Ingredient Guide
Find exactly where to buy that one obscure ingredient, or how to substitute it smartly with products from the local supermarket.
Fish Sauce
Vissaus / Nam Pla / Nước Mắm (น้ำปลา)
The complete guide: what fish sauce is, why it smells like that but tastes divine, and how to substitute it if you're cooking vegetarian or vegan.
Availability
Albert Heijn (store brand, always), Jumbo (Squid Brand), Toko (Megachef, Red Boat, large assortment)
Best Substitute
Soy sauce + finely cut nori sheet (1:1 + quarter sheet of nori)
Galangal
ข่า
The complete expat guide: why galangal is not just 'Thai ginger', where to find it in the Netherlands, and how to smartly substitute it.
Availability
Albert Heijn (powder always, fresh sometimes), Toko / Amazing Oriental (fresh and frozen — always)
Best Substitute
Fresh ginger + lime zest (1 tbsp ginger + ½ tsp zest)
Gochujang
고추장
The complete guide for expats: exactly what gochujang is, where to buy it in the Netherlands, and how to replace it when you're out.
Availability
Albert Heijn (Sempio, larger stores), Jumbo (limited), Toko / Amazing Oriental (always, large selection)
Best Substitute
Miso + chili flakes + honey (1:1:1 teaspoons)
Mirin
味醂
The complete expat guide: what mirin is, why the bottle at Albert Heijn isn't the real deal, and how to substitute it without ruining your dish.
Availability
Albert Heijn (Saitaku — but that is imitation mirin!), Toko / Japanese specialty stores (real Hon Mirin)
Best Substitute
Sake + sugar (1 tbsp sake + 1 tsp sugar)
Tamarind
Tamarinde / Asam Jawa / Asem (มะขาม)
The complete guide: the difference between tamarind paste, concentrate, and block, where to buy it in the Netherlands, and how to substitute it if you run out.
Availability
Albert Heijn (Kokki Djawa paste), Jumbo (Flower Brand), Toko (blocks, concentrate, fresh pods)
Best Substitute
Fresh lime juice + dark brown caster sugar (1 tbsp + ½ tbsp)