The best satay stalls in Singapore, according to local chefs

Singapore-based chefs share their go-to places when they are craving for satay

Satay sticks, fresh off the grill and infused with the aroma of smouldering charcoal, are a popular treat for many. Some like their satay with a balanced ratio of fatty and lean meats. Others enjoy the richly flavoured peanut sauce that pair with well caramelised skewers of beef, chicken, pork or mutton. Hainanese versions will incorporate a dollop of pineapple puree to the spicy peanut sauce. Find out where the following chefs head to for their favourite satay. Venture out and you may just surprise your palates with these amazing local food. We've compiled the top 8 places where you may find such culinary delights.

1. Chomp Chomp Satay

$ $ $ $ | Other Areas

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Poh Boon Neo, chef de cuisine, 665°F

“I usually order a combination of pork, chicken and beef from this place. The skewers are well-marinated and grilled à la minute. You enjoy the satay hot and fresh, and never overcooked so the meats are always tender and succulent. The charred exterior delivers a nice smoky flavour that complements the mildly spiced peanut sauce with a generous dollop of pineapple puree for sweetness. Also, the hawker centre is always so lively, and it is a great place to enjoy a good meal with family and friends.”

Chomp Chomp Satay

Address: 20 Kensington Park Road, 01-34 Chomp Chomp Food Centre S(557269)

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2. Pang's Satay

$ $ $ $ | Chinatown

Above Photo: https://www.instagram.com/evirobiex/

Brandon Teo, head chef, Akanoya Robatayaki & Bar

“I love the old school, well-marinated style of satay sticks. Working at Akanoya Robatayaki & Bar has also given me a better appreciation of the beauty of getting the meat grilled right. Here, they grill the satay perfectly each time. It comes with super thick peanut sauce with the must-have pineapple puree. What do I usually order? 10 sticks each on the first order, followed by five sticks each on the second order. Finally, 15 sticks each to take away to end the meal.”

Pang's Satay

Address: 335 Smith Street, 02-213, S(050335)

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3. Ah Pui Tiong Bahru Satay

Permanently closed | Other Areas

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Sam Chin, executive chef, Vue

Executive chef Sam Chin likes the pork satay from Ah Pui Tiong Bahru Satay because the marinade is well balanced, unlike others that tend to be sweeter. “They keep the proportion of the meat and fats very consistent. Each skewer has a good amount of fats which ensures that the satay is succulent and not too dry.” Chin also likes the satay sauce with grated pineapple.

4. Chai Ho Satay

Singaporean | $ $ $ $ | Other Areas

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Chua Yew Hock, executive chef, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

“I particularly like this stall’s peanut sauce, which is thick, chunky and full of flavour. Most importantly, it’s not too oily,” says the health conscious chef. “It pairs well with the succulent satay meat which has a distinct aroma of spice mixture.” Chua’s go-to order here is the pork satay.

Chai Ho Satay

Address: 448 Clementi Avenue 3, 01-10, S(120448)

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5. Sheng Fa Satay

Local | $ $ $ $ | Other Areas

Kenny Yeo, executive chef, Mount Faber Leisure Group

“I like to order the pork satay, which is juicy and tender. The perfect lean meat to fat meat proportion per satay stick contributes to its tastiness. The peanut sauce comes with grated pineapple that complements the satay.” Yeo frequents this outlet regularly with his family and friends. He is a fan of satay as his father used to sell satay at a coffeeshop near the Great World City area.

Sheng Fa Satay

Address: 205D Compassvale Lane, S(544205)

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6. Violet Oon Singapore

Local | $ $ $ $ | Orchard

Eric Neo, executive chef, InterContinental Singapore

“Satay is a comfort food that I’ve enjoyed eating since young. Nowadays I like the satay from Violet Oon because of their generous portions. The ratio of lean meat and fats is well balanced. The spicy peanut sauce with grated pineapple is great too, and goes well with the charred satay. I also like the satay from Chatterbox, which is quite similar in style to Violet Oon’s version.”

Violet Oon Singapore

Address: 2 Orchard Turn, 03-22 ION Orchard, S(238801)

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7. Kwong Satay

$ $ $ $ | Other Areas

Willin Low, chef-owner, The Kongsee

“The pork belly satay here is my favourite as it’s fresh, tender, and succulent with a wonderful smokiness. The satay’s fat to lean meat ratio is just right. The marinade is also pretty amazing.” Willin himself has also created charcoal-grilled Iberico Satay for The Kongsee, a new Mod-Sin izakaya at Gemmill Lane. This Hainanese-Indonesian fusion street food is served with a rich J

Kwong Satay

Address: 517 Lor 27A Geylang, S(389473)

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8. Satay Power Stall No 6, Lau Pa Sat

Local | $ $ $ $ | Raffles Place

Above Photo: https://www.instagram.com/sataypower6/

Dannel Krishnan, former chef, The Nomads

One of the better ones in Lau Pa Sat is Satay Power Stall No 6, which I have patronising since the late ‘90s. When I am in the area, that is where I would usually go with friends after work; we would order sets according to how many of us are dining. The prawns are quite delicious—they put a bit of salt to finish and it is so good. We also add on a couple of babat (beef tripe) to share.

Satay Power Stall No 6, Lau Pa Sat

Address: 8 Raffles Quay, Lau Pa Sat, S(048582)

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Tatler Asia

The best satay stalls in Singapore, according to local chefs

1. Chomp Chomp Satay

Poh Boon Neo, chef de cuisine, 665°F

2. Pang's Satay

Brandon Teo, head chef, Akanoya Robatayaki & Bar

3. Ah Pui Tiong Bahru Satay

Sam Chin, executive chef, Vue

4. Chai Ho Satay

Chua Yew Hock, executive chef, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

5. Sheng Fa Satay

Kenny Yeo, executive chef, Mount Faber Leisure Group

6. Violet Oon Singapore

Eric Neo, executive chef, InterContinental Singapore

7. Kwong Satay

Willin Low, chef-owner, The Kongsee

8. Satay Power Stall No 6, Lau Pa Sat

Dannel Krishnan, former chef, The Nomads