Nasi uduk () is an Indonesian style steamed rice cooked in coconut milk dish, especially popular in Betawi cuisine.
Etymology
The Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia describes nasi uduk as rice cooked with coconut milk and seasoned with spices.
According to the book Kuliner Betawi Selaksa Rasa & Cerita (2016) written by Akademi Kuliner Indonesia, the term uduk etymology derived from the term that means "difficult" or "struggle", which suggested that this rice dish was originally consumed by farmers and hard labourers.
Another theory suggests that the term uduk is related to the term aduk which means "mix", thus nasi uduk means "mixed rice".
On the other hand, some people connected the etymology to the Javanese traditions. Sultan Agung of Mataram called this rice dish wuduk, from Arabic word tawadhu''' which means being humble before God. Depending on the dialect used, it can be referred to as uduk or wuduk in Javanese. When a reference to its taste is made, it's called sega gurih (lit. savory rice).
History
According to the book Makanan Khas Betawi (2018) by Lilly T. Erwin, nasi uduk is a Betawi food that is quite popular and easy to find in almost all corners of Jakarta. Despite its current popularity in Jakarta area, historian suggested that the origin of this rice dish can be traced from the influence of two culinary traditions; Malay and Javanese.
According to historians, there was historic trade and migration links connecting the port of Malacca and the port of Batavia, thus Malay traders and immigrants frequently visited Batavia, thus they brought nasi lemak cooking tradition into Batavia. Plus, there was Javanese settlers in Batavia that also familiar in cooking coconut rice. Moreover, after the fall of Portuguese Malacca to the Dutch in 1641, the link between two port cities were enforced tremendously since finally both belongs to the Dutch empire. The trace of the Malay people migration from Malay Peninsula and Sumatra into Batavia can be seen in the historic name of Kampung Melayu area in East Jakarta.
On the other hand, some historian suggested that nasi uduk was originated from Java. It was a brainchild of Sultan Agung of Mataram, aJavanese ruler, inspired by his experience consuming kebuli rice. According to Babad Tanah Jawi, Mataram sultans loved to eat "Arabic rice", which may refer to different types of pilaf or Arab-style rice. The phrase is often translated to kebuli (popular among Arabic descents in Indonesia) or biryani (an Indian Muslims dish) as these two dishes are the most commonly known among Javanese Muslims. Sultan Agung decided to create a local version of this "Arab dish" using local ingredients, partly to reduce the imported ingredients required to make that dish.
Soon, sega uduk became a part of syarat (mandatory dish) in Javanese syukuran or "gratitude" ceremonies, often called banca'an (alternative spelling: bancakan) or slametan. Sega uduk can be found in a berkat, Berkat is a food package distributed during a slametan. a food package (usually contains rice, veggies, and side dishes), or served as a tumpeng, to be distributed after the ceremony. Sega uduk also becomes a required dish to be served during Wiwitan, a Javanese pre-harvest ritual.Uduk was introduced to Batavia by Javanese migrants in 1628, and later become popular dish in this region. Betawi people who sell this dish will often add a Betawi touch by adding semur jengkol. Uduk is also popular among Javanese diasporas in Suriname and the Netherlands.Nasi uduk is made by cooking rice soaked in coconut milk instead of water, along with clove, cassia bark, and lemongrass to add aroma. Sometimes knotted pandan leaves are thrown into the rice while steaming to enhance the fragrance. The coconut milk and spices infused an oily, rich flavour to the rice. Bawang goreng (fried shallots) is sprinkled on top of the rice before serving. Other dishes are usually served as side dishes.
Depending on the occasion, uduk can be served "berkat style" in a woven bamboo box, wrapped in teak or banana leaves, or served as a large cone on a tampah (a rounded bamboo platter) as a tumpeng.
Recently, nasi uduk is also offered in McDonald's fast food chains in Indonesia. It is coconut rice served with sambal terasi, scrambled egg, bawang goreng (fried shallot), and completed with shredded fried chicken.
Side dishes
For certain rituals or ceremonies, uduk is usually served with traditional Javanese dishes like kering tempe, urap vegetables, and sambel goreng (kentang/potato, krechek/cow's skin, teri/anchovy, etc.). Humble protein sources, such as, a hard boiled egg, fried tempeh, or fried tofu, can also be included in the package.