6 Types of Indonesian Sambal You Should Know
When it comes to Indonesian cuisine, few condiments are as iconic as sambal.
More than just a chili paste, sambal is an essential part of everyday meals across the Indonesian archipelago. With hundreds of regional variations, each sambal reflects local ingredients, traditions, and flavour preferences. Some are fresh and citrusy, while others are rich, smoky, or deeply savoury.
Here are six popular Indonesian sambals worth knowing.
1. Sambal Matah 🌿
Originating from Bali, Sambal Matah is known for its fresh and vibrant flavour.
Unlike many cooked sambals, Sambal Matah is made using raw ingredients such as shallots, lemongrass, chili, and lime. The result is a bright, aromatic sambal that pairs beautifully with seafood, grilled chicken, and eggs.
Its refreshing character makes it one of Indonesia's most distinctive sambals.
Our Sambal Matah captures the fresh and vibrant flavours of this Balinese classic, making it an easy way to add a burst of flavour to seafood, rice bowls, and everyday meals. 🌿✨
2. Sambal Terasi/Belacan 🦐
Sambal Terasi is one of Indonesia's most iconic sambals.
Made with fermented shrimp paste, known as terasi in Indonesia or belacan in Singapore and Malaysia, this sambal delivers a deep savoury flavour and rich umami profile. It is commonly served alongside vegetables, grilled fish, fried rice, and many traditional Indonesian dishes.
Our Sambal Belacan is inspired by this classic flavour profile, combining the rich umami of fermented shrimp paste with the bold heat of chilies. 🌶️
3. Sambal Ijo 🫑
A staple in Padang cuisine, Sambal Ijo is easily recognised by its vibrant green colour.
Made with green chilies and aromatic spices, it offers a gentler heat compared to many red sambals while still delivering plenty of flavour. Its earthy and slightly smoky character makes it a popular accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, and Padang-style dishes.
At Honshitsu, we use Sambal Ijo as the base for our Sambal Cumi, combining its distinctive green chili flavour with squid to create a rich, savoury sambal with a unique Nusantara twist. 🦑🌶️
4. Sambal Balado 🔥
Originating from West Sumatra, Sambal Balado is known for its rich and bold flavour.
The sambal is typically cooked, allowing the ingredients to develop a deeper and more concentrated taste. It is commonly used in dishes such as telur balado, fish, potatoes, and chicken.
Its balance of spice and savouriness has made it a favourite throughout Indonesia.
5. Sambal Tomat 🍅
Sambal Tomat combines chilies and tomatoes to create a sambal that is both vibrant and approachable.
The addition of tomatoes brings a natural sweetness and tanginess that balances the heat from the chilies. This makes Sambal Tomat a versatile option that pairs well with grilled foods, rice dishes, and everyday meals.
Our Sambal Tomat highlights the natural sweetness of tomatoes balanced with the heat of chilies, making it a delicious companion for a wide variety of dishes. 🍅🌶️
6. Sambal Bawang 🌶️
Simple yet powerful, Sambal Bawang is beloved for its bold flavour.
Made primarily with chilies and shallots, it delivers a fiery kick while retaining a savoury aroma. It is commonly enjoyed with fried chicken, rice, eggs, and other comfort foods.
Our Sambal Bawang celebrates this beloved Indonesian classic, delivering the bold combination of chilies and shallots that makes simple meals even more satisfying. 🔥
A Taste of Indonesia's Diverse Sambal Culture 🇮🇩
Indonesia is home to hundreds of sambal variations, each reflecting the ingredients, traditions, and culinary heritage of its region.
From the fresh citrusy notes of Sambal Matah, to the deep umami of Sambal Terasi, and the fiery simplicity of Sambal Bawang, every sambal offers a unique experience.
Whether you're new to Indonesian cuisine or a long-time sambal lover, exploring different sambals is one of the best ways to discover the incredible diversity of flavours found across the Indonesian archipelago.
Explore our Sambal Nusantara collection and bring the flavours of Indonesia to your table. 🌶️✨