Sambal, the authentic spicy paste that most Malaysians love. Even our national dish, Nasi Lemak, must come with a dollop of sambal on the side. Aside from Malaysia, this spicy condiment also comes from Indonesia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, and Singapore. This means that there are many variations of sambal, but all these sambals are basically made from chilies. Other ingredients are added which determines the type and flavors of the sambal. For example, sambal belacan contains shrimp paste, sambal ijo are made with green chilies and more!
Back in the days, sambal was usually homemade and each family had their own versions of their favorite sambal. People nowadays are busy and making a good sambal from scratch is not easy. So, there are many packed and ready-to-eat sambals these days. So, venture out the world of sambal to find your favorite one!
Here are some of the best sambals you could try out!
1. Sambal Nyet Berapi by Khairulaming
Sambal Nyet Berapi is a phenomenal sambal specially formulated by Khairul Aming. This famous sambal is always sold out once stocks are added. Sambal Nyet Berapi is very spicy and fragrant. If you are a spicy lover, this sambal will totally satisfy your spicy cravings.
Ingredients: Onion, Chilli, Garlic, Cooking Oil, Sugar, Salt, Pepper and Monosodium Glutamate.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 330 g
Price: RM13.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Tokey Sambal Hitam Pahang
Tokey Sambal Hitam Pahang is a spicy yet tangy type of sambal. It is made using the traditional Pahang sambal recipe. The tanginess comes from a fruit named Bilimi or ‘Belimbing Buluh’ which also has a hint of sweetness. Sweet, sour and savory, you should definitely try out this sambal!
Ingredients: Anchovies, Onion, Chillies and Bilimbi (‘Belimbing Buluh’)
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 100 g, 135 g, 250 g, 500 g and 1 kg
Price: RM6.59 (100 g pack)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Sambal Garing Che Nor
Sambal Garing Che Nor is famous for its crispy, spicy and hint of salty taste. The anchovies are fried thoroughly to ensure its crispness. These anchovies are then coated evenly with sambal paste that are specially made for this product. It is also made using fragrant onions that are imported from India.
Ingredients: Onion, Dried Chili, Anchovies, Palm Oil, Himalayan Salt, MSG.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 50 g and 150 g
Price: RM12.05 (150 g pack)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Uleg Sambal Terasi
To make the meal more tasty to share with family, Uleg Sambal Terasi is made from chosen fresh chilli and blended with shrimp paste and quality components.This sambal is made from belacan which is a shrimp paste, giving this sambal a salty and spicy kick. Uleg Sambal also comes in other variations of sambal which are Sambal Ijo, Sambal Pedas, Sambal Udang and Sambal Teri.
Ingredients: Chili (45.21%), Sugar, Vegetable Oil, Balacan, Water, Salt, Modified Starch, Monosodium L-Glutamate as Flavor Enhancer, Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate).
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Size Available: 21 g, 190 g and 500 g
Price: RM3.70 (5 packs x 21 g)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Betty’s Kitchen Sambal Gila
Betty’s Kitchen Sambal Gila is a very spicy sambal which also contains ‘petai’ and anchovies. It is very fragrant and suits the tongue of Malaysians who love spicy taste.Betty’s Kitchen Sambal line also comes in other variations of sambal which include Sambal Sewel and Sambal Malas.
Ingredients: Anchovies, Bitter Bean (Petai), Onion, Garlic, Red Chillies, Bird’s Eye Chillies’ and Salt.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 200 g
Price: RM19.80
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Sambaleena Sambal Ijo
Sambaleena Sambal Ijo is the favourite sambal of consumers among all Sambaleena Sambal lines. It is very spicy as it is made using green chillies and green bird’s eyes chillies. This sambal also contains anchovies to enhance its texture. Sambaleena also has a lot of sambal variations that you could choose.
Ingredients: Green Bird’s Eye Chillies, Green Chillies and Anchovies.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 50 g, 180 g and 350 g
Price: RM14.80 (180 g pack)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Sambal Cili Gepuk Suharti
Sambal Cili Gepuk Suharti is a very hot sambal from Indonesia. It’s spicy kick is out of this world as a spoonful of this sambal can make you sweat! You can use this sambal for your cooking needs or simply eat it out of its jar! Be careful, or you might cry and scream because of its spiciness!
Ingredients: Not Stated
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Size Available: 230 g
Price: RM11.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. KakFaa Sambal Ikan Masin Crispy
KakFaa Sambal Ikan Masin Crispy is a unique spicy sambal specially made to suit the tongues of Malaysians who love spicy sambal. The combination of salted fish and spicy sambal in this jar of sambal is amazing. KakFaa Sambal line also includes other remarkable sambal such as Sambal Poyak Petai, Sambal Crispy Ikan Masin and more!
Ingredients: Not Stated
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 80 g and 300 g
Price: RM18.90 (300 g pack)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. Dapur Kak Nis Sambal Hantu (Ikan Bilis Garing)
Dapur Kak Nis Sambal line are named after terrifying names such as this Dapur Kak Nis Sambal Hantu to indicate the scary yet enticing spicy taste of their sambal. This Sambal Hantu is actually anchovies sambal which has crunchy anchovies in spicy sambal. Dapur Kak Nis also comes in other 6 sambal variations for you to find out!
Ingredients: Anchovies, Onion, Dried Chilli, Salt and Sugar.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 160 g
Price: RM19.50
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. Chef Wan’s Signature Sambal Tempoyak Petai
Chef Wan’s Signature Sambals will add zing to your dishes! Our seasonal sambals, a flexible spread that provides more ‘Oomph’ to many sorts of cooking, will bring more sizzle and flavour to your favourite meals. Each premium condiment has its own particular personality, utilising classic ingredients in novel ways. With fermented durian, dried shrimp, and cluster beans, Sambal Tempoyak Petai enhances the fragrant richness of your meals – warning: this is quite addicting!
Ingredients: Asam Durian, Petai, Red Chilli, Turmeric Leaves, Dried Shrimp, Fresh Turmeric, Chicken Powder, Salt and Sugar.
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Size Available: 180 g
Price: RM24.38
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
By the way, here are some ways to eat your sambal!
- Instead of tomato sauce, add sambal in your burger!
- Add it in your barbeque marinate for that extra spicy kick!
- Eat it with fried chicken. (If you’re lazy, buy some KFC!)
- Make a sambal stir fry with chicken, fish or even vegetables. (Easy spicy dish!)
- Eat it with fish. (If you don’t like the fishy taste, eating it with sambal could help!)
- Eat it with fried egg and steamy white rice. (Simple, cheap, and delicious meal!)
Note: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. More Top 10s in Malaysia are waiting to be discovered, if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. The sequence of brands is in no particular order.
