velvet escape’s Culinary Journey: Air Asia
What: Nasi lemak
Where: On board most Air Asia flights
Note: Nasi lemak is a traditional Malaysian dish (some call it the national dish). Nasi lemak literally means ‘creamy rice’. The rice is soaked in coconut milk and cooked. Knots of pandan leaves are added for a wonderful flavour and scent. The rice is served with ikan bilis (deep fried anchovies), cucumber slices, roasted peanuts, hard boiled egg, sambal (a spicy sauce) and beef or chicken rendang (beef or chicken stewed in coconut milk and spices). The result is spicy bliss! 
Nasi lemak has quickly become Air Asia’s unofficial signature dish and is served on most flights. It costs a few dollars and is served in an aluminium foil tray. The dish may not look pretty but it’s arguably one of the tastiest dishes in the sky!
About Air Asia
Air Asia is one of the largest low-fare airlines in the world and was recently chosen by SkyTrax as the world’s best budget airline. Air Asia has a fleet of brand new Airbus planes and operates an extensive network across Southeast Asia with hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Baru, (in Malaysia); Bangkok (Thailand); Jakarta and Bali (in Indonesia). The route network also includes a variety of cities in China, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Australia. Air Asia X (the long-haul sister airline) operates services to China, Australia and London. Rumour has it that the USA (San Francisco Bay Area), South Korea and Japan are next on the list.
Read more Culinary Journey articles:
- Kuala Lumpur
- Cala Sant Viçenc
- Palma de Mallorca
- Whitsunday islands
- Amsterdam
- Hamburg
- Punta Arenas
- Easter island
- Portland
- Valparaiso
I agree. The food is great on Air Asia. And good value too.
Beware of their extra charges for booking with credit cards though.
I only need one portion!
I seriously do not know how you manage to stay so slim! LOL! 
you need to eat TWO portions before you feel anything;)
Thank you Mimi for your comment and tip. If you pre-book, you get your food faster as well as the first meal service is only for those who have pre-booked. So, pre-booking is cheaper, you’re guaranteed your nasi lemak fix and you get it faster too!
Cheers,
Keith
I agree! The nasi lemak on AirAsia indeed tastes great. Too bad the serving size is quite small. And they run out of nasi lemak very quickly. So if you’re flying AirAsia, better pre-book your meals to make sure you get your AirAsia nasi lemak fix, plus you get a 20% discount online.
Hi Mindy,
Thanks for the comment. I have great news for you. They’ve done away with the free seating practice. Everyone is allocated a seat now. If you pay a bit extra, you can even choose your own seat (like up front or near the emergency doors for more legroom).
Cheers,
Keith
So glad you highlighted Air Asia — I love flying with them. The nasi lemak is one very good reason! I have to say it is probably the best food I have ever eaten on any airline (not counting meals in business class).
I am not in love with the rush for free seating on Air Asia flights — sometimes the big families can be very rude, as you probably know. But otherwise, the planes are clean and new, the flight attendants are very polite and professional, and the fares are fantastic! I have flown Air Asia between KL and Bali, Phnom Penh, and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as Kuching and Miri.