11/01/2023
FUNFACT 3️⃣: THE FOLKLORE BEHIND NASI LEMAK📯👵🏼👧🏽🌾
It is stated that Nasi Lemak originated in a little village close to Malacca at the residence of a widow named Mak Kuntum and her daughter named Seri. After her husband was killed in a fight, Mak Kuntum went to work as a masseuse to support her daughter and the rest of the family. Her daughter was often left alone at home to take care of the household responsibilities.
One version of the story goes that Seri accidentally spilled coconut milk into a pot of boiling rice, and soon the sweet aroma of santan began to fill the entire room. The other version of the story goes that she mixed in pandan leaves and coconut milk out of boredom. Both versions of the story begin with the same premise, which is that Seri poured coconut milk into a pot of boiling rice.
The next part of the story picks up with Mak Kuntum returning home from her job. As she entered the house, she couldn't help but notice the aromatic smell of the rice. As soon as she took a bite of it, she turned to her daughter and inquired as to what it was. Seri's response was "Nasi le, mak!" (rice, mother! ), which is how the dish earned its name: Nasi Lemak.
Even if there isn't much in the way of hard evidence to support this narrative, it's still a good one to pass down from generation to generation.
Follow us for more info: https://www.facebook.com/Luncheonn
