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very 21st of July, Singapore observes Racial Harmony Day—a reminder of how important unity in diversity is to the nation’s story. Schools, communities, and families across the island mark the day with cultural activities, traditional dress, and of course, food.

As a chef who has embraced Singaporean cuisine after moving here from Australia, I’ve learned that food is one of the most powerful connectors. At a hawker centre, you can sit at a table and taste the influences of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and Peranakan heritage all in one meal.

This year, to honour Racial Harmony Day, I created a dish that brings these traditions together in a single bowl—the Nasi Lemak Harmony Bowl.

Why Food Represents Harmony

Food is never just about flavour—it tells a story of migration, community, and adaptation. Consider:

• Malay roots: Nasi Lemak, with its fragrant coconut rice, is considered a national dish.

• Chinese heritage: Poached chicken is central to Singapore’s famous Hainanese Chicken Rice.

• Indian influence: Lentil curries (dhal) provide spice and comfort.

• Eurasian flavours: Pickles (achar) and rich sauces balance the meal.

• Peranakan legacy: Sambal belacan adds that fiery, unmistakable kick.

By bringing them together, we don’t dilute their uniqueness—we celebrate how beautifully they coexist.

🍚 Recipe: Nasi Lemak Harmony Bowl

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Coconut Rice (Malay base):

• 2 cups jasmine rice

• 1 ½ cups coconut milk

• 1 ½ cups water

• 2 pandan leaves, knotted

• 1 tsp salt

Poached Chicken (Chinese touch):

• 2 chicken breasts

• 3 slices ginger

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1 tsp salt

Dhal Curry (Indian influence):

• 1 cup red lentils

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 2 cups water

• Salt to taste

Sides (Eurasian & Peranakan):

• Achar pickles

• Sambal belacan

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved

• Cucumber slices

Instructions

1. Cook the Coconut Rice

   • Rinse rice until water runs clear.

   • Add coconut milk, water, pandan leaves, and salt. Cook in a rice cooker or pot.

2. Poach the Chicken

   • In a pot, bring water, ginger, garlic, and salt to a gentle simmer.

   • Add chicken breasts and poach for 12–15 minutes until cooked through.

   • Slice thinly and set aside.

3. Make the Dhal Curry

   • Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds until fragrant.

   • Stir in onion, garlic, tomatoes, and turmeric. Add lentils.

   • Pour in water, simmer for 20 minutes until creamy. Season with salt.

4. Assemble the Bowl

   • Scoop coconut rice into a bowl.

   • Add sliced poached chicken.

   • Spoon dhal curry on the side.

   • Garnish with achar pickles, sambal belacan, cucumber, and half a boiled egg.

Final Thoughts

The Nasi Lemak Harmony Bowl is more than just a recipe—it’s a story in food form. It celebrates the spirit of Racial Harmony Day by showing how cultures can sit side by side on the same plate, without losing their individuality.

So on 21 July, why not cook this dish at home, share it with friends from different backgrounds, and spark a conversation about what harmony means to you? After all, the best way to celebrate diversity is to enjoy it—bite by bite.

— Chef Gareth John