What is the main ingredient in the Malaysian dish called Nasi Lemak?

The main ingredient in the Malaysian dish called nasi lemak is rice cooked in coconut milk.

The coconut milk gives the rice its rich, creamy taste, while pandan leaves are often added for fragrance. The dish is traditionally associated with Malay cuisine and is widely eaten in Malaysia, especially as breakfast, although it is now served throughout the day.

Nasi lemak is usually accompanied by sambal, a spicy chili paste, fried or boiled anchovies, roasted peanuts, cucumber slices, and a hard-boiled or fried egg. Chicken, beef rendang, squid, or fried fish may be added to make a more substantial meal.

A common mix-up is to treat nasi lemak as a single fixed recipe. Its side dishes vary considerably by region and household, but the defining preparation is the fragrant rice cooked with coconut milk. The name literally means “fatty rice,” referring to the richness supplied by the coconut milk.