Sambal is not just spicy – it is taste, tradition and character in one spoon. In Indonesian cuisine, sambal is a permanent fixture: as a dip, as a flavouring in dishes or as an indispensable base in boemboes.

Whether you like it piping hot (like sambal brandal), softly sweet (like sambal manis), or funky fermented (like sambal trassi): at Tjin's you will find a wide range of authentic Indonesian sambals.

From Koningsvogel to ABC – we have the flavours that match your nasi goreng, satay or rice table.

Discover your favorite and let your dish speak with one scoop of sambal.

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What is Sambal?

Sambal is an intensely flavorful, often spicy, paste that originates from Indonesian cuisine. It is made from ground peppers, supplemented with ingredients such as salt, onion, garlic and lemon juice. The spiciness and flavor of sambal can vary depending on the type of peppers and the additional ingredients used. From sweet to hot varieties, sambal adds a delicious flavor to any meal.

Popular types of sambal

There are many different types of sambal, each with their own taste and spiciness. Below we discuss a number of popular types.

• Sambal Oelek: This is the most well-known and versatile type of sambal. It consists of red peppers, salt and sometimes some vinegar. Sambal oelek is deliciously spicy and can be used as a base for other types of sambal or as a flavouring in dishes.
• Sambal Badjak: This sambal is made from fried peppers and therefore has a milder taste than sambal oelek. Whether it is used as a seasoning in stir-fries or as a dip for snacks, Sambal Badjak is a seasoning that will continue to surprise you time and time again.
• Sambal Manis: This type of sambal, made with chilies and sugar, has a milder flavor than some other varieties. The sweetness of the sugar tempers the heat of the chilies, creating a flavorful sambal. This sweet sambal is versatile and can be added to marinades, sauces, and stir-fries for a sweet-spicy twist.
• Sambal Brandal: This sambal is extra spicy and is made with onion and garlic. Trassi (fermented shrimp paste) is often added. Sambal brandal is a versatile sambal and is also often used as a seasoning in meat dishes.
• Sambal Djeroek: This is a unique type of sambal that distinguishes itself by its fresh, citrusy flavour. The sambal is made of peppers, salt and Djeroek Poeroet (Indonesian lime leaves), which results in a spicy-citrusy flavour. This sambal is often used for fish dishes, but gives a unique twist to any traditional Indonesian recipe.

Different brands of sambal

In the world of sambal there are numerous brands that each give their own unique twist to this spicy seasoning. Some well-known authentic sambal brands from Indonesia are Nesia, Cap Ibu and ABC. In addition, there are also sambal brands such as: Wanita Jawa, Koningsvogel, Flower Brand and Lekker Bekkie. In short, enough choice to enrich your recipes with the taste of sambal.

Want to buy sambal? View all sambal types here and discover your favorite.