Since the launch of the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang line, these addictive, charcoal-grilled meats were reported to have enjoyed a brisk business. Production has increased threefold to appease the voracious appetites of hungry locals and tourists who have just discovered the convenience of hopping into the spanking new fast trains and alighting right in front of Haji Samuri, the granddaddy of satay outlets in Kajang.
I’ve personally visited a few Haji Samuri branches in the Klang Valley over the years and had even gone as far as the Dengkil branch. I enjoy Samuri’s chunky, not-overly seasoned satay. The peanut sauce and chilli in oil is the best among the four outlets I mentioned here.
Four?
Yes, four. Haji Samuri may be benefiting the most due to its proximity to the MRT station. If you’d like to check out a lesser known joint but one that serves equally tasty satay, head over to the back of the station where Sate Emas Kajang is located.
Apart from Sate Emas and Haji Samuri, many satay connoisseurs also make a beeline for Kajang Satay Nyok Lan at Restoran Malaysia, about 500 metres from the station.
Another prominent restaurant is Willy Satay at Ramal Food Junction which has a branch at Prima Saujana Kajang.
Nyok Lan Kajang Satay has been around since 1971 and it is the only satay outlet that is owned by a Chinese family whereas the other three are run by Malay owners.
Nonetheless, Nyok Lan’s pork-free variety proved popular with its Malay-Muslim clientele as well as Chinese.
Nyok Lan’s version is minus the fat, using only lean cuts for its chicken, beef and mutton satay. In recent years it has added fish and duck to its repertoire.
Some may prefer Nyok Lan for its supposedly healthier fare while those who enjoy the juicy fats would be partial to Willy Satay or Sate Emas. Nyok Lan also offers flavoursome ketupat nasi instead of bland nasi himpit on the side. But be aware also that Nyok Lan is the only one among the four outlets that charges extras for cucumber and onions!
The similarities between Willy’s and Sate Emas are its marinade and variety. The meats lean towards reddish in colour and sweeter in flavour. Each stick comprises fat and skin which are skewered in-between lean pieces of meat. The skewers here also have some charred bits on the meat, which I like. However, their sambal is sweeter than Haji Samuri’s and the peanuts in the sauce are less chunky.
LRT/MRT: Stadium Kajang
Distance: 170 metres
Operating hours: 10.30am to 12.30am.Taman Sri Ramal Kajang OR Prima Saujana branch,
B-13-GB, Jalan Prima Saujana 2/A Seksyen 2 , Taman Prima Saujana 43000 Kajang
