Chef Kar Delight

Seasonal Salad Around the World

1.3.4 Asia Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia

2025/02/26

In Search Of World's Hidden Tastes

1.3.4 Around Asia, Explore Seasonal Salads

More than 2 thousand years ago, Confucius admonished people: " not to eat food that is not in season". Therefore, one should choose food to eat according to the seasons. Chinese traditional food culture said: "In Spring, eat buds; in Summer, eat melons; in Autumn, eat fruits; in Winter, eat roots". Food is seasonal whereas salad is also seasonal.

Now we depart for the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, explore their seasonal salads sharing with everyone.

▲ Seasonal Salad 8：

Philippines Green Mango Salad

Ensaladang Mangga

Mangos are regarded by the Philippines as national fruit. The well known Carabao mangos are grown in Luzon. Ensaladang Mangga exudes fresh fragrance, sour and sweet tastes; has a little bit of salty shrimp's taste; and is very refreshing.

Ingredients:

Green Carabao mangos, tomatoes, red onions, lime, sugar,

Shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)

Garnish: Banana leaves

▲ Seasonal Salad 9：

Malaysian Spicy Green Cucumber Salad

Kerabu Timun

Beside cucumber, Kerabu Timun has two important ingredients: one is dried shrimps which bring out umami, and the other is sambal belacan which brings out hot taste.

Ingredients:

Cucumber, dried shrimps, salt, shallots, green onions, lime, sugar,

Sambal belacan (shrimp paste)

▲ Seasonal Salad 10：

Indonesian Mix Salad

Gado Gado

Gado Gado in Indonesian language means "Mix Mix". It was originated from West Java, but is now popular in the whole country. The salad is mixed with steamed vegetables, cooked eggs, cooked potatoes, fried tofu, tempeh and spicy peanuts sauce. It can be consumed with rice. Very yummy.

Ingredients:

Green beans, bean sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, eggs, cucumber, fried tofu, tempeh

Spicy peanut sauce (Bumbu kacang) :

Peanuts, garlic, red chili, palm sugar, tamarind, lime, salt, water

Garnish: Pandan leaves