Nasi Lemak: Malaysia's Iconic Heritage Dish with Amirah Islam

For ages 18 & up

Join Chef Amirah for an engaging culinary journey into one of Malaysia's most beloved and iconic dishes, Nasi Lemak. Meaning "rich" or "fat rice" in Malay, Nasi Lemak originated as a nourishing breakfast for the farmers and fishermen of the Malay Peninsula. Fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves was traditionally served alongside spicy sambal, crispy ikan bilis (anchovies), roasted peanuts, and fresh cucumber, providing the sustenance needed for long days of hard work.

Over time, this humble meal evolved into something far greater. What was once a simple breakfast wrapped in banana leaves has become Malaysia's national dish, enjoyed throughout the day and cherished by people from every community and generation. Today, Nasi Lemak is recognized as part of Malaysia's Intangible Cultural Heritage and serves as a powerful symbol of Malaysian identity, tradition, and home.

Chef Amirah will share the history, flavors, and techniques behind this treasured dish while exploring the cultural stories that have helped make Nasi Lemak a beloved staple around the world. Whether you're discovering Malaysian cuisine for the first time or reconnecting with familiar flavors, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the rich culinary heritage behind every bite.

ABOUT CHEF AMIRAH:

Chef Amirah Islam is a Bangladesh-raised chef, culinary educator, and storyteller whose passion for food was shaped by generations of family traditions, vibrant cultural celebrations, and the rich culinary heritage of South Asia. Growing up surrounded by daily family meals and festive gatherings, she developed a deep appreciation for the way food preserves history, strengthens community, and connects people across generations.

As the winner of Top Chef Amateurs, Chef Amirah has established herself as a leading voice for South Asian cuisine in Austin and beyond, sharing her expertise through cooking classes, events, and social media. Her approach to cooking goes beyond recipes, focusing on the stories, traditions, and cultural significance behind every dish. Chef Amirah believes that food is a powerful form of communication, and she is passionate about helping others understand the ingredients, techniques, and histories that shape the cuisines she loves.

Through her work, Chef Amirah celebrates the diversity and depth of South Asian food culture while inspiring others to explore new flavors, embrace culinary traditions, and appreciate the meaningful connections that food creates around the table.

For ages 18 & up. 21 or older? You'll enjoy a glass of wine with your meal.

Registrants are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes since you will be working in the kitchen.

• Ayam Goreng Berempah - chicken marinated in aromatic spices such as lemongrass, galangal & candlenut and then fried in a curry leaf and chilli-infused oil
• Sambal Udang - whole prawns tossed in a bold, deeply spiced sambal built on tamarind, lemongrass and bird's eye chilli
• Kangkung Belacan - stri-fried water spinach with garlic and fried shrimp
• Nasi Lemak Bunga Telang - jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk, pandan and butterfly blue flower
• Cendol - shaved ice with pandan rice flour jellies, coconut milk and dark plum sugar syrup

Safety & Precautions

• At check-in, you will be asked to sign a waiver before entering the Cooking School.

• For that reason, we ask that all attendees arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the confirmed start time of the class.

For more information about our classes, please click on the links below:

Find FAQs about our in-store classes here.

Find FAQs about your private classes here.