The frenetic atmosphere of Jalan Sabang as the day turns to night can only leave you shaking your head in disbelief, what with the busy traffic along with the rows of pushcarts and tented warung that fill up both sides of the street. However, it has yet to deter Jakarta’s army of culinary hunters from paying a visit to this overcrowded area. A sought-after eating spot on this bustling street that could never be accused of lacking in customers is Sate Lamongan Jaya Agung.

It was established in 1970 by one Pak Jali, who initially sold his satay by the roadside right next to Sarinah. Once his skewered delights became immensely popular, he decided to relocate to a more accommodating place. In 1975, he opened warung Sate Lamongan Jaya Agung at the same location where it is still standing to this day.

Finding the joint is a piece of cake. Besides its strategic position at the point where Jalan Wahid Hasyim and Jalan Sabang meet, you can spot Sate Lamongan Jaya from the throng of customers crowding it and the cloud of smoke that emanates from its satay grill even from afar. Its swift preparation time – regardless of the number of customers present – has to be given a thumbs up.

The deliciousness of each skewer of its much-celebrated Sate Kambing (mutton satay) and Sate Ayam (chicken satay) is unquestionable. The unbelievable tenderness of both its mutton and chicken meat raises the question whether some form of magical process is applied to them prior to grilling. The provided peanut sauce lends a balanced combination of sweet and savoury to one’s palate. No wonder this warung is packed to the rafters with its ardent enthusiasts a on a daily basis.

We came away greatly impressed from our short visit. Buoyed by the deliciousness of its satay, we ended up sampling a number of its other dishes on offer. One item of food that was met with a unanimous nod of agreement by the whole team due to its delectable taste was its Gulai Kambing (mutton curry). Its savoury sauce was not too concentrated yet combined excellently with the tender cuts of mutton meat, while unlike most mutton dishes, no pungent odour was present. Add to the mix a dash of lime juice, a pinch of salt and a spoonful of sambal, and this simple soup will transform into a bowlful of heaven.

You can also read this article on The Jakarta Post:The tender star satay of Jl. Sabang

Jl. Wahid Hasyim No. 56C, Central Jakarta
Open daily from 10am-2am
Rp.40,000/US$3 per person