Cover Satay is one of the region's most popular street snacks (Photo: Unsplash/Nita Anggraeni Goenawan)
Satay is one of the region's most popular street snacks (Photo: Unsplash/Nita Anggraeni Goenawan)
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Discover the best of the beloved Malaysian street snack with the help of these local chefs
Seasoned, skewered, and grilled, satay is a staple in Malaysia's local cuisine. Simple and satisfying, this skewered delight can be made with a variety of meats, the most popular being chicken and beef. Satay is usually found at local pasar malam (night markets) and served with peanut sauce, sliced cucumbers, sliced red onions, and sometimes ketupat.
Kajang in Selangor has become the unofficial capital for satay in Malaysia with many favourite satay joints located here. We speak to five local chefs to find out just where they get their fix of this local favourite.
Read more: The best nasi lemak in Malaysia, according to chefs
1. Sate Kajang Hj Samuri
Kajang
Above Sate Kajang Hj Samuri is one of the most famous satay joints in the Klang Valley (Photo: Instagram/@satekajanghjsamuri_)
Sate Kajang Hj Samuri is one of the most famous satay joints in the Klang Valley (Photo: Instagram/@satekajanghjsamuri_)
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"My all-time favourite satay restaurant is Sate Haji Samuri. My regular orders are always chicken and beef, and these are served with thick and fragrant peanut sauce which hits the right spot. Sate Haji Samuri's satay is incredibly tender, flavourful and value for money. The well-marinated meat is substantial in size.
The peanut sauce is also very flavourful and what impresses me the most is the consistency in terms of quality and taste after operating for many decades."
–Rafizan Abdul Rahim, Shook! at The Starhill Dining
"My favourite satay is at Sate Kajang—the satay is sweet, juicy tender, and chargrilled to perfection, just how I like it. The beef satay is to-die-for!"
–Shahrul Ainizan Mohd Yusof, The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar
2. Willy Satay
Bandar Baru Bangi
Above Willy Satay is located in Bandar Baru Bangi (Photo: Instagram/@willy_satay_bangi_branch)
Willy Satay is located in Bandar Baru Bangi (Photo: Instagram/@willy_satay_bangi_branch)
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"I love Willy Satay for its tasty and tender meat. More importantly is its yummy peanut sauce. I usually order the chicken and beef with a generous order of cucumber, onions, and ketupat on the side."
–Jais Hussain, The Gulai House
3. Restoran Line Clear
Melaka
Above Restoran Line Clear is also known for its rojak (Photo: Facebook/Restoran Lineclear Kg Jawa - Rojak & Satay Original)
Restoran Line Clear is also known for its rojak (Photo: Facebook/Restoran Lineclear Kg Jawa - Rojak & Satay Original)
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"When we go back to Melaka, a must-visit is my favourite Restoran Line Clear in Kampung Jawa for satay. We would take the boat ride to work up an appetite and then enjoy the satay after. I really enjoy the perut (stomach) and hati (heart) satay here."
–Siti Kader, Siti Li Dining
4. The Hungry Tapir
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Above The Hungry Tapir is the go-to for plant-based meals in Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Instagram/@thehungrytapir)
The Hungry Tapir is the go-to for plant-based meals in Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Instagram/@thehungrytapir)
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"The Hungry Tapir's satay is my go-to. It's juicy, full of flavour, and satisfyingly meaty—not what you'd expect for vegan satay made with mushrooms. Many have been fooled into thinking it's chicken, but I guess you've gotta try it and see for yourself!"
–Elliz Azhar, The Kampung Vegan
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Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to.
Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.
