Tean’s Gourmet or Ayam are the rendang pastes most UK shoppers can find, and a reliable shortcut given how long the dish takes to cook from scratch. Rendang paste is a spiced base of chilli, shallot, garlic, galangal and lemongrass, simmered with coconut milk into a thick, dry curry.
The best rendang paste to buy in the UK
What to check on the label
- Whether shrimp paste is included, since a small number of brands make a version without it.
- Heat level, since rendang paste varies noticeably between brands.
- Jar versus sachet, sachets suit a single batch.
Rendang paste vs Thai curry paste
| Type | Flavour base | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Rendang paste | Galangal, lemongrass, dry spices | Long-simmered Malaysian and Indonesian curries |
| Thai curry paste | Fresh herbs, more liquid-forward | Quicker Thai curries |
Wet paste vs dry spice mix
Most rendang paste is sold as a wet, oily paste ready to fry straight from the jar, though a smaller number of brands sell a dry spice mix meant to be blended with fresh aromatics yourself. The wet paste is far more convenient and gives a consistent result, while the dry mix demands more effort but lets you control the final texture and freshness more closely.
Checking the heat and shrimp paste content
Heat level varies noticeably by brand, and almost all rendang paste contains shrimp paste, making it unsuitable for vegetarians by default. A small number of specialist brands sell a shrimp-paste-free version, worth seeking out if needed rather than assuming any jar will do.
Where to buy rendang paste in the UK
Rendang paste is stocked by some larger UK supermarkets now, though a Malaysian or Indonesian grocer is a more reliable source for a wider choice.
Which aisle is rendang paste in?
Where stocked, rendang paste is in the world food aisle, in the Malaysian or Indonesian section, often near curry pastes.
Asian supermarkets
A Malaysian or Indonesian grocer carries a wider choice of brands and regional styles of rendang paste.
Buying it online
It keeps well, so a larger jar online is worth it if you make rendang regularly, given the long cooking time involved.
Checking for a shrimp-paste-free version
Almost all rendang paste contains shrimp paste, ask specifically if a vegetarian version is stocked rather than assuming, since it is a specialist request most shops will not have on the shelf by default.
How to store rendang paste
Keep the jar in the fridge once opened, where it keeps for a few months.
Frequently asked questions
How long does rendang take to cook once the paste is fried?
Around 2 to 2.5 hours of slow simmering, as in our beef rendang recipe, to reduce the sauce properly.
Can I use rendang paste for chicken instead of beef?
Yes, though it will need a shorter cooking time than a tougher cut of beef.
Can I make rendang paste from scratch?
Yes, blending chilli, shallot, garlic, galangal and lemongrass gets you there, though a good jar is a reasonable shortcut.
Is rendang paste very spicy?
It varies by brand, most are medium heat, balanced by the long simmer in coconut milk.
