Satay

3202 W. Anderson Ln. #205 Austin, TX 78757 (512) 467-6731

Mon-Thu: 11am-3pm Mon-Thu: 5pm-9:30pm Fri: 11am-3pm Fri: 5pm-10:30pm Sat: 10am-10:30pm Sun: 10am-9:30pm

satayusa.com

 

Satay on Anderson Lane is arguably Austin’s longest-standing Thai restaurant. The menu was crafted by a woman with a PhD in Food Science, Dr. Foo Swasdee. She understands the delicate balances that good Thai food demands, and her restaurant is the epitome of the searing flavors that characterize Thai cuisine.

The appetizers at Satay are indicative of Foo’s skills in the kitchen. The Yam Pancakes, three silver dollar-sized portions of sweet potato topped with ginger, plum, sauce and onions, are a gift to those watching their carbs and to anyone with a craving for a sweet yet savory dish. Foo doffs her chef’s hat to the Philippines for her amazing Lumpia. These are egg rolls filled with either minced chicken or vegetables. Very tasty. And the Satay Dumplings are another treat. To say they are delicate would be an understatement. Delectable would be totally accurate. I love the marinated ground chicken version. Finally the Kampung Udang simply has to be sampled. These are whole shrimp presented in a delightful red curry sauce known as the classic Hor Mok style which means it includes coconut milk and sugar along with the red curry paste.

The entrees at Satay cover a wide array of beautifully prepared and wonderfully tasting dishes. The Ginger Garlic Shrimp and Scallops are stir-fried and served in Foo’s freshly made garlic ginger sauce. You want essential Thai flavors? Here they are. The Duck Curry is another favorite. Take very tender slices of roast duck and cook them in a red curry sauce with pineapple and and tomato. A little Ma-Grud and here we have yet another Satay original. Thai noodle dishes are also well-served at Satay. My favorite is the Lard Na. These are flat rice noodles stir-fried in a sweeter variation of soy sauce. It’s topped with broccoli in a savory Thai gravy that just elevates the taste profiles. And I also really enjoy the Phuket Wonder (try saving that fast three times in a row!). This dish features stir-fried green beans done in Thai chili oil, and Thai pepper and garlic. This was the first dish I ever tasted years ago at Satay. I’m still ordering it. On the spicy side, but highly recommended.

Dr. Foo’s husband makes a chocolate pie almost totally from tofu. Like every here, it’s a fine indulgence.