What Is Sambal Teri?

Sambal teri is an Indonesian sambal made with fried dried anchovies (teri medan), red chilli and aromatic paste. It is one of the most popular everyday sambals in Indonesia, prized for the contrast between the crunchy, salty anchovies and the fiery chilli paste. Unlike smooth cooked sambals, sambal teri has texture — the whole fried anchovies are folded through the chilli base, creating a condiment that is as much about crunch and chew as it is about heat. SS Mart makes sambal teri in small Melbourne batches with imported Indonesian anchovies and fresh aromatics.

Ingredients: Dried anchovies, red chillies, shallots, garlic, palm sugar, salt, vegetable oil. The defining ingredient is the fried dried anchovy (teri), which gives the sambal its savoury, salty crunch and distinguishes it from purely paste-based sambals.

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

Flavour Profile and Heat Level: Sambal teri is savoury, salty and medium-to-hot. The first impression is the crunch and umami of the fried anchovies, followed by the warmth of the red chilli paste. The shallots and garlic add depth, while a subtle sweetness from palm sugar balances the saltiness of the fish. The heat is steady and warming rather than aggressive. The combination of crunchy anchovy and smooth paste makes it one of the most moreish sambals in the range — it is easy to eat by the spoonful.

How to Use Sambal Teri: Sambal teri is a ready-to-eat condiment that works equally well as a side dish or a topping. Serve it alongside steamed rice for a simple meal — the anchovies make it more substantial than a paste-only sambal. Spoon it over fried rice, noodle dishes or congee. It also makes an excellent topping for buttered toast or plain crackers as a snack. For a quick meal, mix sambal teri into hot steamed rice with a fried egg on top.

Pairing Ideas:

• Steamed jasmine rice with a fried egg (nasi putih, telur goreng)
• Fried rice and noodle dishes
• Congee or rice porridge
• Buttered toast or crackers as a savoury snack
• Bubur ayam (chicken congee) as a topping
• Try alongside Sambal Bajak 140g for a crunchy-and-smooth sambal combo

Storage: Refrigerate after opening and consume within 1 month. Before opening, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Stir before serving to redistribute the anchovies through the paste.

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 Teri Online: Order anchovy sambal online and have it delivered anywhere in Australia. For wholesale or restaurant enquiries, contact SS Mart directly.