1] The earliest record of nasi kuning came from Majapahit period in Java circa 13th century. Nasi kuning was first served as a special dish in a religious events, traditional ceremonies or weddings for Javanese nobles. This food was originally only served at certain times for nobles, high status and distinguished people.[2]

In Javanese tradition, the colour yellow symbolises wealth and prosperity, because of its association with gold pieces as a symbol of wealth, and also the colour of ripe rice ready to be harvested, all are the symbol of prosperity. Slightly different in Hindu dominant Bali, the colour yellow symbolised a sacred aspect of Mahadewa. Therefore, yellow is very commonly used as the dominant colour in the Kuningan Day celebrations of the Hindu-Balinese community.[14]

In Javanese tradition, nasi kuning is often served as a form of gratitude and prayer for blessings. Nasi kuning is a means of praying that the family or community will be given health, prosperity and blessings in their lives.[1] Nasi kuning as cone-shaped tumpeng is essential in Javanese selamatan rituals, especially among traditional Kejawen community as offerings or consumed as communal meals.[15]

Cultural significance

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Nasi kuning in its tumpeng form, essential in Javanese ceremony.

In Indonesian culture, nasi kuning has favourable symbolic meanings. The yellow-coloured rice is perceived to look like a pile of gold,[16] so it is often served on festive occasions, including parties, housewarmings, welcoming guests, and opening ceremonies, as a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, wealth, and dignity.[17]

Nasi kuning is quite widespread and commonly found in Indonesian culture. It can be found from Java to Sumatra, Bali, Kalimantan and Sulawesi. However, it is most strongly associated with Javanese culture, and to some extent, Minahasa traditions. In Java, nasi kuning might come in the form of a cone called a tumpeng and is usually eaten during special events.[18] The top of the tumpeng is customarily given to the most senior person in attendance. One of the most popular nasi kuning variants comes from Manado in North Sulawesi, which employs cakalang (skipjack tuna).[19]

Variations of nasi kuning are also found in Malaysia, particularly in Terengganu, Sabah and Kedah. In Terengganu, it is typically paired with gulai ikan tongkol (macarel tuna),[20] while in Sabah, sambal accompanies the dish.[4] In Kedah, nasi kuning holds ceremonial significance and is considered a traditional dish for special occasions.[21] Additionally, a similar dish known as nasi kunyit is popular among the Peranakan and Malaysian Chinese communities. Among the Peranakan, it is usually served with curry, whereas in Malaysian Chinese culture, it is associated with celebrating the birth of a newborn.[7][22]

Ingredients and serving

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Nasi kuning bumbu ingredients including garlic, coconut milk, pandan leaf, lemongrass, turmeric, citrus leaf, sugar and salt

The addition of turmeric and coconut milk, sometimes also including pandan and lemongrass during the rice cooking and steaming process, has contributed to the tempting colour, pleasant fragrance, soft texture, and a flavourful taste of the yellow rice. Certain spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves, might be added to enhance this aromatic fragrant rice dish.[23]

Nasi kuning is usually served with a variety of side dishes such as shredded omelette, serundeng (relish of grated coconut and spices), urap (vegetable in shredded coconut dressing), teri kacang (fried anchovy and peanuts), sambal goreng (fried tempeh and potato caramelised in spicy sauce), ayam goreng (Javanese-style fried chicken), balado udang (shrimp in chilli), or perkedel (potato fritters).[24] More complex nasi kuning could consist of fried cow's lung, empal (fried beef), and seafood. It is common to serve nasi kuning with kerupuk udang (shrimp cracker) or emping chips and a decoratively cut cucumber and tomato.

Varieties

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Indonesia

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Manado nasi kuning wrapped in woka leaf

There are various types of nasi kuning throughout Indonesia with typical various side dishes in each region.[25]

Malaysia

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[edit]
  • Nasi kuning for breakfast in Indonesia
    Nasi kuning for breakfast in Indonesia
  • Nasi kuning Banjar
    Nasi kuning Banjar
  • Nasi kuning with dendeng specialty of Banjarmasin
    Nasi kuning with dendeng specialty of Banjarmasin
  • Preparing nasi kuning Manado in a woka leaf
    Preparing nasi kuning Manado in a woka leaf
  • Nasi kuning kotak in paper box in Java
    Nasi kuning kotak in paper box in Java

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Asal-usul Nasi Kuning dan Cita Rasanya". kumparan (in Indonesian). 17 November 2024. Retrieved 19 January 2025.
  2. ^ a b Hidayanti, Widya (26 January 2024). "Mengenal Sejarah dan Makna Nasi Kuning". Radio Republik Indonesia. Retrieved 19 January 2025.
  3. ^ a b Salloum, Habeeb (14 December 2003). "Recipe: Nasi Kuning – Indonesian Yellow Rice | ThingsAsian". thingsasian.com. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  4. ^ a b "4 Resepi Nasi Kuning (Dari Terengganu Dan Sabah)" (in Malay). November 2024.
  5. ^ "Cara Masak Nasi Kuning Terengganu, Resipi Lengkap Dengan Lauk Sampingan Lain" (in Malay). May 2024.
  6. ^ Holzen, Heinz Von (15 September 2014). A New Approach to Indonesian Cooking. Marshall Cavendish International Asia Pte Ltd. p. 51. ISBN 9789814634953.
  7. ^ a b "Savour soft sticky nasi kunyit at this PJ stall". 2017.
  8. ^ Agostino, Helen; Kiting, Kathy (1999). Indonesia Kaleidoscope. Curriculum Corporation. ISBN 9781863663830.
  9. ^ Holzen, Heinz Von; Arsana, Lother (1999). The Food of Indonesia: Authentic Recipes from the Spice Islands. Periplus Editions. ISBN 9789625933894.
  10. ^ Balistoy, Ruby Leonora R. "Pagana Maranao—fostering culture of peace". Philippine Information Agency. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  11. ^ Abdulwahab, Nabeelah T. "The Beauty, Warmth, and Hospitality of Pagana". Intangible Cultural Heritage Courier of Asia and the Pacific. International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (ICHCAP). Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  12. ^ "Malay Dishes". YoungMelayu Sri Lanka.
  13. ^ Bullis, Douglas; Hutton, Wendy (2001). Food of Sri Lanka. Periplus. pp. 5, 14. ISBN 9625937609.
  14. ^ Lukmana, Danang (18 October 2021). "Makna dan Filosofi Nasi Kuning dalam Tradisi Nusantara". Nibble.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 19 January 2025.
  15. ^ Ciputra, William (10 January 2022). "5 Makanan yang Kerap Dijadikan Sesajen Masyarakat Jawa Beserta Maknanya". Kompas.com. Retrieved 19 January 2025.
  16. ^ Roepers, Cyrus (22 October 2014). "Nasi Kuning: Indonesian Festive Rice". Arousing Appetites: Home to the Serious Cook. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  17. ^ "Nasi Kuning Recipe (Indonesian Yellow Fragrant Rice)". Indonesia Eats.
  18. ^ Turner, T. (27 October 2015). Bali Travel Guide 2018: Must-see attractions, wonderful hotels, excellent restaurants, valuable tips and so much more!. T Turner.
  19. ^ Maya Safira (26 April 2016). "Nasi Kuning Manado yang Sedap dengan Pelengkap Ikan Cakalang". detikFood (in Indonesian).
  20. ^ "Cara Masak Nasi Kuning Gulai Ikan Tongkol, Gerenti Tak Menyesal Cuba" (in Malay). May 2021.
  21. ^ "Resepi masakan Nasi Kuning utara Kedah" (in Malay).
  22. ^ "Nasi Kunyit & Kari-Kay (Turmeric Sticky Rice & Nyonya Chicken Curry)". 2017.
  23. ^ "Nasi kuning (yellow rice)". taste.com.au. 26 July 2010. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  24. ^ "Menyiapkan Lauk Tumpeng". detikfood (in Indonesian). Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  25. ^ Afrillia, Dian. "Mengenali Perbedaan Nasi Kuning dari Berbagai Daerah di Indonesia". goodnewsfromindonesia.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  26. ^ Tiofani, Krisda (13 August 2022). "Resep Nasi Kuning Khas Bali, Sajikan dengan Ayam Betutu dan Sambal". Kompas.com. Retrieved 19 January 2025.
  27. ^ Wulandari, Suci (13 February 2022). "Resep Nasi Kuning Banjarmasin Lengkap, Kreasi Masakan Nusantara Nikmat". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 19 January 2025.
  28. ^ "Resep Nasi kuning Betawi". Cookpad (in Indonesian). 1 August 2019. Retrieved 19 January 2025.
  29. ^ Lobubun, Darul Amri; Irham, Muh. "Lima Nasi Kuning di Makassar yang Enak, Salah Satunya Langganan Mantan Presiden RI". tribunnews.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  30. ^ Wulandari, Suci; Chaniago, Putri (14 August 2022). "Resep Nasi Kuning Manado, Lengkap dengan Abon Cakalang Bumbu Rica". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 19 January 2025.
  31. ^ Nurmalia, Mentari (16 December 2024). "7 Macam Nasi di Sunda, Ragam Kuliner yang Menggugah Selera". detikjabar (in Indonesian). Retrieved 19 January 2025.
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