The common human tendency is to reduce all things to something familiar. Bringing a commonality with one’s own culture. But when we get the chance we must open up our minds because some things are very different. Like Asam Pedas. This is a Malay and Indonesian fish stew. Not a sweet, round, milk sweet from Assam.

But if you want to compare it, it’ll be to any spicy and sour fish dish we have in India. Like Pulimunchi.

Asam is literally tamarind which gives the dish it’s sour characteristic flavour. Chillies and spices are added to this. The fish (usually freshwater fish) goes into the paste in the end to complete the stew.