Kecap manis is a thick, sweet Indonesian soy sauce. It is sweetened with palm sugar during brewing, so it has a syrupy texture and a deep caramel flavour. It is much thicker than the soy sauce most UK kitchens use.
Where to find it
Look in the world food aisle, in the Indonesian or South East Asian section. Some larger supermarkets stock one bottle. Asian grocers carry more brands, and online shops ship it well.
What to use instead
If you cannot find it, mix regular soy sauce with a little dark brown sugar or molasses. Simmer the mix briefly until it thickens slightly. It is not identical, but it is close enough for a quick swap.
How to use it
Stir a spoonful into fried rice or noodles for sweetness and colour. Use it in a satay marinade, or brush it over grilled meat and vegetables near the end of cooking.
Storage
Keep the bottle in a cupboard. Check the label for storage advice after opening.
For a dish that uses it, try our laksa recipe or our oyster sauce guide for another savoury sauce. For another sweet and savoury glaze, read our hoisin sauce guide.