Sambal
Also known as: sambal terasi, sambal oelek, sambal matah, sambal tomat, indonesian chili sauce
What is Sambal?
Indonesia's iconic chili condiment, traditionally made by grinding chili peppers and salt in a mortar. Hundreds of regional varieties exist, from raw sambal matah to cooked sambal terasi (with shrimp paste). Served alongside virtually every meal.
Typical Ingredients
Allergen Information
Always confirm with restaurant staff before ordering.
Many varieties contain shrimp paste (terasi), which contains shellfish. Kecap manis (soy) sometimes added. Always ask which type of sambal is served.
Safer Variations
Allergen-friendly alternatives to ask for.
Questions to Ask Staff
Important questions to confirm with restaurant staff.
More Indonesian Dishes
Kaledo
A spicy beef bone soup from Palu, Central Sulawesi. Large beef bones with marrow are served in a clear, aromatic broth. Diners use a straw to extract the rich bone marrow — a central part of the eating experience.
Sate Babi
Pork satay popular in Bali and Chinese-Indonesian communities. Marinated pork pieces are grilled on skewers and served with a sweet soy or peanut sauce. Unlike most Indonesian satay, this version uses pork and is not halal.
Sate Ponorogo
A regional satay from Ponorogo, East Java, with distinctively broad, flat chicken slices (not cubes) on skewers. The meat absorbs the marinade deeply through its larger surface area. Served with a rich peanut sauce specific to the Ponorogo style.
Nasi Timbel
A Sundanese rice dish where steamed rice is wrapped in banana leaf, giving it a distinctive aroma. Served as a set meal with fried chicken, sambal, tempeh, tofu, lalapan (raw vegetables), and sayur asem. A complete West Javanese meal.
Acar
A traditional Indonesian mixed vegetable pickle. Cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and long beans are cut into strips and pickled in a lightly sweet vinegar brine with chili and sliced shallots. Served as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled and fried dishes.
Good for These Diets
Based on this dish's typical allergen profile, it may be suitable for:
Important Disclaimer
Allergen information is based on typical recipes and may vary by restaurant, region, or preparation method. Always confirm with restaurant staff before ordering.