From the start, in 2019, Holly Ong and Patricia “Pat” Lau were introducing Singapore’s multi-cultural cuisine to Portland-area diners by hosting their farm-to-table, private supper clubs.
A crowd favorite, their signature chili sauces, called sambals, became the inspiration for the creation of a retail space and online shop, Sibeiho, in November 2020.
The Sibeiho brand, Holly says, “transports you to the tastes, sights and textures of Singapore, with Chinese, Malay, Indian and Nonya culinary influences.”
Following family recipes, Sibeiho crafts three signature sambals – Boomz Sambal, OMG! Sambal and AF Chili Chunka Sambal – all made in small batches using natural and local ingredients, whenever possible.
“A big part of starting Sibeiho was to make our sambals locally, in Oregon, and to share our food heritage with the foodies here,” Holly says.
Sibeiho focuses the versatility of its sauces to add bold umami flavors to everyday meals, either as a condiment or as an ingredient in many different types of recipes.
Try Boomz Sambal with coconut rice, on avocado toast, added to any form of cooked eggs, or as part of your next charcuterie board. OMG! Sambal is great to cook with, Holly says, and suggests it for stir-fries and marinades – it makes a great dipping sauce, too. The AF Chili Chunka Sambal adds a tangy, garlicky note to foods and is great for cutting into the richness of deep-fried foods or barbecue.
Still small, this BIPOC- and woman-owned startup operates with lots of dedicated help from Holly and Pat’s families and friends. And support from Market of Choice is also much appreciated.
“Thank you for being part of our crazy dream of creating a little piece of Singapore, right here in Oregon!” Holly says.
