Nasi Lemak as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Nasi Lemak is absolutely in that category. The fragrant and layered quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. sambal belacan paste does work that no substitute can replicate.

Singapore's hawker culture was inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020. There's something about the a hawker centre context that reinforces the comfort effect. Tiger beer alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.