Pastes and Sauces

What Are Asian Pastes Used For?

Asian pastes form the foundation of many recipes and lend dishes aroma, depth, and authenticity. They are primarily used for:

• Curries & Stews: e.g. red or green Massaman curry paste simmered with coconut milk, or S&B Golden Curry Paste for traditional Japanese curry
• Soups: e.g. Por Kwan beef soup base for the classic Vietnamese beef soup Pho, or Tom Yum paste for the Thai soup of the same name
• Wok Dishes & Fried Rice: robust pastes such as Bamboe Nasi Goreng or Chow Mein paste provide not only seasoning but also vibrant color
• Marinades & Dips: e.g. Sambal Oelek or chili bean paste for meat, tofu, or vegetables
• Sauces & Dressings: by thinning with soy sauce, fish sauce, or lime juice, you can create versatile seasoning sauces

Asian Pastes by Country

• Taiwan:
  Fermented black bean paste (douchi) is frequently used for wok dishes and sauces; black chili bean paste for meat and tofu dishes; and satay sauce is a popular choice for the well-known hot pot.
• Vietnam:
  Pho soup paste for the famous Vietnamese pho with rice noodles, meat, and fresh vegetables; spicy saté paste for marinating meat or shrimp; and intensely fermented shrimp paste bring bold flavor to dishes.
• Thailand:
  Depending on the desired heat, red, green, and yellow curry pastes form the base for well-known Thai curries with coconut milk, vegetables, rice, or noodles. Tom Yum paste seasons aromatic soups, and for those who like it mild and nutty, Massaman curry paste is ideal.
• Korea:
  The spicy chili paste gochujang is used for rice dishes, noodle stir-fries, and sautéed vegetables. Doenjang (soybean paste) for soups and stews and the dipping paste ssamjang for Korean BBQ are also staples of Korean cuisine.
• China:
  The well-known crispy chili paste Lao Gan Ma Chili Crisp is often used as a soup topping and, thanks to Sichuan pepper, adds a slightly numbing heat and crunchy texture. Hoisin sauce is equally popular; its sweet-savory taste pairs well with duck, vegetables, and rice.
• Indonesia:
  Bold seasoning pastes such as Bamboe Nasi Goreng paste, Rendang curry paste, and Sambal Oelek complement fried rice, meats, wok vegetables, and noodles.
• Japan:
  Miso paste is the base of many soups and marinades and pairs well with tofu, vegetables, and rice. With its mild flavor, S&B Golden Curry Paste is ideal for creamy Japanese curry. The fresh heat of wasabi paste is the perfect companion to sushi.
• India:
  Tandoori paste for the famous tandoori chicken serves as a flavorful marinade and is traditionally served with rice or naan. Curry pastes (e.g. Madras or Korma) form the base of many Indian dishes. The hot vindaloo paste is ideal with meat, vegetables, and rice.
• Philippines:
  Adobo paste, based on soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, is used for the country’s national dish and pairs perfectly with rice and braised vegetables. Peanut-based kare-kare paste enriches creamy stews, and the salty, savory shrimp paste bagoong delivers intense seasoning.

Discover the Diversity of Asian Pastes

At Saigon Monsun, we offer a wide selection of Asian pastes and seasoning blends that provide the essential base seasoning, giving dishes their characteristic aroma and the depth they need:

• Curry pastes in many varieties (Thai, Malaysian, Indian, etc.) as a foundation for aromatic curry dishes.
• Chutneys & sweet seasoning blends that bring a gentle, fruity sweetness from mango or pineapple to savory dishes.
• Chili pastes & heat boosters such as Sambal Oelek or Lao Gan Ma, perfect for adding extra kick at the table or serving as dips.
• Specialty pastes like Tom Yum, tamarind, or bean pastes that bring authentic flavor notes from Thailand, Vietnam, or China into your kitchen.
• Miso & soybean pastes, rich in umami and perfect for soups, vegetables, or tofu dishes — especially popular in Japan, Korea, and China.
• Marinades & grilling pastes such as tandoori paste or satay sauce, ideal for meat, fish, or plant-based alternatives.
• Seasoning bases & instant mixes like pho, rendang, or nasi goreng pastes that make authentic dishes quick and easy.

Why Buy Asian Pastes from Saigon Monsun?

• Extensive range: At Saigon Monsun you’ll find pastes, seasoning mixes, chutneys, and savory sauces — from mildly sweet to richly savory and all the way to fiery hot.
• Made in Asia: Our pastes come from renowned Asian brands such as Lobo, S&B (Foods Inc.), or Cock, known for high quality and authentic taste.
• Easy to prepare: Whether curries, soups, or marinades — with a spoonful of our pastes and seasoning mixes, you’ll have an aromatic Asian dish in no time.
• Expert advice: Our team knows the products inside out and is happy to answer your questions about the pastes, their use, or recipe ideas at any time.
• Fast shipping: We ship your order quickly and securely within 1–3 business days. Shipping is free for orders over €49.

Discover Asian Pastes in Our Online Shop

In Asian cooking, pastes and seasoning blends are indispensable for authentic flavor. They provide the savory base and, together with ingredients like meat, vegetables, shrimp, tofu, and sides such as rice or noodles, create aromatic Asian dishes. The world of Asian flavors is remarkably rich, with distinct characteristics from country to country. Whether you prefer it milder as in Japan, curry-forward as in Thailand and India, or really spicy as in Indonesia or Korea — we have the right pastes and seasoning mixes for every taste. At Saigon Monsun, you’ll find pouches and tins of paste, chutneys and sauces in jars, as well as dried seasoning powders to stir into your sauces and dishes. Try different consistencies and discover your favorite Asian seasoning pastes.

If you have any questions about our pastes and seasoning mixes, how to use them, or about shipping, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Send us a message via our contact form or by email. We’re happy to help!

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FAQ – Asian Pastes

Which Asian pastes work well in vegetarian dishes?
Miso paste, tamarind paste, Massaman curry paste, or a small amount of Sambal Oelek are excellent for vegetarians. They enhance tofu, vegetable, and rice dishes and deliver a deep umami flavor without meat.

What’s the difference between Indian and Thai curry paste?
Indian curry pastes generally rely on dried spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, whereas Thai curry pastes are made with fresh ingredients like chili, lemongrass, and galangal. Indian curries are often creamier and earthier, while Thai curries are fresher and more aromatic.

When should I use paste, powder, sauce, or chutney?
Pastes are ideal as an aromatic base for curries, soups, and wok dishes. Powders are great for seasoning and marinades, for example in curry or masala dishes. Sauces are usually added at the end of cooking or served as dips, while chutneys are fruity-savoury sides that add a sweet-sour note.

Can I combine different Asian pastes?
Yes. For instance, curry paste, tamarind paste, and Sambal Oelek pair well and create new layers of flavor. The key is to start with small amounts and build gradually to achieve a balanced ratio of heat, sweetness, and acidity.

How should I store opened pastes and seasoning mixes?
Once opened, pastes should be kept in the refrigerator and used within a few weeks. Using a clean spoon for scooping and closing the lid tightly will help preserve freshness and flavor.