sambal

American  

[sahm-bahl] / ˈsɑm bɑl /

noun

1. a condiment or side dish of Indonesia, Malaysia, and southern India, made with any of various ingredients, as vegetables, fish, or coconut, usually seasoned with chile peppers and spices and served with rice and curries.

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Etymology

Origin of sambal

First recorded in 1815–20; from Malay, from Tamil campāl “kind of relish, condiment,” akin to campāram “ingredients for curry,” Telugu sambhāram ”preparation of spices for seasoning,” Marathi sā̃bhar “seasoning for dal,” all ultimately reflecting Prakrit saṃbhārei “(he) garnishes,” Sanskrit saṃbhārayati “(he) causes to be brought together,” derivative with sam- “with, together” ( see syn-) and bhṛ- “to bring, carry, bear” ( see bear ¹)

Example Sentences

Chili pan mee, made with noodles, ground pork, anchovies, mushrooms, poached egg and belacan sambal, is among their most popular dishes.

From Salon • Nov. 15, 2025

The steak fries with sambal mayo weren’t bad, but don’t expect any extra sauces once the show has started — we got none despite multiple requests.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 12, 2024

Mr. Mousa’s red sauce of choice, a spicy sambal, costs $23 a gallon, up from $11.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2024

Optional garnish: Thinly sliced scallions OR chopped fresh cilantro OR lime wedges OR sambal OR a combination.

From Washington Times • Oct. 27, 2023

He ate without stopping, mopping up the last of the sambal from the banana leaf with the roti.

From "The Boy Who Met a Whale" by Nizrana Farook