Nasi dagang facts for kids
Nasi dagang from Terengganu.
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| Course | Main course, usually for breakfast |
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| Place of origin | Malaysia |
| Region or state | Southern Thailand, East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Terengganu and Kelantan), Riau Islands (Natuna & Anambas) |
| Created by | Terengganu Malays |
| Serving temperature | Hot or room temperature |
| Main ingredients | Rice cooked in coconut milk served with Malay fish, chicken and prawn curry |
Nasi dagang (pronounced "nah-see dah-gang") is a popular Malaysian dish. Its name means 'trader's rice'. This yummy meal is made with rice cooked in rich coconut milk. It's usually served with a tasty fish curry. You'll also find other bits like pickled cucumber and carrots.
Nasi dagang is a well-known breakfast food. It's very popular on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This includes states like Terengganu and Kelantan. You can also find it in parts of Pahang and eastern Johor.
Beyond Malaysia, it's a favorite in Southern Thailand. People enjoy it in provinces like Pattani and Yala. It's also eaten in Narathiwat. Across the Indonesian border, it's a common dish in Natuna and Anambas in the Riau Islands. Some of the most famous Nasi dagang comes from Kampung Ladang in Terengganu. Another famous spot is Tumpat in Kelantan.
Contents
What's in Nasi Dagang?
Nasi dagang is a complete meal. It has a few main parts that make it special. Let's look at what goes into this delicious dish.
The Rice (Nasi)
The rice in Nasi dagang is very special. It gets its unique taste from fenugreek seeds and coconut milk. First, the rice might be soaked in water for a few hours. This makes it softer.
Then, it's mixed with thick coconut milk. Sliced shallots, lemongrass, and fenugreek seeds are added. The rice is then steamed until it's perfectly cooked. Sometimes, it's steamed twice. More coconut milk is added when it's half-cooked. Then it's steamed again. This method makes the rice extra creamy and delicious.
The Fish Curry (Kari Ikan)
This curry is made just for Nasi dagang. It's sometimes called gulai darat by local people. This isn't an Indian-style curry powder. It's a special Malay-style curry. It uses coconut milk mixed with traditional Malay spices. These spices include lemongrass, galangal, chili paste, and turmeric.
Tuna is usually the fish of choice for this curry. But other fish can be used too, like tenggiri. Sometimes, chicken or prawns are used instead. However, the gulai darat is made a little differently for them.
Other Tasty Sides
Nasi dagang often comes with other delicious additions. These make the meal even better.
Fried Coconut (Kelapa Goreng)
Freshly shaved coconut is mixed with sliced shallots. Then, it's fried until it turns a lovely golden brown color. This adds a nice texture and flavor.
Hard-boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a common side. They are usually cut into four or eight slices.
Vegetable Pickle
A refreshing vegetable pickle is often included. The vegetables are pickled in rice vinegar and sugar. Common vegetables used are cucumber, chili, and carrots. This adds a tangy crunch to the meal.
Chili Sambal
Sometimes, a spicy chili sambal is added. This is for those who like a bit of heat with their meal.
Telur Pindang
Telur pindang are herb-boiled eggs. They are often eaten with Nasi dagang. This is especially true among the Malay community in Thailand. You'll find them in places like Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani.
Smoked Fish Curry (Gulai Lemak Ikan Salai)
In Natuna and Anambas Islands, Indonesia, you might find Nasi dagang with smoked fish. This fish is cooked in a spicy and creamy gravy. It's a popular side dish there.
Different Kinds of Nasi Dagang
Nasi dagang can be a bit different depending on where you are.
The version from Terengganu uses regular white rice. The Kelantanese version uses a special type of rice. It's locally called 'beras nasi dagang'. This is a wild rice that has a light purple color. It's also a little bit sticky. The Terengganu version is simpler. It's usually eaten only with the fish curry. Sometimes, belimbing buluh (a sour fruit) is added. Pickles are also common.
Outside Malaysia, in southern Thailand, you can find both kinds. They have both the Kelantanese (red) and Terengganuan (white) versions. In Natuna and Anambas in Indonesia, the Nasi dagang has a gravy similar to the Terengganu style. However, the rice itself is cooked with coconut milk. This makes it quite similar to Nasi lemak.
See also
In Spanish: Nasi dagang para niños
