KENAPA NASI PADANG ADA DIMANA-MANA? SEJARAH NASI PADANG

Summary

Nasi Padang, a famous dish from West Sumatra, has a rich history tied to the region’s culture of migration, known as Merantau. The culinary tradition began in the 19th century and became popular in Indonesia and beyond, especially after the PRRI rebellion. Padang restaurants, originally catering to travelers and the elite, spread across the world due to migration and the changing identity of the Minangkabau people. Today, Nasi Padang is enjoyed by people of all social classes, with around 20,000 Padang restaurants in Indonesia alone, offering a taste of the Minangkabau heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nasi Padang, a traditional dish from West Sumatra, is widely known across Indonesia and features rendang, which was ranked the world's tastiest food.
• 😀 Nasi Padang is popular not only in Padang but also in other areas of West Sumatra, like Bukittinggi, Solok, Pariaman, and Payakumbuh.
• 😀 The majority of Padang restaurant owners are men, due to the Minangkabau tradition of men migrating (merantau) to other areas for work.
• 😀 The term 'Nasi Padang' became popular in the 1960s, replacing earlier names like 'kedai nasi' or 'kedai Los Lambung.'
• 😀 During the Dutch colonial era, Padang became a central hub for trade, and rest stops along major roads served as the origins of Padang restaurants.
• 😀 In 1937, a Padang restaurant in Cirebon advertised in a Batavia newspaper, signaling the spread of Minangkabau cuisine beyond its region.
• 😀 After the PRRI (Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia) rebellion ended in 1961, Minangkabau people began migrating to other parts of Indonesia, changing their identity and using the name 'Padang' for their cuisine.
• 😀 The tradition of 'merantau' (migration) is deeply embedded in Minangkabau culture, with young men leaving home to build their future, contributing to the spread of Nasi Padang.
• 😀 Nasi Padang was originally an elite dish eaten at restaurants, but over time it became a takeout food that families would purchase in large portions to share at home.
• 😀 Nasi Padang is claimed to taste best in Padang, due to differences in ingredients, cooking techniques, and local preferences. The dish has expanded globally, reaching countries like the USA, Australia, and Singapore.

Q & A

What is Nasi Padang, and why is it so popular in Indonesia?

Nasi Padang is a traditional dish from West Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its variety of dishes, particularly Rendang, which was ranked the world's most delicious food. It is available in nearly every corner of Indonesia, making it highly popular.

Where does the name 'Nasi Padang' come from?

The name 'Nasi Padang' originates from Padang, the capital city of West Sumatra. However, it also refers to the cuisine from the broader Minangkabau region, including places like Bukittinggi, Solok, and Pariaman.

What role does the tradition of 'Merantau' play in the spread of Nasi Padang?

The tradition of 'Merantau' (migration) played a significant role in the spread of Nasi Padang, as many Minangkabau men migrated for work and brought their cuisine to other regions in Indonesia and beyond.

How did Nasi Padang evolve in terms of restaurant naming?

Originally, Minangkabau restaurants were called 'kedai nasi' or 'Los Lambung,' but in the late 1960s, the term 'Rumah Makan Padang' became popular as a more contemporary name for these establishments.

What historical event contributed to the spread of Nasi Padang outside West Sumatra?

The PRRI (Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia) rebellion in the late 1950s and the subsequent exodus of Minangkabau people to other parts of Indonesia, especially Java, contributed to the widespread presence of Nasi Padang outside West Sumatra.

Why do some people claim Nasi Padang tastes better in Padang than elsewhere?

Many Minangkabau people believe that Nasi Padang tastes better in Padang due to local preferences, differences in spices, and the traditional cooking methods unique to the region.

What is the significance of 'porsi lebih banyak' in Nasi Padang?

The tradition of serving Nasi Padang with larger portions, especially in take-out form, began as a way to provide meals for entire families, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the food at home.

What were the early forms of Nasi Padang restaurants like?

Early Nasi Padang restaurants were small, often set up under tents or makeshift structures, resembling traditional food stalls that served Minangkabau cuisine to travelers and locals.

How did the colonial era influence the development of Nasi Padang?

During the Dutch colonial period, Padang became an administrative and economic hub, leading to the establishment of roadside inns and food stalls where people could rest and eat, marking the beginnings of Nasi Padang restaurants.

How widespread is Nasi Padang outside of Indonesia?

Nasi Padang has spread internationally to countries such as the United States, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Qatar, with a growing presence in major cities worldwide.