Makan Malaysia luxury sauces – what a delight!

When I first opened the Makan Malaysia “Satay and Spice Gift Set,” I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but right away I was impressed. The packaging feels thoughtful and gift-worthy, and inside are three of their signature sauces: a fiery sambal, a fragrant satay marinade, and a rich peanut sauce.

I love the ethos of the company too:

“All our food is made from our kitchen in Reading, and we’re there every step of the way to make sure you get the best quality! We are conscious of acting in an environmentally sustainable way and do our best to minimise waste so you can order guilt-free.” Always lovely for Lussorian to support a great product and passionate founders.

The sambal is a proper chilli sauce with real bite smoky, garlicky, chilli-heavy and full of depth. It adds instant heat and character when stirred into noodles, sprinkled over rice, or mixed into a bolognese for a Malaysian-inspired twist. The satay marinade, by contrast, is aromatic and mellow, with lemongrass, coriander, fennel and more herbs. Marinating chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian twist), skewering and cooking it yields the most fragrant, Southeast-Asian-street-food vibes perfect for a mid-week dinner that feels a little more exciting.

Finally, the peanut sauce is a star. Rich and slightly sweet, nutty and umami-laden, it works beautifully as a dip but also doubles as a dressing for salads or a sauce for stir-fries and rice bowls. It’s that kind of pantry hero you didn’t realise you needed until you try it.

What I love most is how versatile this set is: you can mix and match flavors, use sauces separately or together so you’re not stuck with just one “use case.” At £24, it offers great value for money for food lovers, gift-seekers or anyone wanting to explore Malaysian flavours at home.

On top of that, I tried a few of the recipes from the Makan Malaysia “Recipes” section and the sauces really shone. For example, their “Sambalicious Curry” comes alive when you add a couple of spoonfuls of the sambal from the set. The rich coconut milk curry with veggies and tofu becomes warming and full-flavoured, with a genuine Malaysian kick.   Likewise, the “Sambalicious Tofu Bites” recipe becomes so much more exciting when smeared generously with the sambal the tofu transforms from plain to punchy, perfect as a snack or in a wrap.   And if you’re feeling adventurous the peanut sauce works wonders as a dip alongside skewers or as a sauce drizzled over stir-fried noodles or rice (imagine – a peanut-satay twist on their “Nasi Goreng”).  

If you’re after a simple way to turn ordinary protein or veggies into something vibrant, bold and full of flavour this set won me over. Go try some delicious Makan pantry delights here.