Sambal Oelek

[kallie]

Just found the best Sambal Oelek at Rainbow Grocery, a new brand call sajen. Awesome

[PBSF]

Can you be more specific on what makes the Sajen brand the 'best' compare to the more common Huy Fong.

[ubercool]

I tried the Huy Fong, it's not bad but it's not as deliciously pungent as some of the Dutch sambal brands, like Conimex. Could be my imagination, of course. ;)

[Melanie Wong]

Where does one purchase Conimex or other Dutch sambal brands around here?

[ubercool]

You have to drive to San Jose to visit this Dutch store:

Holland’s Best
524 S. Bascom Avenue
San Jose, CA 95128
408-293-1441
http://www.hollandsbest.com

[Melanie Wong]

Thought you'd say Holland's Best. Here's the sambal page, thought there were four available but when you click on "other brands" a whole slew more pop up, wow.
http://www.hollandsbest.com/english/g...

And each brand has many iterations. I'm on sambal overload . . . any particular rec on where to start?

[ubercool]

Haha, you already knew! Yes, there are a lot of sambal brands nowadays, the global trend is toward ever spicier foods. I recommend two brands, with the Badjak flavor (hot) being my fave:

Inproba Sambal Oelek (sold out because at $2, it's cheap)
Koningsvogel Sambal Badjak

I will definitely try the Kokita brand but it looks like they no longer are allowed to import some of the Koningsvogel products, so will have to drive down to buy the remaining inventory. ;)

[Melanie Wong]

I like your thinking! Seems like a sound strategy to me, now to figure out when I can get over there. Thanks much.

[mdg]

I didn't know about Holland's Best - thanks so much for the tip! I'll have to go there for a sambal refill.

Michael

[kallie]

Try sajen brand, find them in Rainbow San Francisco. I think sajen is a local brand.

[kallie]

PBSF: They are locally made with fresh ingredients. No preservatives. It has a hint of habanero, for that extra fire.You taste the garlic as well. I like it. Sajen has other sambal too. They have Sambal Gado-Gado, Sambal Satay, and Sambal Oelek. This indicates that the maker is from Indonesia, and they know the real thing! Try them. Their Sambal Gado-Gado got a write-up in SF Chronicle in feb 2012 http://www.sfgate.com/food/article/2-...

[ubercool]

Great tip, thanks so much! :)