Sambal is a core component of Indonesian cuisine that mixed into pretty much any meal, with different regional takes across the Indonesian archipelago.
And if you’ve got a thing for spicy food, you’ve got to try Special Sambal (SS).
Special Sambal is an Indonesian warung that’s recently opened in Bali’s Bukit area. The place has over 30 types of sambal varieties that will set fire to your palate.
Originally hailing from the Javanese city of Yogyakarta, SS blew up there and rapidly made its way across Java and over to Bali. In Bali, they already had two “posko pedas” (rough translation: spicy stations; sounds better in Indonesian) and located in the metropolis of Denpasar.
The warung’s concept is similar to the Chinese dim sum.
When you enter, you’re given a paper copy of their entire menu where you can mark up which vegetables, meat, seafood, egg — and of course, sambal — dishes you want them to send to your table on a bed of nasi. Don’t forget to order the rice.
SS is not the kind of place to go to when you’re craving healthy food. But the prices are nice and cheap, too.
Sambals start at IDR 2,500/USD 0.17, and one of the most expensive menu items, beef, is just IDR12,500/USD 0.87 per portion.
Sambals on the menu — they’ve got all the greatest hits to come out of Indonesian cuisine over the years, plus unconventional concoctions that come with non-traditional mix-ins.
The spice level of each is denoted with a ranking out of four chilis, though living up to the warung’s name, not a single one in the selection seems to have a single-chili ranking.
Here are some of the usual favorites for inspiration:
- the traditional sambal tomato (basic tomato and chili),
- sambal bawang goreng (fried garlic),
- sambal lombok ijo (green chili).
But if you’re looking for a new experience, then there’s always that selection of more outlandish options, like sambal rempelo ati (liver), sambal belut (eel), or sambal pete (stinky beans).
FIND IT:
Waroeng SS Uluwatu
Jl. Pura Masuka no. 1, Ungasan
