Authentic Nasi Dagang from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian main dish with step-by-step cooking instructions

Nasi Dagang: Terengganu Rice

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

Fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk with fenugreek seeds, served with fish curry and pickled vegetables. A beloved breakfast dish from the east coast of the Malay Peninsula.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
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Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 400 g jasmine rice
  • 200 ml thick coconut milk
  • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (halba)
  • 2 pandan leaves, knotted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Fish curry: 500 g tuna or mackerel, 200 ml coconut milk, spice paste, turmeric, tamarind
  • Pickles (pickled vegetables): cucumber, carrot, onion, chili in vinegar and sugar

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Soak rice for 30 minutes. Drain.
  2. Fry fenugreek seeds until fragrant. Add coconut milk, pandan, salt, and rice.
  3. Cook rice until fluffy and all liquid is absorbed.
  4. Prepare fish curry: cook fish in spiced coconut milk gravy with turmeric and tamarind.
  5. Mato pickles: julienne vegetables and toss with vinegar, sugar, and salt.
  6. Mound rice on plate, top with fish curry and pickles.
  7. Garnish with fried shallots and fresh herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nasi Dagang: Terengganu Rice?

Fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk with fenugreek seeds, served with fish curry and pickled vegetables. A beloved breakfast dish from the east coast of the Malay Peninsula.

Where does Nasi Dagang: Terengganu Rice come from?

Nasi Dagang: Terengganu Rice originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

Is Nasi Dagang: Terengganu Rice difficult to make?

Nasi Dagang: Terengganu Rice requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

Can I use light coconut milk for Nasi Dagang: Terengganu Rice?

While light coconut milk can be used, the traditional recipe calls for thick coconut milk (santan kental) for authentic richness and flavor.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Nasi Dagang: Terengganu Rice?

The spiciness can be easily adjusted by modifying the amount of chili peppers. For milder versions, reduce or omit the bird's eye chilies (cabe rawit).

How do I store leftover Nasi Dagang: Terengganu Rice?

Store leftover Nasi Dagang: Terengganu Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team

This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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