When you think of satay, you think of these 7 places in the country that consider as locals favourites. Nothing screams ‘Truly Malaysians’ more than a nice piece of satay.

Who wouldn’t love the tender juicy meat with a crispy and charred outer layer that simply melts in your mouth? To make it better, pair it up with a silky smooth peanut sauce. Maybe add in a bit of sambal for those who like it spicy.

Some would say Kajang is their go-to satay heaven in the country. Since it is the home to the most popular satay restaurant which is Sate Hj Samuri. Worry not, we won’t include them in the list as every Malaysian already knows of it.

If you want to try out the best satay, this list is for you:

1. Sate Zainah Ismail

Formerly known as Ismail Satay, this quaint restaurant located in the rural areas of KL is popular for the fresh hot-grilled skewers. If you don’t feel like driving, you can take the LRT and stop at Damai station, it would only take you a 4-minute-walk to the place. Don’t worry about getting lost as you can easily find Sate Zainal Ismail by the smoke and satay fragrance constantly oozing out.

2. Sate Emas

Sate Emas in Kajang is known for its extravagant menu that most skewers fans would be surprised by. So this place is highly recommended for those who like to have a bit more adventure in their food choices. Chicken and beef? Nah, how about rabbit and ostrich. Even a popular YouTuber couple approves of this restaurant and they really favored the ostrich satay.

3. Pak Din Satay

Pak Din Satay is another gem that locals in Gombak area love. Despite it being a small roadside eatery that only serves satay and limited drink selections, it’s actually a big name among skewers connoisseurs. Pak Din’s stall is just a simple and straightforward warung. That’s why you can get them cheaper than most stalls you can find in KL.

4. Rumah Sate Rono

Another local favourite in Kajang, Sate Rono started out as a small roadside restaurant that also serves other kinds of western and Malaysian cuisine. It has now expanded into another stand-alone restaurant that can accommodate more customers with more menu options. Instead of just meat on skewers, you can enjoy other dishes like chicken chop or maybe some desserts.

5. Zaini Satay

The owner, Zaini, is actually the grandson of the famous “king of satay” who began Majid Satay way back in the early 1960s. What makes it special is that they use the same recipe that had been passed down to generations. The sate place was even featured on Jalan-Jalan Cari Makan and even earned compliments from notable celebrities like Chef Wan and AC Mizal.

6. Satay Yus

Even when you’re far from the famous satay district, don’t worry about not having those delicious chewy, gamy goodness. In Johor, you get to enjoy the fatty deliciousness that would make you want more than a full plate. Rumour has it that you get an unlimited refill of the gritty peanut sauce.

7. Satay Mama Mieda

Satay buffet? Count me in! Never thought in our lives that we will be spoiled with an endless meaty surprise. Mama Mieda even added something extra to their delicious skewered meats, cheese. Plus, you can get a whole tub of free ice cream if you order a minimum of 100 satays. It is known that they’ve been using the same recipe passed down from the owner’s mother since 1972.

It’s not like satays are the only great thing about Malaysia, there are even food truck parks that offer more local delights with an alfresco dining experience.