Review - Satay Istimewa and Its Juicy Goodness

 I don't know if I should classify this as a sponsored post because it was not meant to be one as I genuinely wanted to try Satay Istimewa as a normal customer. Long story short, I paid for delivery aje so don't @ me if I don't put disclaimer properly. Either way, you all should know by now, my reviews are all honest one. Whether this was sponsored or not, I legitimately wanted to review this.

A quick background story about Satay Istimewa was that they actually had a stall since 1970s in Katong, formally opposite Palace Theater and a few years later, to old Geylang Serai Market untill 1992. I am pretty sure a good amount of OG would recognize the stall. Unfortunately, with the passing of the founders, it also signaled an end to the stall.

BUT Satay Istimewa's lineage has awoken 28 years later, making a comeback with a modern twist! Satay Goreng Bento/ Platter sets and Frozen Satay Goreng! Satay goreng is basically satay without the skewers for ease of consumption.  This is also perfect for kids as it has no safety hazard or anyone who has 'susuk'. haha Joking ah!

Anyways, as all satay menus are, Satay Istimewa sells Chicken, Beef and Mutton. I ordered Chicken and Beef only because that's my general preference in Satay. I like Mutton but too much Mutton sometimes makes me woozy so I rather not take the chance (unless it's mutton chop or Beef steak tulang, I don't know why I am bias like that).

All Satay Istimewa Bento and Platter sets comes with sides which includes lontong, onions, cucumbers and of course, the satay sauce. You even have a choice to order additional lontong and satay sauce. The difference between Bento and Platter is basically number of pax it serves. Bentos are usually for individuals while the platter can serve 3 or 4 pax depending on the appetite. 

My chicken and beef platter was able to serve my household of 3 adults with some extra. The satay was very hearty and a quick shout out to Raf, to thank you for the extra gravy! I was grateful for it because I am the kind who likes to DUMP & DROWN the satay in gravy so the extra gravy helped with the job.

Oh, before I get to the taste and texture of the platter, I want to point out how careful they are with wrapping and packing the platter. They went beyond just putting the food in and cover it with the lid. they actually wrap it with cling wrap to protect the food. It shows how much they 'sayang' their product!

Let's talk about the meat, mainly the chicken and beef. They are absolutely juicy and succulent! It has the right combination of savory and twinge of sweetness that really satisfies my palate. The meat are well-marinated and are soft too so it will definitely caters to the older generation; no need to chew like chewing gum. hehe

The lontong was bouncy and of the right texture while the cucumbers and onions were both fresh and crunchy. 

Moving on to the satay sauce, they are rich and flavorful without being overwhelming. If you like generous amount of peanuts, you would love their sauce too! I greatly recommend to always order extra sauce if you are like me who like to coat every inch of the satay of sauce before eating plus, it is just delicious!

What I like about the entire platter is that you won't feel surfeited or 'jelak'. You will feel full but you won't feel the yucky-oily-bloated feeling afterwards like most hawker food does.

With that said, I do have a teeny-weeny remark about their satay. It is more of a personal preference really. One thing I also like about eating satay is the smokey-charred experience. Please take note that their satay are SUPPOSED to be fried over a pan so I am already aware what to expect. I, myself would occasionally buy frozen satay goreng at NTUC for those random craving fix. 

I like my satay a little charred. Yes, yes, there are reports saying charred food may be carcinogenic.  This is in part down to one particular molecule that forms when food is cooked at high temperatures but this applies when you eat too much and overly charred food. I like 'sikit aje'. There's something about a little charring whets my appetite; you know, that caramelized sugar, that heightened smoky flavor.

But fret not, if you are Team Charred, Satay Istemewa also sells frozen satay inclusive of their sauce so you can cook at your own convenience and preference! Wohoo! What more can you ask for? Oh, I wanted to add on that I kept and re-heated the left-over satay the next day and it is still as delicious!

Follow Satay Istimewa IG for promos and updates or straightaway order through their Google Form. It is perfect for gatherings, parties, company lunches or just for solo eating. Give it try!