Nasi tempong facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Sega témpong (Osing) |
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| Course | Main course |
| Place of origin | Indonesia |
| Region or state | Banyuwangi, East Java |
| Created by | Osing or Javanese |
| Serving temperature | hot |
Nasi tempong (Javanese: ꦱꦼꦒꦠꦺꦩ꧀ꦥꦺꦴꦁ, romanized: sega témpong; Pegon: سيجا تمبونغ) is a super tasty rice dish from Indonesia! It's a special meal from the Osing people in Banyuwangi, a region in East Java. Imagine warm, steamed rice served with lots of yummy things. You'll find boiled vegetables like spinach and basil leaves, along with tofu, tempeh, and crispy corn fritters. A piece of fried ariid catfish often comes with it too! The most exciting part is the spicy sambal sauce that gives it a real kick.
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What is Nasi Tempong?
Nasi tempong is a complete meal all on one plate. It's known for being fresh and full of different textures. The word "nasi" means "rice" in Indonesian, and rice is the main part of this dish. It's a popular meal for lunch or dinner, and many people enjoy it because it's filling and flavorful.
The Spicy Secret: Sambal
The special sambal is what makes Nasi tempong famous! It's a very spicy chili sauce. There are two main types used with Nasi tempong: kencur sambal and terasi sambal. Kencur is a type of ginger that gives a unique, fresh taste. Terasi is a shrimp paste that adds a deep, savory flavor. This spicy sauce is why the dish is called "tempong"!
Why is it Called "Tempong"?
The name "tempong" comes from the Osing language. It means "to be slapped" in English. So, Nasi tempong gets its name because the spicy taste of the sambal is so strong, it feels like a little slap on your tongue! It's a fun way to describe how spicy and exciting the dish is.
What's in a Plate of Nasi Tempong?
A typical plate of Nasi tempong is a colorful mix of different foods. Each part adds something special to the meal.
The Rice
The base of the dish is always warm, fluffy steamed rice. It helps to balance out the strong flavors of the other ingredients, especially the spicy sambal.
Fresh Vegetables
Nasi tempong usually comes with a mix of boiled vegetables. These often include:
- Spinach: A common leafy green vegetable.
- Cosmos leaves: These add a unique, slightly bitter taste.
- Basil leaves: They give a fresh, aromatic flavor to the dish.
These vegetables add vitamins and a nice texture to the meal.
Protein and Sides
Besides vegetables, you'll find other yummy additions:
- Tofu: Made from soybeans, it's soft and soaks up flavors.
- Tempeh: Also made from soybeans, but fermented, giving it a nutty taste and firm texture.
- Corn fritters: Crispy and savory, these add a nice crunch.
- Fried catfish: A piece of fried fish is a common protein, making the meal more filling. Sometimes, other fried fish or chicken can be served instead.
Where Does Nasi Tempong Come From?
Nasi tempong is a traditional food from Banyuwangi, a town located at the eastern tip of Java Island in Indonesia. It's a very important part of the local Osing culture and food traditions. People in Banyuwangi are very proud of this dish, and you can find it almost everywhere there, from small street food stalls to bigger restaurants.
How to Enjoy Nasi Tempong
Nasi tempong is usually served hot, right after it's made. It's a popular meal for any time of the day, but especially for lunch or dinner. It's often eaten with your hands, which is a common way to enjoy many traditional Indonesian dishes. The mix of warm rice, fresh vegetables, crispy fried items, and that super spicy sambal makes it a truly unforgettable meal!
