Sambals

There are many styles of coarse chili paste called sambal. Probably originating in Indonesia, it has become a prominent condiment in Malaysian and Singaporean cuisines. Sambal is a broad term that includes many chili-based condiments. The most common ingredients are chilies, garlic, shallots, and sugar. Many also contain shrimp paste, salt, and tamarind. The Indonesian name for pestle is ulek ulek. This is why one of the leading brands coined the name Sambal Ulek Sambal belacan in Malaysia and Singapore also has shrimp paste (belacan) added; it is served as a condiment to soups and noodle dishes such as Hokkien mee.