National Dish Brunei: Ulam (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Ulam, a vibrant herb salad that captures the fresh, green heart of Bruneian cooking. Built from crisp vegetables, fragrant leaves and a bright splash of citrus, it is as wholesome as it is refreshing. This is a dish that celebrates the abundance of Brunei’s tropical rainforests, and it slips easily into any meal — as a light starter, a cooling side or a wholesome main. Bring a taste of Borneo’s kitchens straight to your own table.
About Ulam
Ulam is the national dish of Brunei and a genuine treat for anyone who loves the flavours of Southeast Asia. This salad brings together the fresh aromas and rich variety of Brunei’s tropical rainforests, and it stands as an expression of local culinary tradition. With its blend of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables and a handful of well-chosen accompaniments, Ulam is not only delicious but also wonderfully healthy. It suits just about any occasion and can be enjoyed equally well as a starter or as a main course.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g fresh salad leaves (such as lettuce or rocket)
- 50 g fresh herbs (such as coriander and mint)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 50 g peanut sauce (optional)
- 1 pinch of salt
- Juice of ½ a lemon
Shopping for the ingredients
If you want to make Ulam, it is worth sourcing all your ingredients in the best possible quality first. Visit a local market or an Asian grocery to find the freshest herbs and vegetables. Make sure the herbs, such as coriander and mint, are fresh so you get the very best flavour. You can also pick up some of the extras, like ready-made peanut sauce, right there in the shop, which makes the cooking that much easier. This same care for fresh produce is a hallmark of Bruneian cuisine.
Preparing the dish
Preparing your Ulam starts with washing all the ingredients thoroughly. Make sure the vegetables are cleaned properly to remove any dirt or residue. The herbs should be soaked briefly in cold water to keep them crisp and lively. After that, slice and grate the vegetables to your liking; presentation matters just as much as freshness when it comes to how the flavours come across.
Step-by-step instructions
- Wash all the ingredients thoroughly and cut the vegetables into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix together the salad leaves, cucumber, tomato and carrot.
- Add the freshly chopped herbs and toss everything together well.
- Pour over the lemon juice and a pinch of salt, then stir to combine.
- If you like, finish with the peanut sauce and enjoy the dish fresh.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Ulam is naturally a gluten-free and lactose-free recipe, since most of the ingredients are plant-based and contain no animal products. If you want to be sure your ingredients meet these criteria, check the labels on the peanut sauce or make your own dressing alternative without any gluten-containing ingredients. That keeps the dish not only healthy but also enjoyable for a much wider group of people.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Ulam is an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians, as it contains only plant-based ingredients. To make the dish even more substantial, you can add extra vegetables or pulses such as chickpeas or lima beans. Play around with the amounts and varieties of fresh herbs to discover different flavour profiles. Ulam adapts easily, so every vegan or vegetarian can have even more fun in the kitchen.
More tips and tricks
A few insider tips for making Ulam include experimenting with different herb blends to intensify the aromas. Try making the peanut sauce yourself, adding a splash of stock or aromatic oils to reach even deeper flavours. Take care to mix the ingredients well so that every bite is delicious. If you fancy, you can also add nutty or crunchy elements to make the dish more interesting. For a punchier accompaniment, a spoonful of Sambal Belacan works a treat alongside.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
One of the great things about Ulam is how flexible the recipe is. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and what is available. Like it hot? Add fresh or pickled chillies! For a sweeter note, fold in fruit such as mango or pineapple. Have fun experimenting and find your own favourite combination — much like you would when building a plate of Kerabu.
Ingredient substitutions
If certain ingredients are not available, there are plenty of alternatives to fall back on. Instead of cucumber you could use courgette, while sesame sauce makes a great stand-in for peanut sauce. If you cannot find fresh herbs, dried ones can be used, even though they won’t offer quite the same flavour as fresh. Be creative and try out different combinations!
Drink pairing ideas
To go alongside Ulam, a refreshing drink works beautifully. A chilled coconut water would be a perfect choice to complement the tropical character of the dish. Alternatively, you could serve a light Asian beer or a gentle green tea, whose fresh note underlines the flavours of the salad. For a non-alcoholic option, a mint and lemon lemonade is also highly recommended, and a frothy cup of Teh Tarik makes a lovely finish.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation is especially important with Ulam, to bring out the colours and textures of the fresh ingredients. Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl and decorate it with extra herbs or a small drizzle of peanut sauce on top. Another creative idea is to arrange the individual components in separate dishes, so each guest can assemble their own portion. Little touches like these make your dish not only tastier but also more inviting.
A bit of history
Ulam has its roots in traditional Malay cuisine and reflects the cultural diversity of Brunei. Its origins are thought to trace back to local practices of gathering and preparing wild herbs. These days Ulam is often served at festive occasions and gatherings, which makes it an important part of the region’s identity. Wherever it is enjoyed in the world, this dish tells the stories and traditions of its homeland — much like the beloved starchy staple Ambuyat.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Ulam
Ulam is a delicious and healthy salad that brings together the flavours of Brunei’s rainforest. With fresh herbs, crisp vegetables and a range of accompaniments, it offers a refreshing explosion of flavour. It is also quick and easy to prepare, which makes it a perfect choice for any occasion. Let it inspire you to discover the unique tastes of Brunei, and enjoy this colourful dish!
