Ikan Bakar

Ikan Bakar Also: Grilled Fish, Malaysian Grilled Fish
Shellfish: Likely contains restriction
Fish: Likely contains restriction
Vegetarian: Likely contains restriction

Whole fish marinated in a sambal belacan paste and grilled over charcoal, often wrapped in banana leaf. Served with sambal, lime, and rice.

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

  • whole fish (stingray, tilapia, or sea bass) (Fish)
  • sambal belacan marinade
  • banana leaf
  • lime
  • soy sauce glaze (Soy)

Hidden Ingredients

These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.

  • sambal belacan marinade contains shrimp paste (shellfish)
  • soy sauce in the glaze (soy + wheat)

Allergen Breakdown

Dairy-Free

Likely OK

No dairy in ikan bakar.

Gluten-Free

Check with staff

Soy sauce in the glaze contains wheat. Marinade may also contain wheat-based sauces.

Peanut-Free

Likely OK

No peanuts in ikan bakar.

Tree Nut-Free

Likely OK

No tree nuts in ikan bakar.

Shellfish-Free

Likely contains restriction

Sambal belacan marinade contains shrimp paste.

Egg-Free

Likely OK

No eggs in ikan bakar.

Fish-Free

Likely contains restriction

The dish IS fish — grilled whole fish is the main ingredient.

Soy-Free

Check with staff

Soy sauce in the glaze. Verify.

Sesame-Free

Likely OK

No sesame in standard ikan bakar.

Vegetarian

Likely contains restriction

Contains fish and shrimp paste.

Key risk: Ikan bakar is deceptive because it is a grilled fish dish, but the sambal marinade contains belacan (shrimp paste). Someone avoiding shellfish who eats ikan bakar will be exposed via the marinade rather than the fish itself.

Checking dishes one at a time? Menu Decoder scans the whole menu at once.

Scan a menu now

Other Malaysian dishes to check

At the restaurant, the menu will have dozens of dishes you haven't checked.

Menu Decoder scans the actual menu in front of you and checks every dish against your dietary profile in seconds.

Scan a menu now

Important: 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.