Is Shrimp Paste vegan?
Not vegan
Shrimp paste is fermented shrimp. Not vegan.
Also known as: belacan, kapi, terasi
What it is
A pungent paste of ground fermented shrimp used across Southeast Asia.
Why not vegan
Always animal-derived.
Where you'll find it
- Sambals
- Curries
- Pad thai
- Indonesian and Malaysian cooking
Vegan alternatives
- Fermented black bean + miso
- Vegan shrimp paste (Heaven & Earth)
FAQ
- Can I just skip it?
- You'll lose some funk — add miso + a pinch of seaweed to compensate.
Sources
Last reviewed June 4, 2026