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Nutrition

Malaysian favourite Nasi Lemak now declared as healthy breakfast

Malaysia's National Dish anytime of the day, Nasi Lemak. (The Star)
Malaysia’s National Dish anytime of the day, Nasi Lemak. (The Star)

Commonly known as the National dish of Malaysia, consumed daily for breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner AND supper – the Nasi Lemak is ingrained into each and every Malaysian.

It is only fitting that TIME Magazine has been recognised the Nasi Lemak as one of 10 most healthy international breakfasts. Listing down the various components of the coconut rice dish, the article described Nasi Lemak as “supremely delicious”.

Does this mean we can chow down more of this dish in the name of healthy eating? Call it carbo loading if you must, but make sure you eat all the condiments for you to get all the minerals and goodness listed.

“Yes, there’s a bit more fat than is good for you (eat less rice to reduce), but it’s balanced with lots of manganese, protein, and carbs. The chili in the sambal also boosts the metabolism (depending which nutritionist you talk to),” according to the TIME Magazine article.

The list also mentions India’s Upma, a thick concoction made from dry roasted semolina, Russia’s Kasha – a warm porridge made from oats, millet, buckwheat, or semolina and the traditional Egyptian breakfast and national dish, Fūl Medames, which is thought to date to the time of the pharaohs. The main ingredient, fava beans, are usually stewed overnight and then spiced with cumin, chopped parsley, garlic, onion, lemon juice and chili pepper.

Turks dine on a spread featuring olives, tomato, white cheese, eggs and sausages, while the Israelist take to shakshouka in which eggs are poached in a tomato and vegetable sauce.

The other Asian breakfasts mentioned were the Japanese steamed rice (or okayu rice porridge) with side dishes like tofu, pickled vegetables, dried seaweed, and fish. The Vietnamese pho made from bone broth, which comes with a variety of vegetables and herbs were also listed.

Read more on Time Magazine.