Halal terms

Shrimp paste: belacan's cousins abroad

The chilli dip smells deep and funky, and you recognise it from home.

Shrimp paste is tiny shrimp that have been salted, fermented and pressed. In Malaysia you know it as belacan, the ingredient that gives sambal its depth, and you will find cousins of it in neighbouring kitchens.

How will I meet it on the trip?

In Thailand it goes into curry pastes and chilli dips, in Vietnam into dipping pots for noodles and rice dishes, and in Cambodia and Indonesia into sauces and pastes of their own. It may arrive in a jar on the table, or it may be pounded into the dish before it reaches you. The local name will differ from belacan, so recognising the smell helps more than reading the word.

What needs checking?

For a Malaysian family used to belacan, the shrimp itself is usually familiar. The questions are about the rest of the paste and the kitchen.

Is there an allergy in the group?
Is anything else added, such as alcohol or pork fat?
Is the mortar, pan or oil shared with pork dishes?
Is the paste made in the kitchen or bought in a jar with no label you can read?

A paste at an overseas stall comes with no Malaysian label to read. Check the claim state of the place, not only the ingredient.

A tip before you order

Ask “Is there shrimp paste in this dish?” and add the question about pork and alcohol. The dietary enquiry brief generator writes both lines for your destination.

See fish sauce for the other fermented seasoning and cross-contamination for shared kitchens. All evidence levels are in the halal labels hub.

If belacan is part of home cooking for you and your question is only what is added abroad, send us the destination and we will help you shape your questions.

Ask about a menu

Common questions

Is shrimp paste the same as belacan?

Belacan is Malaysia's version of fermented shrimp paste, pressed into blocks. Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia have their own versions under other names, in blocks, jars or loose paste. They are made on the same idea, with differences in texture and strength.

Is shrimp paste halal?

It is a shellfish product, so it is not a meat or alcohol ingredient. Whether you accept shellfish is a matter between you and your ustaz or your school of thought. The practical points to check abroad are what else is in the paste and how the dish is cooked.

Where would I miss it?

It is ground into curry pastes, sambal-style dips, fried rice, noodle soups and some vegetable stir-fries. A dish that looks meat-free can still have it. If you or someone in your group has a shellfish allergy, say so clearly and point to the dish.

Keep planning

Halal, Muslim-owned, pork-free: what each claim meansYou see a sign that says halal, and you are not sure what it is actually saying.Dietary enquiry brief generatorYou need to ask a kitchen about pork, lard and alcohol, and you do not share a language.Meal-assurance comparison toolTwo offers both say halal meals included, and you cannot tell which one actually proves it.Ten questions for a tour operator before payingThe brochure says halal meals included, and you want that turned into something checkable.