Named after its place of origin, nasi Pandang is an Indonesian combination of rice (nasi) and an assortment of traditional Pandang dishes. Considered more of a meal or a style of eating than a dish, nasi Padang can be served as hidangor — when the server typically brings rice and dozens of dishes — or as pesan, where customers are served rice on a plate and then choose which dishes they want to put directly on top.

While the first option is usually found at sit-down restaurants, the latter is typical for various street stalls. The extensive list of dishes that accompany rice in nasi Padang includes gulai curries, beef rendang, and a variety of boiled, fried, or grilled dishes, as well as snacks that may employ vegetables, seafood, or meat, and are usually characterized by the generous use of spices and herbs, especially fresh chilis.

Nowadays, nasi Padang has become a popular option throughout the country. Interestingly, it is believed that nasi padang inspired the Indonesian-Dutch dish rijsttafel, developed during the Dutch colonial era.