Nasi bakar

Nasi bakar is a delectable Indonesian dish that combines steamed rice with a variety of spices and ingredients. What makes it exceptional is that the rice is wrapped in a banana leaf, secured with "lidi semat" (small sticks), and then grilled over charcoal. This grilling process imparts a distinctive, smoky aroma, unveiled when you unwrap the banana leaf.

The dish is relatively recent, believed to have first appeared in the early 2000s as a twist on another Indonesian favorite, nasi timbel, where rice is also wrapped in a banana leaf.

One of the most appealing aspects of nasi bakar is its versatility. It can be filled with an array of delectable ingredients. Popular choices include fried chicken, empal gepuk (fried beef), anchovy, peda fish, milkfish, salted fish, shrimp, mushrooms, tempeh, tofu, and salted duck egg. Each variation offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, making nasi bakar a truly delightful dish to savor.