Central
สะเต๊ะ
Thai Satay
Grilled skewers of marinated meat served with rich peanut sauce and tangy cucumber relish.
Story behind the dish
Origin
Adapted from Indonesian/Malay skewers by Thai-Muslim vendors in Bangkok and Southern Thailand.
History
Became a fixture of Thai street food in the 1950s, sold from charcoal carts in every market.
Culture
A social starter — order a mixed platter to share before the main curries arrive.
Key ingredients
Marinated chicken or porkCoconut milkTurmericPeanut sauceCucumber relishToasted rice powderCoriander
Flavor profile
Sweet
3/5
Sour
2/5
Salty
4/5
Spicy
1/5
Umami
5/5
Where to try it
Street food
Sukhumvit Soi 38 and Chinatown night stalls — satay carts with smoky charcoal grills.
Local restaurant
Samrub Samrub Thai, Bangkok — heritage street-food recipes.
Premium dining
Paste, Bangkok — elevated satay with house-made peanut sauce and wagyu.
Recommended pairings
Drinks
- • Singha beer
- • Thai iced tea
Desserts
- • Mango sticky rice
Complementary dishes
- • Pad Thai
- • Tom Yum Goong