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Palm sugar
Also called coconut sugar, gula melaka, nam taan peep
What it is
Sugar from palm sap. Less one-note than white sugar.
Origin
South and Southeast Asia.
Flavour
Caramel, smoke, round sweetness.
How to use it
Pound or melt into dressings and pad thai sauce. Brown sugar is the usual substitute.
Storage
Airtight. It hardens; that is fine.
Can you recognise Palm sugar?
Ingredient challengeQuestions about Palm sugar
From this ingredient's notes in the catalogue — not a chatbot.
What is Palm sugar?
Sugar from palm sap. Less one-note than white sugar.
How do I use Palm sugar?
Pound or melt into dressings and pad thai sauce. Brown sugar is the usual substitute.
How do I store Palm sugar?
Airtight. It hardens; that is fine.
What does it taste like?
Caramel, smoke, round sweetness.
Nutrition
Per 100g · estimate · USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables. Values are typical, not lab tests of your shopping bag.
Recipes using it
Pad thai
ผัดไทย
Stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind, fish sauce, palm sugar, egg and peanuts — a national dish with a 20th-century origin story.
40 minMedium🌶️
Som tam
ส้มตำ
Isaan green papaya salad pounded in a mortar — lime, fish sauce, chilli, peanuts, and a crunch that should be loud.
20 minEasy🌶️🌶️🌶️
Beef pho
Beef pho from Vietnam. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 3 minA bit of work🌶️
Vietnamese prawn spiralized rolls
Vietnamese prawn spiralized rolls from Vietnam. Times are typical for this kind of dish.
20 minMedium🌶️
BEEF LOK LAK (Lok Lak Sach Ko)
BEEF LOK LAK
BEEF LOK LAK (Lok Lak Sach Ko) from Cambodia. Times were inferred from the source steps.
45 minA bit of workNo chilli
Meang Nem
Rinse the rice, soak in water for about 10 minutes, then drain well. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and stir constantly until evenly dark golden brown and very fragrant, about 5 minutes. Trans
58 minA bit of work🌶️
Cambodian Waffles (Num Poum)
Waffles
Cambodian Waffles (Num Poum) from Cambodia. Times are typical for this kind of dish.
55 minEasyNo chilli