A Delicious Surprise at Zakaria Restaurant Jalan Sutan Abdurrahman No 9 Pontianak, West Kalimantan, INDONESIA
Sate Padang is one of the most famous dishes from West Sumatra. Many people know it, but not everyone understands that this special satay actually comes in different styles. I recently visited one of the most popular Padang restaurants in Pontianak, Zakaria, with four friends. We ordered Sate Padang, and the experience became an interesting story worth sharing. I have uploaded two photos of the Sate Padang with my own cellphone as follows:
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Hold on Even though Sate Padang comes from West Sumatra, it has become a popular dish across many parts of Indonesia. That’s why you can easily find it in cities far from its origin, including Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, where I live.
Many Indonesian foods travel from one island to another, and Sate Padang is one of them. So even if you are enjoying it outside West Sumatra, like I did here in Pontianak, it is still the same beloved dish that has become part of Indonesia’s rich and diverse culinary culture
Did you guys notice “Zakaria Restaurant” that I mentioned in the first paragraph, especially in the subtitle above? I could have taken many photos of Zakaria Restaurant so you could get an idea of what the place looks like. However, I don’t want to risk running into any problems by putting photos here in my blog post that don’t belong to me. I don’t want to face any legal action or copyright issues by using images that aren’t mine. You can search for it by typing in address bar search with the keyword "Zakaria Restaurant". Thank you for your understanding
You can find them through Maps. See below.
Read also - Rendang More Than Just A Delicious Dish.
The Sate Padang we enjoyed that night had a thick yellow-brown sauce. It was tasty, warm, and comforting, but not too spicy. The flavor was very different from the usual peanut sauce we know from Sate Madura or other types of Indonesian satay. This difference is what makes Sate Padang unique and exciting for many people, especially for visitors who try it for the first time.
How about the price of 1 portion of Sate Padang?
FYI, The price of a portion of Padang satay varies, but it generally ranges from IDR 10,000 to IDR 30,000 or more, depending on the location and vendor.
Current exchange rate: 1 US Dollar = 16,690 Indonesian Rupiah.
Some places sell it even cheaper, such as IDR 10,000 per portion in Batam, while in other areas it can reach around IDR 23,000 or more, as reported by GoFood. Price range: Approximately IDR 10,000 to IDR 30,000 or higher. Factors affecting price: Location (city/region) and type of vendor, whether it’s a street stall or a restaurant. Price examples: Some vendors offer it for as low as IDR 10,000, while others may charge IDR 23,000 or more.
What Makes Sate Padang Special?
Unlike regular satay that comes with peanut sauce, Sate Padang uses a rich, thick, and fragrant gravy made from spices. The sauce is cooked until it becomes creamy and smooth, then poured generously over skewers of grilled beef and soft rice cakes.
The taste is a mix of savory, warm spices, a little sweetness, and a gentle heat. It does not always feel spicy, and this depends on which type of Sate Padang you are eating.
Read also -Why Bakso Holds a Special Place in the Heart of Indonesians
Three Main Types of Sate Padang
There are three traditional versions of Sate Padang, each coming from a different city in West Sumatra:
Sate Padang is one of the most famous dishes from West Sumatra. Many people know it, but not everyone understands that this special satay actually comes in different styles. I recently visited one of the most popular Padang restaurants in Pontianak, Zakaria, with four friends. We ordered Sate Padang, and the experience became an interesting story worth sharing. I have uploaded two photos of the Sate Padang with my own cellphone as follows:
 |
A complete serving of Sate Padang with rich, thick
sauce and soft lontong, enjoyed at a local Padang restaurant in Pontianak.
Photo by Asep Haryono. All right reserved. |
 |
A close-up look at the tender beef satay coated in
Sate Padang’s signature spicy, flavorful sauce. Photo by Asep Haryono. All
right reserved. |
.
Hold on Even though Sate Padang comes from West Sumatra, it has become a popular dish across many parts of Indonesia. That’s why you can easily find it in cities far from its origin, including Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, where I live.
Many Indonesian foods travel from one island to another, and Sate Padang is one of them. So even if you are enjoying it outside West Sumatra, like I did here in Pontianak, it is still the same beloved dish that has become part of Indonesia’s rich and diverse culinary culture
You can find them through Maps. See below.
Read also - Rendang More Than Just A Delicious Dish.
The Sate Padang we enjoyed that night had a thick yellow-brown sauce. It was tasty, warm, and comforting, but not too spicy. The flavor was very different from the usual peanut sauce we know from Sate Madura or other types of Indonesian satay. This difference is what makes Sate Padang unique and exciting for many people, especially for visitors who try it for the first time.
How about the price of 1 portion of Sate Padang?
FYI, The price of a portion of Padang satay varies, but it generally ranges from IDR 10,000 to IDR 30,000 or more, depending on the location and vendor.
Current exchange rate: 1 US Dollar = 16,690 Indonesian Rupiah.
Some places sell it even cheaper, such as IDR 10,000 per portion in Batam, while in other areas it can reach around IDR 23,000 or more, as reported by GoFood. Price range: Approximately IDR 10,000 to IDR 30,000 or higher. Factors affecting price: Location (city/region) and type of vendor, whether it’s a street stall or a restaurant. Price examples: Some vendors offer it for as low as IDR 10,000, while others may charge IDR 23,000 or more.
What Makes Sate Padang Special?
Unlike regular satay that comes with peanut sauce, Sate Padang uses a rich, thick, and fragrant gravy made from spices. The sauce is cooked until it becomes creamy and smooth, then poured generously over skewers of grilled beef and soft rice cakes.
The taste is a mix of savory, warm spices, a little sweetness, and a gentle heat. It does not always feel spicy, and this depends on which type of Sate Padang you are eating.
Read also -Why Bakso Holds a Special Place in the Heart of Indonesians
Three Main Types of Sate Padang
There are three traditional versions of Sate Padang, each coming from a different city in West Sumatra:
1. Sate Padang Panjang • Sauce color: Yellow or yellow-brown • Flavor: Mild, not too spicy • Main spice: Turmeric • Texture: Thick and creamy
2. Sate Pariaman • Sauce color: Bright red • Flavor: Spicy and stronger • Main spice: Red chili
3. Sate Padang Kota • Sauce color: Dark brown • Flavor: Balanced and modern • A mix of both Padang Panjang and Pariaman styles
Many people do not know which version they are eating, especially outside West Sumatra. This is normal, because restaurants often create their own special mix.
So, Which Sate Padang Did We Eat? Based on the color and texture in the photo, the sauce from Zakaria looked yellowish-brown, thick, and not very spicy. This matches the style of Sate Padang Panjang.
The sauce had a lot of visible spices, and the taste was mild and warm. It was rich, but not burning hot. This is why it felt different from other spicy Padang dishes we usually know.
Our Experience at Zakaria Restaurant
Zakaria is one of the well-known Padang restaurants in Pontianak. The place is simple, clean, and always busy. People come here for a quick, satisfying meal. When the Sate Padang arrived at our table, it smelled amazing. The beef was soft, grilled nicely, and covered in a generous amount of sauce. The rice cakes were perfect soft but not mushy.
The best part was eating together with friends. We talked, laughed, and enjoyed the flavor. For many of us, the sauce was a nice surprise because it was not spicy. The warm spices made it easy to enjoy, even for people who prefer mild food.
Tips for First-Time Visitors Trying Sate Padang
If you have never tried Sate Padang before, here are some simple tips:
• Do not expect peanut sauce. This dish uses a special thick curry-like gravy.
• The taste is warm, herbal, and comforting.
• If you like spicy food, ask for extra chili or sambal.
• Eat it while it is hot for the best flavor.
• Try it with a cold drink like iced tea or coconut water
Read also - "Sambal:" More Than Just a Spicy Sauce for Indonesians.
Enjoy Sate Padang
My visit to Zakaria reminded me how special Indonesian food is, especially when shared with good friends. Sate Padang offers a flavor that is rich, unique, and full of tradition. The sauce may look simple, but it carries a long history and a lot of love from the Minangkabau culture.
If you ever visit Pontianak, try Sate Padang at Zakaria and enjoy the warm, savory taste yourself. It is definitely worth the experience.
Have you ever tried Sate Padang before? Share your experience in the comments, and let me know which version you like the most!
A Message From Asep Haryono
"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well. Please leave any comment down below. Let me hear from you. Greetings from Indonesia"
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