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1. Kajang Satay
Kajang Satay is the most famous version in Malaysia, and for good reason.
It's known for its larger, juicier meat chunks and that thick, nutty kuah kacang with a spoon-worthy consistency.
The meat is marinated with turmeric, lemongrass, and galangal, then grilled to perfection over charcoal. Some stalls even serve it with sambal for extra kick.
Here's where you can try this satay: Restoran Sate Kajang Haji Samuri
Address
Jalan Kelab, Bandar Kajang, 43000 Kajang, Selangor
Opening hours
11.30am to 10.30pm (Monday to Thursday)
11.30am to 1pm, 3pm to 11pm (Fridays)
12pm to 11pm (Saturdays)
12pm to 10.30pm (Sundays)
If Kajang's a little far from you, they've got more outlets at Shah Alam, Klang, Puchong, and more.
2. Padang Satay
Padang Satay, a Minangkabau speciality, features tender beef cubes topped with a rich, spicy sauce made from beef broth and over 19 aromatic spices.
Its signature thick gravy varies in colour (yellow, brown, or red) depending on the regional style.
Grilled over coconut shell charcoal and served with fried shallots and lontong, it's a deeply flavourful dish with layered heat.
Here's where you can try this satay: Restauran Sri Bundo Gombak
Address
Kampung Simpang Tiga, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours
10.30am to 8pm (Daily)
3. Madura Satay
You'll often find this variety at Indonesian-run stalls in Johor, KL, or Sabah. Satay Madura hails from Indonesia but has grown popular in Malaysia too.
It uses kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), garlic, and shallots in the marinade, giving the meat a slightly caramelised glaze.
The sauce is usually darker, thicker, and spicier than our peanut version.
Here's where you can try this satay: Satay Madura Riyana
Address
1030, Jalan Cempaka, Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours
5pm to 11pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Closed on Mondays.
4. Lok Lok Satay
While technically not "grilled", Lok Lok earns a spot for satay-adjacent vibes.
This steamboat-on-a-stick style is popular in Penang, Melaka, and parts of Johor. It's also known as satay celup in Melaka.
Various meats, fish balls, and offal are skewered and boiled in hot broth, then dipped in satay sauce, chilli, or hoisin-style dips.
Here's where you can try this satay: Fat Brother Satay Lok-lok
Address
43, Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours
Open 24 hours.
5. Pork Satay
Found mainly in non-halal kopitiams and Chinese food stalls, pork satay is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sugar, five-spice, and fermented bean curd, then grilled until caramelised and slightly charred.
The satay sauce often contains pineapple puree for a sweet-sour tang. Some versions even add crushed peanuts and garlic oil.
Here's where you can try this satay: Restoran Gembira MJ, John Satay
Address
Jalan SS 26/9, Taman Mayang Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours
6pm to 10pm (Daily)
