Tamarind or as we Malaysians call it, ‘asam jawa’ has a very sour yet citrusy taste with hints of smoke and caramel taste notes. This complex flavour profile is suitable to be used for both sweet and savoury dishes throughout the world. Tamarind paste comes from the tamarind tree that produces bean-like pods filled with seeds that have a fibrous pulp. One of England’s famous sauces, the Worcestershire sauce is also made with tamarind paste to obtain its distinctive tang.
By the way, here are some of the healthy benefits of tamarind paste!
- Good to remove nasal blockage and cold.
- Helps to control worm infestation in your intestines.
- Can help in managing stomach disorders such as indigestion.
- Improve liver function. (Due to its ascorbic acid and B-carotene contents).
- Can act as a good laxative. (Because it is high in malic, tartaric and potassium acid).
Now that you’ve known the goodness of tamarind paste, let us move on the top 10 list of tamarind paste!
1. Cik Suri Asam Jawa Extra

Asam Jawa Cik Suri is made from 100 percent natural tamarind, and has become a must-have ingredient in every Malaysian dish. Asam Jawa Cik Suri acts as a flavour enhancer, adding flavour and savour to your dish. Get this seedless tamarind that is extra good for the whole family. It is popular among people of all ages and is guaranteed to be 100 percent halal, hygienic, wholesome, and healthy.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 200 g and 900 g
Price: RM3.90 (200 g pack)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Penguin Asam Jawa

Penguin Asam Jawa, made from 100 percent natural tamarind, has become a must-have ingredient in every Malaysian dish. Penguin Asam Jawa acts as a flavour enhancer, adding flavour and savour to your dish.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 500 g
Price: RM2.70
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Adabi Asam Jawa Xtra

Adabi Asam Jawa Xtra (Seedless Tamarind) is a 100% seedless, pasteurised paste made from high-quality ingredients.When compared to other tamarind pastes on the market, this one has three times the fruit content. It can be used for cooking or drinking.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 200 g and 900 g
Price: RM4.50 (200 g pack)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Chua Hah Seng Thailand Sour Tamarind Paste Concentrate

To ensure its best quality, Chua Hah Seng Thailand Sour Tamarind Paste Concentrate is made from 100 percent natural sour tamarind using cutting-edge technology. It is perfect for Som Tum (Thai Salad), Pad Thai (Thai style fried noodle), Tom Yum, and other dishes.
Country of Origin: Thailand
Size Available: 380 ml
Price: RM6.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. TDM Tamarind

Asam Java TDM Tamarind is a favorite of housewives all over the world. Get it now for delicious meal preparation. Also it can be served as a drink in your leisure time.
Country of Origin: India
Size Available: 500 g and 1 kg
Price: RM12.50 (1 kg pack)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Tamin Tamarind Paste

Tamin Tamarind Paste is a product of Malaysia which is made with high quality tamarind seeds.This tamarind paste is widely used for Malay-based dishes to make it more delicious and savory. This tamarind paste is Halal certified.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 1 kg
Price: RM8.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Dapur Desa Original Tamarind Paste

Dapur Desa Original Tamarind Paste is proudly made in Malaysia. Tamarind paste has become a must-have ingredient in every Malaysian dish. Tamarind Paste adds flavour to your dish as a flavour enhancer. It has no added sugar or salt, this paste is purely tamarind.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 500 g and 1 kg
Price: RM4.80 (500 g pack)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Udang Bumi Brand Tamarind Paste With Seed

Udang Bumi Brand Tamarind Paste With Seed is a tamarind paste that has been processed and marinated with salt. The seed is retained to ensure that the sweet and sour taste of the tamarind paste remains strong. It is useful for cooking and other purposes.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 200 g
Price: RM1.95
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. Gajah Brand Traditional Tamarind Paste

Gajah Brand Traditional Tamarind Paste is a Halal certified product that is manufactured in Malaysia. Tamarind paste has been used for many generations to make traditional and new dishes too. It helps to impart a sweet, sour and savoury taste to your dishes.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 400 g
Price: RM3.10
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. Bunga Merah Brand Tamarind Paste

Bunga Merah Brand Tamarind Paste comes at an affordable price with more tamarind paste content. This tamarind paste has fulfilled several certificates such as the Halal certificate and Mesti certificate which means that this tamarind paste is made with good hygiene and quality ingredients.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 500 g
Price: RM3.30
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
If you are not sure on how to use the tamarind paste, let me guide you a bit on that!
- Baking uses. (It is usually used as a glaze for cakes, granola bars and biscuits).
- Medicinal uses (Can be used to treat diarrhoea, constipation, fever, and malaria).
- Home uses (Can be as a metal polis as it can help to remove tarnish from copper and bronze).
- Cooking uses. (Can add it in sauces, marinades, chutneys, drinks and even desserts. Add that rich and sour sweetness into your dishes!)
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.