KUALA LUMPUR: We Malaysians love our nasi lemak – and apparently, so does Google (who can blame them?), as it is celebrating the local delicacy in its latest doodle.
Debuting at midnight last night, the doodle is accompanied by a 40-second animated video clip, entitled ‘Celebrating Nasi Lemak’.
The doodle features the dish on a banana leaf and a plate, with a batik-themed floral design in the background (another tribute to Malaysian heritage). Creatively positioned in between are the ‘GOOGLE’ letters.
‘Wrapping up’ the doodle (just like a nasi lemak bungkus) is melodic, traditional music (Google really got this right – all the ingredients make up a wholesome meal).
The clip features all the elements needed to make this famous dish, from the basic preparation of rice and coconut milk, to pandan leaves, anchovies, peanuts, cucumbers, onions, boiled eggs, and sambal among others (are you already craving nasi lemak?).
It also shows the different side-dishes served, including fried chicken, fried eggs and fish (Oh, there’s a beef rendang version too. The mention of rendang brings to mind Zaleha Kadir Olpin, the MasterChef UK contestant. Sorry, nothing crispy here, just a big shout out to Zaleha, we are so proud of you!).
Adding on to the doodle (no, not nasi tambah), Google explains the origin of the dish’s name, linking it to a legend in which the daughter of a widow named Mak Kuntum accidentally spills coconut milk into a rice pot.
When she asks her daughter “What did you cook?”, she replies… “Nasi le, Mak!” (Rice, mother!).
However you enjoy your nasi lemak, one thing is for sure – we all love the dish (Hmm… when you think about it, multi-racial Malaysians are just like each ingredient of the dish, and when put together, we are formidable combination).
This is not the first time Google has featured a Malaysia-themed doodle. Previous doodles have highlighted local festive celebrations, general elections and icons (including Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Mokhtar Dahari and Yasmin Ahmad).
Now with all that feel good factor, time to eat that nasi lemak (sambal power please!) and don’t forget to exercise!