Asam Pedas

Asam pedas is originally a Minangkabau and Malay sour and spicy stew dish. This red looking stew is known for its bold flavor and usually paired to be eaten with a plate of steaming white rice. The sour and spicy notes gives the stew an interesting taste.

The asam pedas is cooked with tamarind (asam) juice, chili paste, spices and herbs like laksa leaf, galangal root, torch ginger flower. Melaka asam pedas differs from Johor and Selangor asam pedas because fish curry powder is added in it.

Besides the protein, vegetables such as aubergines, okras and tomatoes are also added in the stew. Tamarind juice or asam gelugor are used to add to the sour taste. Normally, fish is used as the main ingredient. However, people in Melaka also cooked the asam pedas with fish eggs and beef.

Image source: Violet Muffin