Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-nasi-lemak-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Is Nasi Lemak Vegetarian? (Anchovy Sambal & Fried Anchovies)

Nasi lemak is Malaysia's national dish, coconut rice with a chili sambal on the side. The rice is
vegan, but the sambal and the toppings are where the fish hides. Here is how to order it vegetarian.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Nasi lemak is usually not vegetarian: the sambal is made with anchovies (ikan bilis).
> - It is also topped with crispy fried anchovies and a boiled egg.
> - The coconut rice, cucumber and peanuts are plant-based.
> - Ask for "no ikan bilis" and skip the egg for a vegan version.

**TL;DR: Nasi lemak is usually not vegetarian.** The sambal is traditionally made with anchovies
(ikan bilis) and the dish is topped with crispy fried anchovies and a boiled egg. A vegetarian
version exists, but you must ask for it.

## What's in nasi lemak

Malaysia's national dish is coconut rice served with:

- **Sambal**: chili paste, often cooked with **anchovies (ikan bilis)**.
- **Fried anchovies (ikan bilis goreng)**: crispy little fish.
- **Boiled or fried egg**: vegetarian, not vegan.
- **Cucumber, peanuts**: vegetarian.

The coconut rice itself is vegan. The fish and egg are the non-veg parts.

## The vegetarian version

Ask for **nasi lemak without anchovies** ("no ikan bilis") and **no egg** if you're vegan. Some
eateries make a vegetarian sambal (without anchovies): always confirm, since the sambal is where
the fish usually hides.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Only the anchovy-free version.
- **Vegan?** Same, minus the egg.

See our [Nasi Lemak dish guide](/food/malaysia/nasi-lemak/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*