Questions
Frequently asked questions
What people ask most about Azalina's Malaysian pantry: the sauces, the heat, and how to cook with them.
What is sambal, and how is Malaysian sambal different?
Sambal is a chili-based condiment found across Southeast Asia. Malaysian sambal is built by roasting chilies with aromatics like shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and galangal, so the heat arrives with depth and a little natural sweetness rather than raw sharpness. Azalina's sambal uses a seven-chili blend roasted in small batches in San Francisco. Spoon it over finished dishes, or cook it into marinades, noodles, and stir-fries.
What is kaya, and what makes pandan kaya different?
Kaya is a Malaysian coconut jam: coconut milk and egg cooked slowly into a silky, lightly sweet spread traditionally eaten on toast in kopitiams. Classic kaya carries caramel notes. Pandan kaya adds real pandan leaf, which brings a green, grassy vanilla aroma that is distinctly Southeast Asian. Both are made by Chef Azalina in San Francisco, and the pandan kaya uses no artificial colors or flavors. Use them on toast, croissants, pastries, or alongside ice cream.
Where can I buy Azalina's sauces in San Francisco?
Azalina's is made in San Francisco and carried by grocers and natural food stores across the Bay Area, including Berkeley Bowl and Eureka Natural Foods. Use our Find in Stores page to search by ZIP code or city for the shelf nearest you. You can also order the full pantry (sambal, peanut sauces, pandan kaya, and Malaysian tea) directly from this site and have it shipped from San Francisco.
How spicy are the sauces?
Heat is built to support a dish rather than dominate it. Sambal and Sambal Tumis sit in the medium range with layered, roasted heat. Sweet Chili Sambal is milder and sweeter, made for glazing and finishing. Sambal Black Bean leans savory and umami-forward with gentle spice. The peanut sauces, kaya, and tea are not spicy at all. Every jar lists its flavor character on the product page.
Are Azalina's sauces vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-friendly?
It varies by jar, so always check the label on the product page. Our signature Sambal is always vegan. The Malaysian Pineapple Tea Salad Dressing is organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, shellfish-free, and nut-free. Sambal Black Bean Sauce contains peanuts, sesame, and soy, and the kaya products contain egg and coconut. Several sauces contain soy, so if you have an allergy, read the ingredients on each product page before ordering.
How should I store the sauces, and how long do they last?
Store unopened jars in a cool, dry pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and use within the window printed on the label. Because these are made in small batches, keep opened jars cold and use a clean spoon. If a sauce thickens in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spooning.