Las Vegas Malaysian
Just got back from a few days vacat- ooops I mean business trip in Las Vegas. Such jaunts are the perfect opportunity to sample some new foods while I'm hundreds away from the comfort of my own kitchen. While traipsing through Chinatown to stock up on ingredients, my friend Scott and I discovered a place called Satay Malaysian Grille restaurant...
The drink special was "two for one" mojitos -- not very Malay but I can never say no to cheap drinks, so on with the food...
First we started with the roti canai, which was sinfully buttery, rendered even more decadent by its accompanying coconut curry. DROOL, this was incredible. The bread was flaky and moist at the same time, while the curry was perfectly spicy and complex.
Next came the "Chinese rojak" which was not as impressive. It came with pieces of fried shrimp, which surprised me, and the fruits used were not at all impressive. I think perhaps the chef did not have access to the proper ingredients? I was very surprised to find this more vegetable-oriented than tropical fruit oriented, but as I've never tried rojak I'm no expert.
Our first main dish was char kway teow (Chinese : 炒粿條，炒河粉) with shrimp, which I felt was the highlight of the meal. This dish's taste was deep, mellow, and salty thanks to what tasted like heavy tamarind seasoning. This was my first time eating this dish and loved it; especially surprising considering it was made with egg. I'm not a big fan of eggs but the egg in this dish has the consistency of tofu and was seasoned so deliciously that there was no "eggy" taste or smell. Loved it!
I'm not sure what the Malay name is for this dish but it appeared on the menu as "yam pot" -- essentially it's a basket made from deep fried taro, and the inside is a stir fried seafood medley. This was so delicious and delicately seasoned with just a bit of ginger and soy, I'm guessing. This tasted more Chinese than Malay but it made a great accompaniment to our spicier, heavier dishes.
Burp! The food here was excellent, the drinks were cheap, and the service was excellent. Great ambiance with no crowds. I wasn't impressed with the rojak but everything else was excellent. Very recommended.
Satay Malaysian Grille
3755 Spring Mountain Road, Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 362-2828
