1-Step 1: Soak the rice Rinse the rice well, then soak it in water for several hours. This softens the grains and helps the rice absorb the coconut milk during steaming. For purple glutinous rice, soak it a little longer if needed because the grains are denser than white rice.

2-Step 2: Start the first steaming stage Drain the soaked rice and place it in a steaming tray or heat-safe bowl. Mix it with part of the coconut milk, the sliced shallots, and the fenugreek seeds. Steam until the rice is half-cooked. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the rice type and steamer.

3-Step 3: Add more coconut milk Remove the rice from the steamer and fluff it lightly. Add more coconut milk and mix gently so the grains stay separate. Return the rice to the steamer and cook again until the rice turns creamy and fully tender. The final texture should be moist, fragrant, and slightly sticky, not dry.

4-Step 4: Cook the fish curry While the rice finishes steaming, prepare the curry. Place the tuna or chosen protein in a pot with coconut milk, bruised lemongrass, ginger, chilli paste, and turmeric. Simmer over medium-low heat until the fish is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir gently so the fish pieces stay intact. If you are using chicken or prawns, adjust the cooking time so the protein is fully cooked but still tender.

5-Step 5: Fry the shaved coconut Heat a dry pan over medium heat and add the shaved coconut with some sliced shallots. Stir often until the coconut turns golden brown and smells nutty. Watch closely because it can brown fast. This fried topping gives the dish one of its signature textures.

6-Step 6: Make the pickled vegetables Place the cucumber, carrots, and chilli in a bowl. Add rice vinegar and sugar, then toss everything together. Let the vegetables sit while you finish the rest of the recipe. The pickles do not need a long soak, but even a short rest helps the flavor settle.

7-Step 7: Prepare the eggs and optional garnishes Slice the hard-boiled eggs and set them aside. If you want a stronger finish, prepare sambal or use regional additions like herb-boiled eggs or a spicy creamy gravy. These extra items are not required, but they are useful when serving Nasi Dagang for guests or a festive meal.

8-Step 8: Assemble and serve Spoon the coconut rice onto plates, add the fish curry alongside or on top, then arrange the sliced eggs, pickled vegetables, and fried coconut around the rice. Serve hot so the curry and rice stay fragrant. The best Nasi Dagang plate has creamy rice, rich curry, a sharp pickle, and a crisp topping all in one serving.