nasi kuning

File:Ritual Birat Sengkolo Kejawen.jpg community performing Birat Sengkolo ritual with offerings including cone-shaped tumpeng nasi kuning]]

The origin of nasi kuning can be traced to the culinary legacy of ancient Java and Bali.{{Cite web |title=Asal-usul Nasi Kuning dan Cita Rasanya |url=https://kumparan.com/sejarah-dan-sosial/asal-usul-nasi-kuning-dan-cita-rasanya-23vHS2XQsHn |date=17 November 2024 |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=kumparan |language=id}} The earliest record of nasi kuning came from Majapahit period in Java circa 13th century. Nasi kuning was first served as a special dish in a religious events, traditional ceremonies or weddings for Javanese nobles. This food was originally only served at certain times for nobles, high status and distinguished people.{{Cite news |last=Hidayanti |first=Widya |date=26 January 2024 |title=Mengenal Sejarah dan Makna Nasi Kuning |url=https://www.rri.co.id/kuliner/531370/mengenal-sejarah-dan-makna-nasi-kuning |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=Radio Republik Indonesia}}

In Javanese tradition, the colour yellow symbolises wealth and prosperity, because of its association with gold pieces as a symbol of wealth, and also the colour of ripe rice ready to be harvested, all are the symbol of prosperity. Slightly different in predominantly Hindu island of Bali, the colour yellow symbolised a sacred aspect of Mahadewa. Therefore, yellow is very commonly used as the dominant colour in the Kuningan Day celebrations of the Hindu-Balinese community.{{Cite web |first=Danang |last=Lukmana |date= 18 October 2021|title=Makna dan Filosofi Nasi Kuning dalam Tradisi Nusantara |url=https://www.nibble.id/filosofi-nasi-kuning/ |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=Nibble.id |language=id}}

Nasi kuning is mentioned in early 19th century Javanese literature Serat Centhini as sega punar or sega wuduk punar.{{Cite book |title=Kuliner Jawa dalam Serat Centhini |author1=Wahjudi Pantja Sunjata |author2=Sumarno |author3=Titi Mumfangati |url=https://kebudayaan.kemdikbud.go.id/bpnbyogyakarta/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2015/01/Kuliner_Dalam_Serat_Centhini.pdf |access-date=2025-01-20 |publisher=Departemen Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Balai Pelestarian Nilai Budaya Yogyakarta |location=Yogyakarta |date=2014 |page=32 |language=id}} It is a variant of sega wuduk or rice cooked in coconut milk,{{Cite web |date=25 December 2022 |title=Nasi Sebagai Sumber Karbohidrat dan Olahannya di Jaman Jawa Kuno |url=https://www.suluhnuswantarabakti.or.id/9399/nasi-sebagai-sumber-karbohidrat-dan-olahannya-di-jaman-jawa-kuno.html |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=Yayasan Suluh Nuswantara Bakti |language=id}} but with the addition of turmeric which creates yellowish colour, thus the name punar is synonym with kuning in Javanese which means "yellow".{{Cite web |title=Kamus Bahasa Jawa Indonesia - Pados Terjemahan - Punar|url=https://kbji.kemdikbud.go.id/kata/punar,+sega+punar |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=kbji.kemdikbud.go.id}}

In Javanese tradition, nasi kuning is often served as a form of gratitude and prayer for blessings. Nasi kuning is a means of praying that the family or community will be given health, prosperity and blessings in their lives. Nasi kuning as cone-shaped tumpeng is essential in Javanese selamatan rituals, especially among traditional Kejawen community as offerings or consumed as communal meals.{{Cite news |last=Ciputra |first=William |date=10 January 2022 |title=5 Makanan yang Kerap Dijadikan Sesajen Masyarakat Jawa Beserta Maknanya |url=https://regional.kompas.com/read/2022/01/10/153534478/5-makanan-yang-kerap-dijadikan-sesajen-masyarakat-jawa-beserta-maknanya?page=all |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=Kompas.com}}

File:Tumpeng Kompas 1.jpg form, essential in Javanese ceremony.]]

Nasi kuning is often described as "Indonesian yellow rice",{{Cite web |title=Indonesian Yellow Rice (Nasi Kuning) |url=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/indonesian-yellow-rice-nasi-kuning--82542605658594380/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=Pinterest |language=en}} although it is also served in neighbouring countries, e.g. in Malaysia as nasi kunyit and in the Philippines as kuning. This yellow rice dish holds a special cultural significance in some cultures in the region, considered as an auspicious food item essential for ceremonies, rituals and celebrations.

In Indonesian culture, nasi kuning has favourable symbolic meanings. The yellow-coloured rice is perceived to look like a pile of gold,{{Cite news|url=https://blog.arousingappetites.com/nasi-kuning-coconut-milk-rice-turmeric/|title=Nasi Kuning: Indonesian Festive Rice|first=Cyrus|last=Roepers|date=22 October 2014|work=Arousing Appetites: Home to the Serious Cook|access-date=25 January 2018}} so it is often served on festive occasions, including parties, housewarmings, welcoming guests, and opening ceremonies, as a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, wealth, and dignity.{{cite web | title = Nasi Kuning Recipe (Indonesian Yellow Fragrant Rice) | work = Indonesia Eats | date = 26 February 2007 | url = http://indonesiaeats.com/nasi-kuning-indonesian-yellow-rice/}}

Nasi kuning is quite widespread and commonly found in Indonesian culture. It can be found from Java to Sumatra, Bali, Kalimantan and Sulawesi. However, it is most strongly associated with Javanese culture, and to some extent, Minahasa traditions. In Java, nasi kuning might come in the form of a cone called a tumpeng and is usually eaten during special events.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eafQCgAAQBAJ&q=tumpeng+nasi+kuning+festive&pg=PT97|title=Bali Travel Guide 2018: Must-see attractions, wonderful hotels, excellent restaurants, valuable tips and so much more!|last=Turner|first=T.|date=27 October 2015|publisher=T Turner|language=en}} The top of the tumpeng is customarily given to the most senior person in attendance. One of the most popular nasi kuning variants comes from Manado in North Sulawesi, which employs cakalang (skipjack tuna).{{cite web | date = 26 April 2016 | title = Nasi Kuning Manado yang Sedap dengan Pelengkap Ikan Cakalang | author = Maya Safira | work = detikFood | url = http://food.detik.com/read/2016/04/26/164542/3197138/297/nasi-kuning-manado-yang-sedap-dengan-pelengkap-ikan-cakalang | language = id }}

In addition to its prominent role in Indonesian culinary traditions, nasi kuning also holds considerable ceremonial and cultural significance in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, particularly among the Malay community. In these regions, a variation of the dish known as pulut kuning is commonly prepared using glutinous rice. Pulut kuning is traditionally featured in religious ceremonies, festive occasions and social gatherings, regarded as a symbol of prosperity, good fortune and spiritual well-being.{{Cite web|title=Pulut Kuning in Malay Society: The Beliefs and Practices Then and Now|date=December 2024|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273709360}} The dish exhibits regional diversity across Malaysia, particularly in areas such as Sabah and Terengganu, where it is commonly consumed as a breakfast dish, although it is typically prepared without glutinous rice in these regions.

In the Malaysian and Singaporean Peranakan (Straits Chinese) populations, nasi kuning is more commonly known as nasi kunyit. In a manner similar to its Malay counterpart, it is also prepared using glutinous rice. The dish holds significant cultural value, particularly in the context of the full moon celebration, a traditional ritual marking the completion of a baby’s first month.{{Cite web|title=More than a baby's full moon celebration|date=October 2015|url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2015/10/11/more-than-a-babys-full-moon-celebration/}} While nasi kunyit is deeply embedded in Peranakan cultural practices, it has been widely embraced by the broader ethnic Chinese population in Malaysia.{{Cite web|title=Nasi Kunyit & Kari-Kay (Turmeric Sticky Rice & Nyonya Chicken Curry)|date=2017|url=https://www.bakewithpaws.com/2017/07/nasi-kunyit-kari-kay-turmeric-rice.html}}

File:BUMBU NASI KUNING (tanpa tulisan).png ingredients including garlic, coconut milk, pandan leaf, lemongrass, turmeric, citrus leaf, sugar and salt]]

The addition of turmeric and coconut milk, sometimes also including pandan and lemongrass during the rice cooking and steaming process, has contributed to the tempting colour, pleasant fragrance, soft texture, and a flavourful taste of the yellow rice. Certain spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves, might be added to enhance this aromatic fragrant rice dish.{{Cite news|url=http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/nasi-kuning-yellow-rice/ce4c76e9-7d5e-48d5-a105-cf3bda5e6d1d|title=Nasi kuning (yellow rice)|date=26 July 2010|work=taste.com.au|access-date=25 January 2018}}

Nasi kuning is usually served with a variety of side dishes such as shredded omelette, serundeng (relish of grated coconut and spices), urap (vegetable in shredded coconut dressing), teri kacang (fried anchovy and peanuts), sambal goreng (fried tempeh and potato caramelised in spicy sauce), ayam goreng (Javanese-style fried chicken), balado udang (shrimp in chilli), or perkedel (potato fritters).{{Cite news|url=https://food.detik.com/jamuan/d-424112/menyiapkan-lauk-tumpeng|title=Menyiapkan Lauk Tumpeng|work=detikfood|access-date=25 January 2018|language=id}} More complex nasi kuning could consist of fried cow's lung, empal (fried beef), and seafood. It is common to serve nasi kuning with kerupuk udang (shrimp cracker) or emping chips and a decoratively cut cucumber and tomato.{{Cn|date=February 2025}}

File:Preparing nasi kuning.JPG

There are various types of nasi kuning throughout Indonesia with typical various side dishes in each region.{{cite web |last1=Afrillia |first1=Dian |title=Mengenali Perbedaan Nasi Kuning dari Berbagai Daerah di Indonesia |url=https://www.goodnewsfromindonesia.id/2021/11/07/mengenali-perbedaan-nasi-kuning-dari-berbagai-daerah-di-indonesia |website=goodnewsfromindonesia.id |access-date=17 April 2024 |language=Indonesian}}

• Nasi kuning Ambon – with spicy skipjack tuna, spicy boiled egg, and stir-fried cellophane noodles locally called laksa Ambon.{{cite web |last1=Herwanto |first1=Herwanto |title=Menikmati Kelezatan Nasi Kuning Ambon |url=https://www.kompas.tv/klik360/196493/menikmati-kelezatan-nasi-kuning-ambon |website=kompas.tv |access-date=15 April 2025 |language=Indonesian}}
• Nasi kuning Bali – with chicken betutu and sambal.{{Cite news |last=Tiofani |first=Krisda |date=13 August 2022 |title=Resep Nasi Kuning Khas Bali, Sajikan dengan Ayam Betutu dan Sambal |url=https://www.kompas.com/food/read/2022/08/13/170600575/resep-nasi-kuning-khas-bali-sajikan-dengan-ayam-betutu-dan-sambal |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=Kompas.com}}
• Nasi kuning Banjar – with masak habang side dish including ikan haruan (Snakehead murrel).{{Cite news |last=Wulandari |first=Suci |date=2022-02-13 |title=Resep Nasi Kuning Banjarmasin Lengkap, Kreasi Masakan Nusantara Nikmat |url=https://www.kompas.com/food/read/2022/02/13/213853375/resep-nasi-kuning-banjarmasin-lengkap-kreasi-masakan-nusantara-nikmat |access-date=2025-01-19 |work=KOMPAS.com |language=id}}
• Nasi kuning Betawi – with balado egg, ayam goreng, perkedel, bawang goreng, kerupuk, cucumber, and sambal.{{Cite web |date=2019-08-01 |title=Resep Nasi kuning Betawi |url=https://cookpad.com/id/resep/10028293-nasi-kuning-betawi |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=Cookpad |language=id}}
• Nasi kuning Gorontalo – with chicken broth soup.{{cite web |last1=Azhar |first1=Rosyid A |title=Gunakan Kaldu dan Abon Tuna, Nasi Kuning Gorontalo Mempertahankan Cita Rasa |url=https://travel.kompas.com/read/2016/02/22/084200627/Gunakan.Kaldu.dan.Abon.Tuna.Nasi.Kuning.Gorontalo.Mempertahankan.Cita.Rasa?page=all |website=kompas.com |access-date=15 April 2025 |language=Indonesian}}
• Nasi kuning Jawa – with orek tempe, perkedel, shredded omelette, and ayam goreng.
• Nasi kuning Makassar – with sayur labu siam (chayote soup).{{cite web |last1=Lobubun |first1=Darul Amri |last2=Irham |first2=Muh |title=Lima Nasi Kuning di Makassar yang Enak, Salah Satunya Langganan Mantan Presiden RI |url=https://makassar.tribunnews.com/2019/10/08/lima-nasi-kuning-di-makassar-yang-enak-salah-satunya-langganan-mantan-presiden-ri?page=all |website=tribunnews.com |access-date=17 April 2024 |language=Indonesian}}
• Nasi kuning Manado – with shredded skipjack tuna wrapped in woka (Saribus rotundifolius) leaf.{{Cite news |last1=Wulandari |first1=Suci |last2=Chaniago |first2=Putri |date=2022-08-14 |title=Resep Nasi Kuning Manado, Lengkap dengan Abon Cakalang Bumbu Rica |url=https://www.kompas.com/food/read/2022/08/14/073300975/resep-nasi-kuning-manado-lengkap-dengan-abon-cakalang-bumbu-rica |access-date=2025-01-19 |work=KOMPAS.com |language=id}}
• Nasi kuning Sunda – with ayam goreng, balado egg, fried liver with sambal, bihun goreng and krupuk.{{Cite web |last=Nurmalia |first=Mentari |title=7 Macam Nasi di Sunda, Ragam Kuliner yang Menggugah Selera |url=https://www.detik.com/jabar/kuliner/d-7688189/7-macam-nasi-di-sunda-ragam-kuliner-yang-menggugah-selera |date= 16 December 2024 |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=detikjabar |language=id-ID}}

• Nasi kuning Sabah – with sambal ikan tongkol and kerisik.
• Nasi kuning Terengganu – with gulai ikan tongkol (mackerel tuna).{{Cite web|title=Cara Masak Nasi Kuning Gulai Ikan Tongkol, Gerenti Tak Menyesal Cuba|lang= Malay|date=May 2021|url=https://www.rasa.my/cara-masak-nasi-kuning-gulai-ikan-tongkol-gerenti-tak-menyesal-cuba/}}
• Nasi kunyit Peranakan – with curry.

File:Nasi Kuning Breakfast.jpg|Nasi kuning for breakfast in Indonesia

File:Nasi Kuning Banjar 001.jpg|Nasi kuning Banjar

File:Nasi Kuning Dendeng Khas Banjarmasin.jpg|Nasi kuning with dendeng specialty of Banjarmasin

File:Nasi Kuning Daun Woka.jpg|Manado nasi kuning wrapped in woka leaf

File:Nasi kuning kotak box.jpg|Nasi kuning kotak in paper box in Java

File:Nasi Kuning Tawau.jpg|Nasi kuning served with fish and kerisik in Sabah

{{Portal|Food|Indonesia|Sri Lanka}}

• List of rice dishes
• Java rice
• Nasi bogana
• Nasi campur
• Nasi goreng
• Nasi kucing
• Nasi lemak
• Nasi liwet
• Nasi pecel
• Nasi tim
• Nasi uduk
• Nasi ulam
• Sinigapuna

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/nasi-kuning-yellow-rice/ce4c76e9-7d5e-48d5-a105-cf3bda5e6d1d Nasi Kuning recipe]
• [https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/08/403151/delightful-nasi-kuning]

{{Commonscat|Nasi kuning}}

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Category:Indonesian rice dishes

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