Where does Nasi Kuning come from?

Nasi Kuning — country of origin: Brunei.

What is Nasi Kuning made of?

Rice, coconut milk, turmeric, lemongrass, bay leaf, ginger.

How do you pronounce Nasi Kuning?

Nasi Kuning (Malay, Brunei) is pronounced /ˈnasi kuˈniŋ/.

Nasi Kuning

Pronunciation (IPA) /ˈnasi kuˈniŋ/

Fragrant yellow rice cooked in coconut milk and turmeric, served at celebrations and feasts in Brunei and also made in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Also known as: Yellow rice · Nasi kunyit

Allergens & declarations

The classic recipe carries none of the 14 EU allergens.

This describes the classic recipe, so you know what to ask about. It is not a declaration for any particular kitchen — recipes and suppliers vary, and only the restaurant can tell you what is in the dish it serves.

In detail

Nasi kuning is fragrant yellow rice cooked in coconut milk and turmeric, served at celebrations and feasts in Brunei. Nasi kuning means "yellow rice" in Malay, and its colour comes from turmeric. The dish is also made in Indonesia and Malaysia, where it is a familiar part of festive meals.

What it really is

The rice is washed, then simmered in coconut milk with turmeric, lemongrass, bay leaf, ginger and salt until the liquid is absorbed and the grains are soft and fragrant. The coconut milk gives richness, the turmeric gives colour and an earthy taste, and the lemongrass and bay leaf give a gentle herbal scent. Cooks vary the amount of coconut milk, so the rice can be moist or fairly dry.

Coconut milk is not dairy. The rice contains no milk, but guests with a coconut allergy should be told.

How it's served

Warm, shaped into a mound or cone and set on a plate or banana leaf.
With side dishes such as fried anchovies, sambal and sliced cucumber, which are separate items.
On a large shared platter at feasts.

Name it Nasi Kuning and add "yellow rice cooked in coconut milk and turmeric" so guests know what to expect.
Say whether it is a side or a main. If it is sold as a main, name the protein served with it.
Flag the accompaniments: anchovies are fish, the egg is egg, and sambal often contains peanuts or shrimp paste, which is a crustacean.
Mention the coconut milk for guests with a coconut allergy.

Typical ingredients

Put it on your menu with Menuella

Frequently asked questions

What is Nasi Kuning?: Fragrant yellow rice cooked in coconut milk and turmeric, served at celebrations and feasts in Brunei and also made in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Where does Nasi Kuning come from?: Nasi Kuning — country of origin: Brunei.
What is Nasi Kuning made of?: Rice, coconut milk, turmeric, lemongrass, bay leaf, ginger.
Which allergens does Nasi Kuning contain?: The classic recipe carries none of the 14 EU allergens.
What is Nasi Kuning also known as?: Yellow rice, Nasi kunyit.
How do you pronounce Nasi Kuning?: Nasi Kuning (Malay, Brunei) is pronounced /ˈnasi kuˈniŋ/. Select the speaker button next to the dish name to hear it.