Oh the simple sate, how many a time have we rolled down the windows of the car to catch a whiff of the delightful aroma of chicken roast coming from road side vendors. The smoke engulfs the air and almost hypnotizes the senses, drawing you closer to making that decision to get down and satisfy your cravings for this national wonder.

Well after all that hype, you maybe disappointed not to find any smoke at all, at Te Sate but instead a flavorful journey across Indonesia. We cannot take credit away from their elaborate stage set for their specialty but yet simple dish. To reach this spectacular setting, of lavish seating arrangements and traditional Javanese percussion, best known as Gamelang, you will have to walk through a side alley which almost feels as though one is transitioning from a different world in time space continuum. Fine! maybe we went too far with that statement but it does feel as though you were detaching yourself from the world outside. Once inside you will notice an open kitchen and a view of chefs grilling Sate, of course. Circular lamps with Javanese calligraphy, occupy the ceiling and dim lighting provides a cozy atmosphere.

From the sate-fan like shaped menu, you can choose a variety of sates such as Sate Kambing, Sate Ayam Madura, Sate Lilit, Sate Blora etc. The obvious and most common choice is Sate Ayam Madura and is also what most street vendors sell. Essentially it is chicken cutlets on a wooden steak, grilled and served with peanut sauce. However, unlike other restaurants, the sate at Te Sate is presented along with the anglo, a traditional grilling instrument which is not only used for artistic purposes but also to keep the sate warm. Onions and chilies accompany every sate dish but kept separate for those who prefer a milder taste. Rice crackers called Krupuk Gendar are also served together. As a staple many like to enjoy the sate with rice, but a common practice is to also have it with Lontong, basically rice wrapped in banana leaf to give it a delightful aroma and taste. For vegetables, a recommendation is Sayur Lodeh, though the word vegetables may not be justifiable by its contents of meat, bean curd and green chilies, it is still a fine choice. Those with room to spare can also try their desert, The Pisang Gulung, banana served with cheese, cotton candy like threads of sugar served with ice cream.

Perhaps the next time you roll down the windows, Te Sate may just well also be around the corner. A must try!