Authentic Sayur Asem from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian main dish with step-by-step cooking instructions

Sayur Asem: Sundanese Tamarind Vegetable Soup

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

A refreshing Sundanese vegetable soup with a distinctive sweet-sour tamarind broth — the quintessential comfort food that showcases West Java's love for fresh vegetables.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
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Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 200 g corn on the cob, cut into rounds
  • 200 g chayote (pumpkin siam), cubed
  • 100 g long beans, cut into 3 cm pieces
  • 100 g cabbage, roughly chopped
  • 50 g peanuts, raw
  • 2 tbsp tamarind paste dissolved in 200 ml water
  • 2 liters water
  • Ground spice paste: 5 red chilies, 3 shallots, 2 garlic cloves, 2 cm galangal, 1 tsp shrimp paste, salt
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp sugar

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Bring water to a boil. Add corn and peanuts. Cook for 10 minutes.
  2. Add ground spice paste, bay leaves, and tamarind water. Stir well.
  3. Add chayote and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Add long beans and cabbage. Cook until vegetables are tender but still have some crunch, about 5 minutes.
  5. Season with salt and sugar. The broth should be sweet, sour, and slightly spicy.
  6. Serve hot with steamed rice and fried tempehh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sayur Asem: Sundanese Tamarind Vegetable Soup?

A refreshing Sundanese vegetable soup with a distinctive sweet-sour tamarind broth — the quintessential comfort food that showcases West Java's love for fresh vegetables.

Where does Sayur Asem: Sundanese Tamarind Vegetable Soup come from?

Sayur Asem: Sundanese Tamarind Vegetable Soup originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

Is Sayur Asem: Sundanese Tamarind Vegetable Soup difficult to make?

Sayur Asem: Sundanese Tamarind Vegetable Soup requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Sayur Asem: Sundanese Tamarind Vegetable Soup?

The spiciness can be easily adjusted by modifying the amount of chili peppers. For milder versions, reduce or omit the bird's eye chilies (cabe rawit).

How do I store leftover Sayur Asem: Sundanese Tamarind Vegetable Soup?

Store leftover Sayur Asem: Sundanese Tamarind Vegetable Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team

This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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