Satay @ Beh Leh Hainam Satay, Jalan Gajah Berang, Malacca

 

Initially located in the same block, the legend originally known as Hai Heng Pork Satay (click here to find out more about my experience years back) has finally left its confines as a tenant. Now a full-on brick-and-mortar restaurant with a new name, Beh Leh Hainam Satay is now still dishing out great food and that same exceptional quality the way I remembered years back. And as I was back this time with friends from Japan, I think it would be a great idea to invite them try one of my favorite soul foods back here. 

What an upgrade

The location was a definite upgrade compared to the last one. They had a modern but retro vibe and really make the establishment feel like a legitimate restaurant. Much cozier than the last one that is for sure. But one thing would stay the same though, is the main reason why we were here, the skewers. 

The whole ensemble!

As we were a party of 8, we initially ordered 80 skewers, which would stand at 10 each. Accompanying it would be a few bags of ketupat rice cakes, the classic cucumber and onions combo, and of course the sweet and spicy satay sauce. 

Powerful close up!

It took a while for the food to arrive, as there was a massive crowd. The wait however was worth it. Really worth it. The skewers were absolutely delicious. The marinade was totally spot on with hints of lemon grass, garlic, and turmeric hitting you like a tonne of bricks. The meat was a little chewy but in a good way. It gave a good mouth feel. And the liberal amount of fatty chunks made it an overall sinful meal. 

Liquid gold

And once the sauce comes into play, everything ended up perfect. The fruity, tangy, nutty, and slightly spicy sauce was a great companion to the satay. It added so much dimension to the entire thing, that it seems almost compulsory to dunk it in. With chunks of pineapple and peanuts inside, it is no surprise such a complex condiment has so much identity, lacking better words to describe it. 

Prior to being awesome

The ketupat which was initially bland rice became a star in the end. Once it melded with that electrifying sauce, it became a mini explosive. Perhaps as it was quite neutral in flavor, it allowed the sauce to take center stage and be the main focus. A total must-have, and it does help to add more carbs to a meal from time to time. Despite all of that food, we ended up wanting more. We then ordered another 5 sticks per person, leading to another order of 40 sticks. With a total score count of 120 sticks, everyone eventually became pretty satiated and left the place satisfied. 

One more round!

With our stomachs really stuffed, we left the establishment really happy. And the meal was decently priced too. With each stick and ketupat standing at RM1.10 each, this was a pretty decent bargain. Not to mention that the food is quite laborious and made fresh, this was a real bang for your buck. If you are into barbecue meats, spicy food, or just somehow ended in Malacca, this legendary eating spot must be on your to-do list. And if that has piqued your curiosity, then the address is as follows:

 313, Jalan Gajah Berang, 75200 Melaka

Such retro feels.