kuah
The English word "gravy" is translated into Indonesian as kuah.
It is a broad term that covers the liquid base of many dishes.
Meaning: sauce (noun)
Which one should you use?
While kuah can be used for gravy, it is a broad term that can also mean broth, soup liquid or any general liquid base of a dish. For comparison, saus is used for more viscous, prepared sauces like tomato or chili sauce, whereas kuah refers to the liquid part of soups or stews.
Did you know?
- The word kuah likely comes from the Hokkien words for 'to drain' and 'kudzu'. This suggests that the term was influenced by Chinese culinary techniques and ingredients.
- In Indonesia, you will often see kuah used as a category for 'clear' vs 'thick' styles of the same dish. For example, soto kuah refers to the soup version of a dish that can also be served dry.
- In many Indonesian households, the kuah from a meat dish is often reserved and used later to cook rice or noodles.
Examples in context
- Tolong tambahkan kuah ke atas dagingnya.Please add some gravy over the meat.
- Kuah ini terasa sangat gurih.This gravy tastes very savory.
Example conversation
Indah and Dimas are eating dinner at a restaurant.
- IndahApakah kamu suka kuah ini, Dimas?Do you like this gravy, Dimas?
- DimasYa, kuahnya sangat lezat.Yes, the gravy is very delicious.
- IndahAku ingin meminta lebih banyak kuah.I want to ask for more gravy.
- DimasAku akan meminta pelayan membawakannya.I will ask the waiter to bring it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kuah, CC BY-SA 4.0.
