Salam leaf

Salam leaf (syzygium polyanthum) - aromatic leaves used in Indonesian cooking similar in use to the bay leaf. Bay leaves are not a good substitute so try curry leaves which can be found in Indian grocery stores.  Although it is referred to sometimes as Indian Bay Leaf it is not the same thing.  Fresh salam leaves are best if picked and left off the tree and allowed to shrivel for a few days which helps to draw out the essential oils.

Dried Salam Leaves

Given the difficulty in finding fresh leaves you can source dried leaves in Indonesian specialty shops and there are several sources for them online.  It is important to make sure to fry them in a little oil to help bring out the flavor.  You can purchase the dried leaves on Amazon.com: Salam Leaves

If you can't find salam leaves here are a couple of substitutes:

• Your best option is to find the dried leaves and substitute those for fresh.
• OR - The second best option is to use fresh curry leaves which are typically found in Indian markets.
• OR - Only as a last resort you could use Bay Leaves but they are quite different.