Bungkus

Bungkus is a term from Malay and Indonesian languages meaning wrapped or a wrapped item. In everyday use it can refer to a parcel or package. In culinary contexts, bungkus is used to describe food that is prepared for takeaway by wrapping it, typically in banana leaves or paper. The most well-known example is nasi bungkus, a dish consisting of steamed rice wrapped with accompanying components such as vegetables and protein to form a portable meal.

Nasi bungkus is a staple in street food and casual dining across Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The fillings vary by region and vendor, but common elements include a portion of rice, a protein, vegetables, and a sauce or sambal. Wrapping materials often include banana leaves for aroma and heat retention, though paper and plastic wrappers are also used in modern settings.

Packaging and presentation emphasize portability and convenience, enabling meals to be eaten on the go. The practice reflects broader Southeast Asian food culture that values quick, affordable, and shareable meals sold by street vendors and small eateries. Beyond its culinary sense, bungkus can also appear in phrases describing wrapped gifts or parcels, illustrating its broad sense of “wrapped” beyond food.

Overall, bungkus denotes both the act of wrapping and the resulting wrapped item, with nasi bungkus serving as the most prominent cultural example in the region.