I was biting into a pyramid of fishy goodness. It was sweet, slighty sticky with strings of coconut in it and the taste of newly caught fish glistening in silver nets. Somehow the blend of coconut and fresh fish makes one think of sun, surf and sea the essence of Terengganu. Earlier we were just driving from one long windswept beach to the next thinking of irrational non-city slicker thoughts- like building a sekuci (a local sampan), living a nomadic beach existence and planting coconuts. Such is the appeal of the East Coast, it allows you to drift on modest wholesome dreams.
Back to the Satar. It comes wrapped in coconut leaves, after being stuck on long spits and smoked on hot embers. Made out of fish, grated coconut, santan and a bit of sago- it's a favourite snack here. While we were there, car after car came to buy dozens of it to take home. That and the sea air makes this snack really addictive yet small enough so you won't feel too guilty about scarfing down a truckload of these tasty little morsels.
Pak Nor (the father who started the stall) also makes otak-otak from tenggiri and other fishes. The otak-otak is not as juicy as the satar but has a really smouldering flavour. Best thing is that at the centre of each otak-otak is a chunk of fish. Yesiree... orang ganu ni suka ikang...
"Fresh squid right in the centre"
After about fifteen satars and a dozen otak-otak, piping hot otak-otak sotong came. They lightly grill the squid first on the embers, then wrap the otak-otak mixture around it, swaddle it in leaves and then give it another grill. Because this was so fresh- it was fabulously succulent. The squid in the middle gave it crunch and texture. Omigod... this is when I start itching to find a piece of beachfront land and build a wooden hut with a hammock at the front. Dream on...
More Photos To Drool On
Lovely wrapped mini pyramids grilling
OMG this article remind me a sweet memory...I use to be there..yeah really delicious...I think it's more delicous than Cherating (I used to eat Cherating's otak-otak before)
by melakamanNovember 12, 2010 11:53PM
Hey, I've been to a place near Cherating and they had the same type of otak-otak with squid inside. The best I've had in my entire life. Must be the East Coast style. Drooling..........
by JonOctober 30, 2009 6:55PM
Thanks... it was a great trip and the satar was really, really good
by The FoodsterJuly 19, 2008 5:23AM
Those Satar pictures look amazing
by mokhsterJuly 19, 2008 2:13AM
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Foodster's Verdict
Pak Nor Satar & Otak Otak
Address:
Kg. Padang Polis, Batu Rakit, Kuala Terengganu (opposite the police station) Tel: 09 669 6620
Open:
Tea: 2pm - 6pm
Pros:
They do not skimp on the seafood here
Cons:
Well you have to go all the way to Terengganu for this
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OMG this article remind me a sweet memory...I use to be there..yeah really delicious...I think it's more delicous than Cherating (I used to eat Cherating's otak-otak before)
by melakaman November 12, 2010 11:53PM
Hey, I've been to a place near Cherating and they had the same type of otak-otak with squid inside. The best I've had in my entire life. Must be the East Coast style. Drooling..........
by Jon October 30, 2009 6:55PM
Thanks... it was a great trip and the satar was really, really good
by The Foodster July 19, 2008 5:23AM
Those Satar pictures look amazing
by mokhster July 19, 2008 2:13AM
You must be logged in to post comments