Sambal
Indonesia's foundational chili condiment, served alongside every meal, made in dozens of regional varieties, most containing shrimp paste (terasi).
Allergen data cross-referenced against published allergen databases.
Your dietary restrictions
The full allergen breakdown is below. Select your restrictions to see a personalized safety status.
Full allergen breakdown
Ingredients
- red chilies
- garlic
- shallots
- terasi (shrimp paste) (Shellfish)
- salt
- palm sugar
- lime juice
Hidden Ingredients
These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.
- terasi (fermented shrimp paste) in most varieties
- dried shrimp in some varieties
Allergen Breakdown
Dairy-Free
Likely OKNo dairy in sambal.
Gluten-Free
Likely OKTraditional sambal is gluten-free.
Peanut-Free
Check with staffSambal kacang contains ground peanuts. Verify the sambal type.
Tree Nut-Free
Likely OKNo tree nuts in standard sambal.
Shellfish-Free
Likely contains restrictionTerasi (fermented shrimp paste) is in virtually all Indonesian restaurant sambal.
Egg-Free
Likely OKNo eggs in sambal.
Fish-Free
Likely contains restrictionTerasi contains fermented seafood (primarily shrimp and fish). Dried shrimp also added in some varieties.
Soy-Free
Likely OKStandard sambal does not contain soy.
Sesame-Free
Likely OKSesame is not in standard sambal.
Vegetarian
Likely contains restrictionContains fermented shrimp paste.
| Restriction | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free | Likely OK | No dairy in sambal. |
| Gluten-Free | Likely OK | Traditional sambal is gluten-free. |
| Peanut-Free | Check with staff | Sambal kacang contains ground peanuts. Verify the sambal type. |
| Tree Nut-Free | Likely OK | No tree nuts in standard sambal. |
| Shellfish-Free | Likely contains restriction | Terasi (fermented shrimp paste) is in virtually all Indonesian restaurant sambal. |
| Egg-Free | Likely OK | No eggs in sambal. |
| Fish-Free | Likely contains restriction | Terasi contains fermented seafood (primarily shrimp and fish). Dried shrimp also added in some varieties. |
| Soy-Free | Likely OK | Standard sambal does not contain soy. |
| Sesame-Free | Likely OK | Sesame is not in standard sambal. |
| Vegetarian | Likely contains restriction | Contains fermented shrimp paste. |
Key risk: Sambal arrives automatically with every Indonesian meal and appears to be just chili sauce. In Indonesia, unlike the export version sold abroad (sambal oelek), virtually every restaurant sambal contains terasi (fermented shrimp paste). Asking for 'no sambal' is necessary for shellfish-allergic diners.
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Scan a menu nowImportant: Dish Scout is a reference guide, not medical advice. Traditional recipes vary by restaurant, region, and chef. Always verify ingredients with restaurant staff before ordering. When in doubt, don't eat it.