#NSTviral: Netizens divided on latest culinary innovation, 'Nasi Lemak Durian'

KUALA LUMPUR: "Nasi Lemak Durian" has drawn mixed reactions from netizens, divided as to whether the national dish should be paired with the king of fruits.

A video from KL Foodie showed the nasi lemak being paired with the usual condiments - half of a boiled egg, some cucumber, fried anchovies, sambal, together with a single durian pulp.

Among the durian varieties being served with the nasi lemak include Musang King, XO, Blackthorn, and Tekka, and can be found at a restaurant called In Between X Briyani Mak in Titiwangsa.

Some have defended the pairing, and said it was just like eating rice with tempoyak, or fermented durian pulp.

"It's not weird to eat (rice) with durian. Then what about budu (a salty, tangy sauce made from fermented anchovies and spices) and durian?

"Just take it as a dessert after eating the nasi lemak," commented Mohd Khairil Mahamad.

Another netizen, Shamsul Rizal, said it would also be delicious to pair durian with rice along with chicken or beef curry, and a chilli sambal.

Others were more critical of the unlikely combo.

Prakash Kaash said people would come up with even weirder combinations in the future.

"Next will be banana leaf rice with durian varuval… and durian juice."

Mohd Khairi Kasri, meanwhile, said the nasi lemak would be best paired with bambangan, a type of wild mango found in Borneo.

Echoing his suggestion, Azmil Melz said: "At least bambangan is sweet and sour, but durian?"

Facebook user Shamini GK, too, disagreed with the combination.

"Some things you just should not mix… this is one of it," she said.