It could be a fish, crab or prawn/shrimp based paste. These are very flavoursome and are widely available with varying heat ratings. J.B Cattley wrote: > Some time ago, I went to the local asian foodcourt, where they had this > rather interesting chile paste that I've been looking for ever since. > > It was very dark red, kinda dry, maybe oil based? All the pastes and purees > I've come across in the shops have been a lot wetter, much lighter, and not > so hot-looking. > > Anyone know what this was? I'm thinking it might possibly have been one of > the bean-based concoctions, but that just doesn't seem right. > > jbc