Gulai

Gulai is a type of spiced stew commonly found in the culinary traditions of Indonesia, Malaysia and other parts of Maritime Southeast Asia, including Brunei, Singapore and southern Thailand. Closely associated with both Minangkabau cuisine and Malay cuisines, it is characterised by a rich, aromatic sauce made from coconut milk and a blend of ground spices, typically including turmeric, coriander, chilli and other local aromatics. Gulai is usually prepared with meat, fish, offal or vegetables and is typically served with rice. In English, it is sometimes described as Indonesian curry or Malay curry.

The origins of gulai can be traced to Indian culinary influences introduced through maritime trade routes across the Indian Ocean. Over time, these foreign elements were adapted to local tastes with the incorporation of regional ingredients such as lemongrass, galangal, ginger and candlenut. This fusion gave rise to a distinctive style of curry-like stew in Maritime Southeast Asia. Similar culinary developments occurred in neighbouring regions, resulting in dishes such as kaeng in Thailand and kroeung-based stews in Cambodia. Gulai, in particular, became an integral part of the food culture in both coastal and inland areas of Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. In Java, a local variant is commonly referred to as gule.

Regional interpretations of gulai vary in flavour, texture and ingredients, influenced by local preferences and culinary traditions. West Sumatran versions tend to be thick and intensely spiced, while Javanese styles are lighter and more soupy. In Malaysia, variations range from the fiery masak lemak cili api of Negeri Sembilan to the durian-based gulai tempoyak found in Perak and Pahang. A related version known as guleh is also present in Javanese-Surinamese cuisine.