Nasi tim ayam
(Nasi tim, Nasi tim ayam jamur)
Nasi tim ayam is a comforting and beloved Indonesian dish consisting of steamed savory chicken over soft, seasoned rice, often served warm in an individual bowl. The word “nasi” means rice, “tim” refers to the steaming method, and “ayam” means chicken.
This dish is especially popular among Chinese-Indonesian communities and is commonly found in family kitchens, street food stalls, and traditional warungs. It’s often seen as a nurturing, easy-to-digest meal — frequently given to children, the elderly, or anyone recovering from illness because of its soft texture and mild, comforting flavors.
Nasi tim ayam is usually made by layering a bowl with savory chicken and mushrooms in a soy-based sauce, then topping it with seasoned rice. The entire bowl is then steamed, allowing the flavors to meld together. When ready to serve, the bowl is flipped upside down onto a plate, revealing the glistening chicken topping the mound of warm rice beneath. Read more
It’s often accompanied by a light chicken broth on the side, and sometimes garnished with fried shallots, scallions, or hard-boiled egg slices. The flavor profile is savory and lightly sweet, with umami notes from soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and mushrooms — usually shiitake or Chinese black mushrooms.
While traditionally made with chicken, some variations include pork, Chinese sausage, or even salted egg.
