Nasi lemak is healthy breakfast, says TIME magazine

No one can say no to a plate of steaming hot Nasi lemak, a favourite dish among Malaysians from all walks of life.

But time and time again, we have been warned about the high calories in the dish. In fact, the complete Nasi lemak dish is said to have at least 500 calories.

However, thanks to TIME Magazine, now Malaysians have more reasons to indulge in their favourite Nasi lemak dish.

In an article titled, “10 Healthy International Breakfasts,” the magazine placed Nasi lemak at number nine on the list.

While admitting that the rice cooked in coconut milk and garnished with roasted peanuts, cucumbers, hard boiled eggs, fried anchovies and spicy sambal sauce as a dish that contains fat, it also said that the dish is ‘balanced’ with other key nutrients.

“Yes, there’s a bit more fat than is good for you (eat less rice to reduce), but it’s balanced with lots of manganese, protein, and carbs.

“The chili in the sambal also boosts the metabolism (depending which nutritionist you talk to),” according to the article on Tuesday.

The number one dish on the list is from Turkey, which features ingredients such as olives, tomato, white cheese and parsley.

South India’s Upma, described as a ‘thick concoction made from dry roasted semolina infused with green chillis, cilantro and turmeric’, also made the list.