Introduction
Brunei is a small country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. The traditional Bruneian cuisine is influenced by its neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. One of the distinct features of Bruneian cuisine is the use of spices and herbs in their dishes. The blend of spices used in Bruneian cuisine adds depth and flavor to their traditional dishes. In this article, we will discuss some of the traditional Bruneian spice blends used in cooking.
Belacan
Belacan is a traditional spice blend in Brunei that is made from fermented shrimp paste. This spice blend is commonly used in soups, stews, curries, and stir-fries. It has a pungent aroma and a salty flavor that adds depth to the dish. Belacan is also used as a condiment and can be served as a dipping sauce for vegetables and seafood.
Serunding
Serunding is a spice blend that is made from toasted coconut flakes and a mixture of spices such as turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon. It is commonly used as a topping for rice, noodles, and salads. Serunding can also be used as a filling for sandwiches and wraps. The savory and slightly sweet flavor of serunding adds a unique texture and taste to the dish.
Penyaram
Penyaram is a traditional Bruneian spice blend that is made from a mixture of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. It is commonly used in desserts and sweet snacks such as pancakes and fritters. Penyaram adds a warm and comforting flavor to the dish.
Ambuyat
Ambuyat is a traditional Bruneian dish that is made from the starch of the sago palm. It is usually served with a variety of condiments and sauces. One of the traditional condiments used in Ambuyat is a spice blend called cacah. Cacah is made from a mixture of chilies, garlic, and lime juice. It adds a spicy and tangy flavor to the bland starch.
Nasi Katok
Nasi Katok is a popular Bruneian dish that consists of rice, fried chicken, and a spicy sambal sauce. The sambal sauce is made from a mixture of chilies, garlic, and shrimp paste. It adds a spicy and savory flavor to the dish.
Satay
Satay is a popular street food in Brunei that consists of grilled meat skewers served with a peanut sauce. The peanut sauce is made from a mixture of peanuts, chilies, and tamarind. The spice blend used in the peanut sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
Sago Cream
Sago cream is a traditional Bruneian dessert that is made from the starch of the sago palm. It is usually served with a syrup made from pandan leaves and palm sugar. The spice blend used in the syrup adds a fragrant and sweet flavor to the dish.
In conclusion, the use of spices and herbs in Bruneian cuisine is an important aspect of their culinary tradition. The blend of spices used in Bruneian dishes adds depth and flavor to their traditional dishes. Some of the traditional Bruneian spice blends used in cooking include belacan, serunding, penyaram, cacah, sambal, and peanut sauce. These spice blends are used in a variety of dishes such as soups, stews, curries, and desserts.
