By Atiqah

In the past, this dish was served on a huge round plate called “dulang”. A generous amount of rice is placed in the centre of a “dulang” or large platter which is lined with banana leaves. This serving is normally shared by a group of four to eight people. It is also normally eaten by hand and the standard practice is to sit around the platter on a mat. This is why Nasi Ambeng is also known as a communal dish or the “togetherness” rice. However, it is rare to see Nasi Ambeng being served on “dulang” in these days.

During the good old days, the leftovers were packed in “takir” which was made of banana leaves. But presently, leftovers are usually packed in plastic containers instead.

History has it that Nasi Ambeng was used by husbands to prove to their jealous wives that they were at a kenduri and not at any other place.