What Is Sambal Matah?

Sambal matah is a raw, uncooked Balinese sambal made from finely sliced shallots, red chilli and fresh lemongrass. Originating in the Buleleng region of north Bali, it is one of the island’s most distinctive condiments — bright, fragrant and punchy in a way that cooked sambals cannot replicate. Unlike sambal bajak or sambal terasi, matah is never cooked; the ingredients are combined raw and dressed with hot oil just before serving to release their aromatics. SS Mart prepares sambal matah in small Melbourne batches using imported Indonesian aromatics and fresh local produce.

Ingredients: Shallots, red chilli, lemongrass (serai), kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, vegetable oil, salt. The defining ingredient is fresh lemongrass, which gives sambal matah its signature citrusy, floral aroma — the element that separates it from all other Indonesian sambals.

Allergen Information: Made in a facility that handles nuts, soy, gluten and shrimp. No artificial colours and no preservatives added.

Flavour Profile and Heat Level: Sambal matah is bright, sharp and aromatic. The first impression is the lemongrass fragrance, followed by the clean bite of raw shallots and a medium heat from the red chilli. A squeeze of lime adds acidity that lifts the whole mixture. The heat is immediate but relatively short-lived — less intense than sambal bajak but more fragrant. It is approachable for moderate chilli tolerance and especially well suited to seafood and grilled dishes where a cooked sambal would overpower.

How to Use Sambal Matah: Sambal matah is best used as a finishing condiment rather than a cooking ingredient. Spoon it over grilled fish, prawns or chicken straight off the barbecue. Stir it into steamed rice for a quick fragrant side, or serve alongside nasi campur and mixed rice plates. It also works as a relish for burgers and sandwiches where a bright, zesty chilli hit is wanted. Unlike cooked sambals, matah does not need to be stirred into hot food — it is designed to be eaten fresh.

Pairing Ideas:

• Grilled fish (ikan bakar) and prawns
• Barbecue chicken or duck
• Steamed jasmine rice and nasi campur
• Fried rice and noodle dishes as a table condiment
• Try with Sambal Bajak 240g for a cooked-and-raw sambal pairing
• Prefer a smaller jar? See Small Sambal Matah 120g

Storage: Refrigerate after opening and consume within 2 weeks. Before opening, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Because sambal matah is a raw sambal, it has a shorter shelf life than cooked varieties — always check the best-before date.

About SS Mart: SS Mart is the online home of Waroeng SS Spesial Sambal, a Melbourne-based Indonesian sambal kitchen located at 398 Lygon Street, Carlton, VIC. Every jar is made in small batches using traditional Indonesian methods and imported aromatics, roasted and cooked locally for freshness. SS Mart exists to bring Indonesia’s sambal culture to Australian tables — one jar at a time. Explore our full sambal range.

Buy Sambal Matah Online: Order sambal matah online and have it delivered anywhere in Australia. Also available in a smaller 120g jar. For wholesale or restaurant enquiries, contact SS Mart directly.