Sate Kajang Haji Samuri @ Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Klang

All 2-3 shoplots of the largest (?) chain of satay restaurants in Malaysia

Mention the word Satay (or Sate in Malay, gee ... how "original"), and most Malaysians, foodie or not, and even most tourists would be able to recognize the charred, grilled, and smoked marinated meat on sticks (not unlike yakitori, albeit with a dryer texture and gravy-less when being grilled).

Vast dining area, with fans and air-conditioners, and ample seats for satay-lovers

Sate Kajang Haji Samuri is undoubtedly, THE most popular branch of Kajang satay, which in turn, is the undisputed KING of satay restaurants in Malaysia. (Do correct me if I'm wrong though). With 15 branches and growing, mostly in Klang Valley, this household name has been grilling and serving the yummy-licious charcoal-grilled meat for years.

Few years ago, I was introduced to this brand of Kajang satay by my father, who frequented the outlet at Kesas highway rest area for his fix of the grilled temptations. Ever since then, I was hooked. Come rain or shine, whenever I visited KL, I'd make it a point to stop by the rest area, and ate til my heart's content, then takeaway a few dozens of them for late night cravings.

The meat was chunky, devoid of fatty and charred parts, and the peanut sauce was heavenly, coupled with their own concoction of sambal. Not to mention the delicious nasi himpit which comes in the form of a roll of condensed rice (think ketupat, but rolled up like lemang).

Mix your own gravy by adding the sambal into the peanut sauce, depending on your mood - Fiery? Mild? Moody?

Bukit Tinggi in Klang has another branch, opened only a year or two ago, I think. Occupying two shoplots in the maze after maze of restaurants and cafes in Bukit Tinggi, the shop has its loyal followings. But the number of seats are sufficient to cater to the crowd.

What makes the satay here special compared to your usual, run-of-the-mill satay warung? Firstly, the gravy. They provide you with a bowl of peanut sauce, and a smaller bowl of sambal (quite oily, but spicy). Mix the sambal according to how spicy you want your sauce to be, but do not go overboard, else you can't taste the marinated meat in all its glory.

Erm, am I seeing things here? *_*

Secondly, the marinated skewered meat, aka the main event, the SATAY. Previously, the chunks of marinated meat was tasteful, juicy and not dry, and perfect when coupled with the sauce. I could indulge in dozens after dozens of them in one sitting.

However, sad to say, the quality has dropped significantly. Possibly the problem lies with this outlet only, I can't be sure. Needless to explain, as from the picture above, you can see the over-grilled meat, burnt, and the chunks aren't so generous anymore (forgiven, considering each stick is only 60 cents for chicken/beef, and slightly higher for rabbit, lamb, innards etc).

The nasi himpit was sold out on that particular day. Shucks. That could've saved the culinary experience.

Location : Restoran Sate Kajang Haji Samuri @ 27 0-1, Lorong Batu Nilam 1E, Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Klang. Tel : 03-3324 2906.