The Satay I grew up eating — memory as a review

I grew up eating Satay and have strong opinions shaped by memory. The version here triggered that recognition in the first bite — the sweet-savoury balance was right, galangal was handled the way it should be.

Penang is considered the food capital of Malaysia and rivals Singapore for hawker excellence. Growing up it was always a Kuala Lumpur kopitiam, which shaped my reference point entirely. fresh sugarcane juice alongside it is the only way it makes sense to me. It's hard to be objective about food you have emotional history with, but objectively: this is very good.