This is a traditional Javanese food that is very popular in Malaysia. What make it interesting is the way to eat it. It's served in a big plate call 'DULANG' on top of banana leaf to add extra aroma. The rice, vege , fried chicken and others (such as fried noodle) are serve together in the dulang and if you can see closely from the picture (the one that I'd have last few months) the fried noodle is arrange in 4 direction which indicates to be eaten 4 person in a group or DULANG.
Nasi Ambeng is a very good example of a delicacy that not only come with a wonderful taste but it gets people together. Sharing the food in one big plate give the opportunity to do more than eating that is socializing and it works...Although one might find it a little big uncomfortable.
If you've eaten Nasi Ambeng in a true traditional way you might agree with me but if you have not experienced it you should ASAP then only you can understand what I'm talking about.
RIZAL
5 comments:
It is unhygienic to eat collectively. It would be better to ask for separate plates and spoons, so that food could be consume separately. Extra spoon should be place on the main dulang.
I would not eat in one dulang/plate and never ever teach my kids to do that. It is simply unhygienic.
Have a nice day.
dah jadik blog makan2 ni..
Dear Rizal
Does Ambeng means sharing? Or togetherness?
bro,
me agree with pak idrus.not really hygienic.sorry for jawa people yaa..it just that some people did not used to eat this way.
by the way,it was a good tradition to keep.
The real culture is not to eat the nasi together. Those who attend any kenduri served by nasi ambeng just have to taste. It will be divided into 4 parts for them to bring it back for their family at home. Javanese called it "Berkat".
It is a very symbolic culture for us:
1. When we prepare the food - the people at our neigbourhood will help. They call it 'rewang'
2. The food served in the dulang not to be eaten but to be tasted by those who attend the kenduri. Normally only male attend the kenduri.
3. They will not eat the nasi because they remember those at home. The nasi must be shared together.
4. If you to eat the nasi, divide the nasi and lauk pauk to 4 parts and eat only yours. We do not mixed all of them.
Hygienic or not is not an issue. It is a symbol of unity. We share means we care.
- anak jawa -
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