Glossary › Food & Drinks › Sambal
🍰 Food & Drinks term
Sambal
A chilli paste or sauce. Sambal belacan, made with fermented shrimp paste, is one of the best-known versions in Singapore.
Why it matters
Sambal varies a lot in heat and ingredients, so the right one depends on your dish and spice tolerance.
🇸🇬 In Singapore
Sambal is recognised as part of Singapore’s intangible cultural heritage, made and used across Malay, Peranakan and other communities. Many versions contain shrimp paste (belacan), which matters for shellfish allergies.
Tips before you buy
- Check whether it contains shrimp paste if you have allergies.
- Refrigerate after opening.
- Start with a small amount, as heat levels differ widely.
Sources: Roots (National Heritage Board): Making and use of sambal · SFA: Food allergy in individuals