Sayur Asem
Also known as: sayur asam, tamarind vegetable soup, sour vegetable soup indonesian
What is Sayur Asem?
A refreshing sweet-and-sour Indonesian vegetable soup flavored with tamarind. Common vegetables include corn, chayote, long beans, melinjo leaves, and peanuts, simmered in a light tamarind broth. A popular everyday dish in Javanese and Sundanese cuisine.
Typical Ingredients
Allergen Information
Always confirm with restaurant staff before ordering.
Peanuts are a traditional ingredient. Shrimp paste sometimes added to the broth. Melinjo seeds/leaves are unique to this dish.
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.