Nasi Dhal Tok Det

It was my Birthday last month. My children asked their Abah to buy me a cookbook because they know how much I love collecting cookbooks. The cookbook they bought me was Selera Perdana by Habibah Yahaya and Fadillah Yakin. I eyed this cookbook for some time but with the price of RM200+ I balked at buying it. This book features the 4 Former Malaysian Prime Ministers, the recipes of dishes they like to eat or serve at Seri Perdana, the Official Residence of The Prime Minister and also a lot of recipes from the former housekeeper of Seri Perdana.

The first recipe I tried was the Nasi Dal featured in Tun Mahathir Mohamad's section. As my husband 's family is from Kedah (one of the nothern states of Malaysia) and also related to Tok Det (as he is familiarly called), I thought it was appropriate that I tried this recipe first.

From the photo, you can see that photography is very well done. Most of the ingredients are listed and photographed in the opening pages. There are kitchen hints and tips included too.

Each section features a particular Prime Minister, his history and contribution, food and lifestyle. There are excerpts of interviews of people close to him and also a section of his favourite recipes.

All proceeds of the sale of the book goes to charity particularly to assist single mothers.

Following is my attempt to try out the recipe:


Garlic, onion, ginger, cinammon stick, cardamom, cloves, screwpine leaves, coconut milk and lemon grass.


Basmati Rice and dhal soaked for 15 minute with a little bit of tumeric.


Sautee the garlic, onion, spices and lemongrass in a little oil and ghee until fragrant.

Add the drained rice and dhal with the screwpine leaves. Coat the grains with the oil.

Pour everything into the innerpot of a rice cooker. Add water and coconut milk. Salt to taste. Switch on the rice cooker and leave it to cook.

Viola! Nasi Dhal Tok Det... Really nice with Daging Masak Hitam, a nothern beef dish which you can find in some good Mamak Restaurants. It would be nicer if I had some fried shallots.

Verdict? Hubby and daughter loved it. Redza picked out the dhal and put it on the side.