Ask any foodie and they’ll tell you just how irresistible daging salai is. But the dish is just as elusive as it is delicious. The smoked beef, often cooked in a spicy coconut curry, isn’t easily found in stalls around Singapore, let alone Malaysia. Bur procuring it is well worth the effort – we promise. If you wanted some of the best, most authentic examples of daging salai the next time you visit Malaysia, hit up these places.
What is daging salai?
Daging salai, or smoked beef, is a speciality that was originally created in the state of Negeri Sembilan in West Malaysia.
Because beef was too expensive to eat often, the people in the state would only slaughter a cow during Eid or for weddings. The slaughter had to be done a few days before the occasion, but it would’ve been impossible to keep raw meat for so long in such a hot country, especially since refrigerators weren’t a thing back then. To preserve the meat, they cooked it in advance, using coconut shells and husks that were readily available. Being high in liquid content, the coconut produced a lot more smoke than using regular wood did, and it imparted a smoky, rich flavour to the meat meat. It was so tasty, that the happy mistake caught on to become a staple on its own, which was sliced to eat as is, or for use in curries.
Today, the process of making daging salai in Malaysia is still as traditional as it was before. Carefully smoked using a unique smoking technique with coconut fibre called “sabak”, the charred beef slices acquire a full-bodied flavour. With a sweet and smoky tang, the beef is tasty when eaten on its own, but is best served with a plate of rice and sambal belacan – or for a match made in heaven, braised in masak lemak cili api, which is a rich creamy coconut curry that perfectly balances the flavours of the beef.
While you can create it from scratch at home, the process is painstakingly tedious and let’s face it – you just want to enjoy the dish without your patience being tested. These best establishments serving daging salai in Malaysia’s KL, Selangor, and even JB will save you the trouble.
6 best places for the best daging salai in Malaysia:
Although well-known for its Daging Salai Masak Lemak Cili Api dish, these Selangor eatery is also loved for its take on the heritage dish with other meats, such as duck and chicken. Patrons love the simple but satisfying combination of salted eggs and sambal belacan here. Word of caution though: Only try it if you can handle the heat.
(Image credit: @syah_eats/Instagram)
Address No 25, Jalan Plumbum V 7/V, Seksyen 7 Shah Alam, 40000 Selangor , Malaysia
Phone +60193151202
[ad_2]
Neatly packed and almost ready to eat, all you have to do is to prepare your own Masak Lemak Cili Api, prior to adding Daging Salai Cik Yah’s signature. That’s not all of course – other specialties such as ayam kampung, itik and ikan kelisalai are also available.
(Image credit: @yatiekitchen/Instagram)
Address Kampung Gombak, 47000 Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone +60 12-922 2423
Apart from the go-to Masak Lemak Cili Api, these finger-licking-good beef slices from Daging Salai Haji Soid is known to be one of the best in Malaysia, and can also be used in pasta and fried noodles. Now all you have to do is get creative in the kitchen.
(Image credit: @dagingsalai_hajisoid/Instagram)
Address 99, Lorong Sekilau 11, Kampung Bukit Sekilau, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone +60 19-993 5947
If you were looking to whip up a quick meal at home, order the daging salai, and masak lemak cili api paste from Daging Salai Padu Teruk, which is known for offering some of the finest smoked beef in Malaysia.
(Image credit: @dagingsalaipaduteruk/Instagram)
If you were only planning a quick trip to JB from Singapore, we’ve got you covered. Salai Valley in Johor Bahru prides itself on serving authentic Negeri Sembilan food, so it’s no surprise that daging salai is one of its specialities here. The tender slices are served braised in a rich curry here, which is known to be spicy so come mentally prepared. Those who can’t take the heat can opt for the Nasi Goreng Daging Salai instead.
(Image credit: @salaivalley/Instagram)
Address 43, Jln Perjiranan 4/4, Bandar Dato Onn, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Daging Salai Kak Ngah caters to those who are looking for effortless recipes. Enjoy it with the ready-made masak lemak cili api paste, or toss it into salads, roll it into wraps or have it sandwiched between your favourite bread for a quick, hearty meal.
(Image credit: @daging_salai_kakngah/Instagram)
Address Rumah Kedai, 40, Jalan Pasar Baru, Kampung Bahasa Kapor, 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Penang might be known for its phenomenal take on the laksa and other popular hawker fare, but those who want something a little more upmarket will not be disappointed to find that some of the best fine dining restaurants in Malaysia are found in Penang.
Famed as the food capital of Malaysia, the island of Penang is a bold celebration of diverse Malaysian flavours. While the iconic cendol, laksa, and char kuey teow spring to mind, contemporary restaurants are pulling their own weight when it comes to the culinary scene. In Penang, you will discover a unique take on both Asian and Western food, only this time you’ll get to dress up and rediscover the exciting concepts that the island offers. Bookmark these places and make your reservations at these classy spots the next time you want a fine dining experience on the island.
The best fine dining restaurants in Penang today:
Restaurant Blanc Penang
Image credit: Restaurant BLANC Penang
Formerly known as the Dining Room, BLANC serves a French-Asian menu that’s worth exploring. Pick between the BLANC menu degustation and the Menu De Saison by Chef Benny Yeoh. The menu comprises a 3-course meal featuring the former comprises canapes, a choice of mains and desserts, while the latter presents an omakase-style gastronomic journey. Consider this a sweet surprise as the chef will reveal the courses upon your visit.
228, Jln Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; +60 19-239 9818
Orinea Restaurant
Image credit: @orinea_restaurant/Instagram
Located in the heart of Gurney Bay at Sunrise @ Gurney, Orinea Restaurant is where you can indulge in a sensorial journey. Go ahead and make a reservation for the Ultimate Chef’s Tasting Menu. You will find that each dish is a work of art fusing technique and innovation. In addition, the restaurant offers a breathtaking view of Gurney Wharf.
Known for its iconic location, the Indigo restaurant located in the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion offers a dining experience like no other. Besides the beautiful blend of old-world charm and modern touches, Indigo is famed for merging Eastern and Western flavours. The seven-course tasting menu comprises Freshly Shucked Oysters, Bluefin Tuna Capellini, Grilled Wild Caught Jumbo Prawn, Pan-Roasted Hokkaido Scallop, Seared Foie Gras and beyond. Pick your mains between the Australian Wagyu Striploin, Lamb Rack and Pan-Roasted Atlantic Cod. If you can’t make it for dinner, try out the three-course lunch.
Discover the historical compound of the Hin Bus Depot if you’re planning a trip to the one Michelin-starred Restaurant Au Jardin. This restaurant serves Franco-Asian cuisine with the freshest ingredients available in season. Head Chef Kim Hock believes in sustainable sourcing, making your meal a satisfying experience. As for the menu, this eatery can cater to your dietary request. If you’re a vegetarian, check out ‘The Green’ Degustation with dishes such as the Russet Potato ‘Mille-Feuille’ and Kimchi Espuma. The degustation menu offers heavenly dishes like Butter Roasted Hens in the Wood and ‘Grand Caviar’ au Jardin. Discover the menu here.
Anything revolving around world street food is of great interest to the global gourmands. While everyone has their own pick from various delectable items dished out on the streets across the world, travel guide — Taste Atlas — has come up with a Top 50 list in this category. It’s not surprising that a seemingly humble yet flavourful dish from the streets of Malaysia — roti canai bags the number one title of best street food followed by lumpiang Shanghai from the Philippines and the Japanese karaage.
More about roti canai and other top dishes
What is roti canai and why is it the best street food?
As the name suggests, roti canai is a flatbread packed with the goodness of eggs and essential fat from the Indian clarified butter, ghee. It has an outer texture of a flaky pastry but is soft and wholesome on the inside. This can be enjoyed on its own or with a spicy curry of one’s choice. That is how it is usually served on the streets. If you are not a fan of spicy, savoury food, this versatile dish is served with sweet fillings too, by the street vendors commonly known as the mamaks.
Image: Courtesy Indradi Soemardjan/ CC BY 2.0/ via Wikimedia Commons
The dish was brought to Malaysia by Indian migrants in the 1800s and had a very humble start as it was a staple enjoyed by the labourers. Its versatility, simplicity and wholesomeness make it popular as a street food.
The top 5 street food dishes are Asian
Image: Courtesy Arnold Gatilao/ CC BY 2.0/ via Wikimedia CommonsThe Filipino lumpiang Shanghai has been ranked the second-best street food in the world for all the right reasons. This deep-fried party snack takes inspiration from Chinese spring rolls but it is prepared by adding flavours from pork, beef or shrimp and is served with a sweet and sour sauce.
The Japanese karaage comes in the top three street food items solely for its technique which involves keeping the outer cover of the chicken (which is the main ingredient of this dish) crispy and juicy, while it is tender on the inside. The Japanese coat bits of chicken in arrowroot powder before frying and serving with a seasoning of ginger and garlic, topped with a generous helping of soy sauce.
Keeping this list in the picture, it can be safely said that Asian dishes are amongst the most popular street foods consumed on the go or as a festive, party snack in the world.
Affordable and packed with nutrients, next up on this list is a loaded sandwich from Vietnam, bánh mì. A delectable takeaway from colonialism, the French baguette is used as a base to stuff meat, fresh vegetables, choicest spices and pickles to make this wholesome snack.
Although well-known for its Daging Salai Masak Lemak Cili Api dish, these Selangor eatery is also loved for its take on the heritage dish with other meats, such as duck and chicken. Patrons love the simple but satisfying combination of salted eggs and sambal belacan here. Word of caution though: Only try it if you can handle the heat.
(Image credit: @syah_eats/Instagram)
Related: 
