That Ol' Kampong Feeling

We recently had a satay party at our place. It was a farewell party for my American cousin Lani and her family. Satay was something new to Brandon, Lani's son in law and her two grandchildren Logan and Jack who were all first timer visitors to our sunny and rainy shores.

We set up the tables for 25 guests in the garden, and dressed them (the tables not the guests) in "sarong" pattered disposable table cloths. Ali came with his satay tray, satay sticks, rice cakes, cucumber, onions and lots of satay gravy. Soon, the air was filled with charcoal smoke and the smell of BBQ seasoned meats.

We "squatted" around forming our own groups and after some preliminary small talk and laughter, the eating started. The chunky pieces of chicken satay were flying off the tray with the mutton ones in hot pursuit. The beef sticks went a little slower. We liked the chunky meats vs those that come all soft and minced almost. The seasoning was subtle which allowed the flavour of the meat to surface.

The rice cakes no longer come wrapped and cooked in their coconut-leaf jackets, called "ketupat". They are now cooked in bamboo sticks "lontong" style. That was disappointing but according to Ali, nobody makes rice cakes "ketupat" style any more. Sad!

Cucumber pieces and onion bits were generously available and so also the very important "kuah" or satay gravy. The consistency of the peanut sauce was just right although I would have liked it a little thicker. The taste again was not over powering and was a good complement to the meats.

We had some cucumber, bean sprouts, kang kong and "tau pok" on the side for those wanting a more vegetarian meal.

Some bottles of red and white wine helped to wash the meats down. We also had star fruit juice which is said to be "cooling" to combat the "heatyness" of the BBQ meats.

Local fruits at the end of the satay meal was refreshing. Then the KING of fruits made its presence known. The Mountain Cat durian caused Caucasian noses to wrinkle and we had to initiate poor Brandon who took a brave bite off a durian seed and immediately rushed to the bin. He will never ever forget his wonderful experience of a satay party in Singapore.

There was much eating and chatting and laughing throughout the night. All in all, it was a great party with good satay, great wine and super company ... and that old "kampong" feel ...

Want a satay man? Call Ali Satay at 9061 8086 or email him at ali_satay@yahoo.com.sg