Palm sugar

Palm sugar is often used in Malaysian and Singaporean cooking, where it is referred to as gula Melaka, and in India, where it is called jaggery. Either way, it is a brownish, natural sugar often sold in a block form, with a deep caramelised taste. You can find the granulated form in most supermarkets, although often sold in very small portions. I suggest buying your palm sugar at an international supermarket, where you can get better value, or using coconut sugar instead, as it has a similarly complex, roasted flavour. Dark brown sugar can also be used.