Sambal matah
Photo: Irhanz · CC BY-SA 4.0

History

Matah is Balinese for raw, and sambal matah is the island's raw sambal, made from garlic, shallots, chillies, lime and lemongrass mixed with coconut oil. Chilli itself reached the archipelago from the Americas in the 16th century, replacing the long pepper that earlier relishes relied on. It is Bali's own sambal and a staple beside any Balinese dish. Nasi Banjar Mbok Mang puts it on its nasi campur plate, and Warung Mek Juwel serves it with ayam betutu.

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Common allergens: Shellfish

Make it at home

Yield Serves 4 as a condimentHands-on 10 minTotal 10 minDifficulty Easy

Ingredients

  • 10 shallots, very thinly sliced
  • 2 lemongrass stalks, tender white part only, finely sliced
  • 5 bird's-eye chillies, thinly sliced
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, central rib removed, very finely shredded
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp shrimp paste, toasted (omit for a vegan version)
  • 4 tbsp coconut oil
  • Juice of 1 lime, and salt

Method

  1. Combine the shallots, lemongrass, chillies, lime leaves and garlic in a bowl.
  2. Heat the coconut oil until just hot and stir in the toasted shrimp paste until it dissolves.
  3. Pour the warm oil over the aromatics and toss, so the heat softens the edges without cooking them.
  4. Finish with the lime juice and salt, taste, and serve at room temperature.

Tip from the editors. Slice everything as thinly as you can and mix it within an hour or two of serving, while it is still crisp.

Where to eat sambal matah

Sambal matah in Bali

Warung Mek Juwel ★ 4.1

$ BalineseUbud

Why locals goA one-dish family compound in Sayan, near Ubud, with rice-field views, serving nasi campur ayam with betutu and sate lilit for about IDR 30,000 a plate.

TipA plate costs about IDR 30,000. IDN Times Bali reports no pork in the cooking, though pork crackers are sold as a consigned extra.

Directions

Nasi Bali Men Weti ★ 4.2

$ BalineseSanur

Nasi Bali Men Weti serves chicken nasi campur from a plain warung beside Segara Ayu beach in Sanur, Bali, open since the 1970s and busy from early morning.

TryNasi campur ayam with betutu chicken, fried chicken skin and sate lilit

TipA queue forms from 07:00, an hour before the 08:00 opening. Plates start from about IDR 25,000 and the warung closes at 13:00.

Directions

Nasi Banjar Mbok Mang ★ 4.0

$ BalineseNusa Dua

Why locals goA pork nasi campur warung in Benoa near the ITDC area, serving lawar, urutan sausage and pork rib broth from 08:00 to 14:00, with plates from about IDR 25,000.

TipThe warung runs from 08:00 to 14:00, so go for breakfast or an early lunch; a full plate starts from about IDR 25,000.

Directions

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