This is the Eureka Snack Gourmet Popcorn Nasi Lemak, a gourmet popcorn featuring coconut sweetness, sambal chilli seasoning, fried anchovies and peanuts, inspired by the traditional Malaysian rice dish.
The popcorn consisted of 52% mushroom popcorn, evenly coated in a vibrant red-orange sambal seasoning, alongside 20% fried anchovies and 15% fried peanuts. Aroma opened with sweet-savoury coconut notes.
Initial contact delivered a moderately crisp crunch, although the popcorn could have benefited from a firmer bite. Coconut sweetness emerged immediately, developing into deeper umami through the mid-palate, accompanied by gradually building chilli heat. The spice was relatively mellow across the first few pieces but intensified to formidable levels after several mouthfuls. Chilli distribution varied between pieces, although this did little to diminish the overall heat, which continued to accumulate. While the sambal seasoning provided a noticeable chilli presence, the garlic, shallot, ginger, lemongrass and shrimp paste characteristics could have been more pronounced for a punchier flavour profile. The anchovies contrasted with the softer popcorn crunch, contributing a firmer crispness and rich oceanic saltiness, while the peanuts added complementary warmth and nuttiness.
A touch of acidity could also have helped lift the coconut and sambal combination, bringing it closer to the broader flavour profile of nasi lemak. Nevertheless, the combination was enjoyable and distinctive, making this an unusual but worthwhile souvenir.
Overall, a savoury gourmet popcorn with a coconut-led opening, progressively intensifying chilli heat and contrasting crunchy inclusions, resulting in a distinctive sweet-savoury and oceanic profile. Enjoyable and unusual, although greater aromatic complexity and acidity would have brought the nasi lemak inspiration into sharper focus.
This Eureka Snack Gourmet Popcorn Nasi Lemak contained 94 g. It was produced in Malaysia and received as a gift from acquaintances visiting Malaysia in 2026.