Nasi padang

Nasi Pandang, named after its origin, is an Indonesian combination of rice (nasi) and a variety of traditional Pandang dishes. Nasi Padang, which is more of a meal or a way of eating than a dish, can be served as hidangor (when the server typically brings rice and dozens of dishes) or pesan (when customers are served rice on a plate and then choose which dishes to put directly on top).

While the first option is more common in sit-down restaurants, the latter is more common in various street stalls. The extensive list of dishes that accompany rice in nasi Padang includes gulai curries, beef rendang, and a variety of boiled, fried, or grilled dishes, as well as snacks that may use vegetables, seafood, or meat and are usually distinguished by the liberal use of spices and herbs, particularly fresh chilis.

Nowadays, nasi Padang is a popular dish all over the country. Surprisingly, it is thought that nasi padang influenced the Indonesian-Dutch dish rijsttafel, which was developed during the Dutch colonial era.