restaurant review
Satay House
A Malaysian and Thai Culinary Delight in Alpharetta
By Andrian Putra
When you walked into Satay House in Alpharetta, you are
instantly transformed to Southeast Asia with its homely decor. With the traditional
Malay house roofs and wooden decor, it certainly brings you close to the
Malaysian atmosphere.
My wife and I visited Satay House with much reservation at first. Due to our previous unpleasant experience at other Malaysian restaurant in Atlanta, we were quite hesitant in the beginning. Though the name of restaurant indicates Malaysian cuisine, it also serves Thai dishes. We started with an order of Roti Canai ($3.25) and Larb Beef ($6.95). I find the Roti Canai to be quite tasty as the dipping chicken curry sauce is flavorful. My wife enjoyed the Larb Beef as it is not overly grilled and has the perfect balance of fresh lime juice to it. We were impressed with the chefs skills in preparing the Thai dish.
Classics are available for the safety seeker, such as Basil Chicken or Mongolian Beef, but it is well worth it for you to try the more traditional dishes here, as they are prepared with much care and time. The Beef Satay ($5.95) served with creamy peanut is particularly good.
Our first entree dish is Beef Rendang ($10.95) which is beef slow-cooked with paste of ground onion, lemon grass and chili simmered in a thick, coconut curry gravy. Both of us gave it two thumbs up! The meat is tender and flavorful with the mild curry spices. I like to nominate it as the Best Beef Rendang in Atlanta!
Our second entree is Daging Nyonya ($9.95) - a deep-fried marinated pork cutlets, served with pickle, pineapple and sweet and sour sauce. The meat is juicy and has the right balance of sweet savory tanginess to it. This dish goes well with steamy hot rice and the Beef Rendang.
I find the prices to be affordable considered it is located in Alpharetta. The service is attentive and you must give clear instructions on the level of spiciness for the dishes. Otherwise, the waiters would serve you the typical American grade of spiciness - which is bland!
Save your self some room for the Sticky Rice with Mangoes ($4.95) dessert. Or better known as Kanew Ma Muang in Thai. It is sticky rice served with cream and ripe mangoes toppings. This is the perfect dessert to wash down all the spicy taste leftover in your mouth.
I heard from the restaurant manager that this place is packed during lunch. You should consider a visit during a slow night during the weekdays to fully savor the exceptional cooking.
We enjoyed the food and the unpretentious atmosphere at Satay House. In addition, both of us were delighted to meet the friendly and humble owner, Hang Heng.
Satay House
281 South Main Street
(Alpharetta Square - behind McDonald's)
Alpharetta, Georgia 30004
Tel: (770) 663-8666
Fax: (770) 663-0551
Website: www.satay-house.com
Lunch: Monday-Saturday 11:00 am - 3:00 pm;
Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm;
Friday & Saturday: 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Rating: 4 out of 4 possible Stars!