BERIANI GAM RICE

This traditional dish that is well known in the districts of Muar and Batu Pahat, Johor, is said to have been introduced by the Persian traders to the Indians and Pakistanis who migrated to the Malay Peninsula. The name of the dish, berya(n), originated from the Persian language meaning 'fry' or 'grill'. In Malaysia this dish is given the prefix 'nasi', means rice, such as Nasi Briyani, Nasi Briani, Nasi Beriani or Nasi Minyak.

The type of rice used is basmati cooked with spices, vegetables or meat. Some of the ingredients are ghee, cokmar, basil leaf, mint leaf, ginger, onion, saffron, beef, chicken or mutton, fish and prawn. It is served especially during wedding ceremonies of the Moslem Malays, together with rendang and the drink bandung syrup.