Sate Padang Pak Saf Kampung Baru: Authentic Minang Flavors 5 Steps from Home

As an Indonesian expat living in the Kampung Baru neighborhood of Kuala Lumpur, this area is a true paradise for finding food from back home. One spot I visit most frequently—literally just five steps from my doorstep—is Sate Padang Pak Saf.

While the stall actually offers a diverse menu beyond satay, because it’s renowned for its signature satay and thick gravy, my main focus whenever I drop by remains their signature Padang-style satay.

Ambiance & Dining with Friends

The eatery maintains a relaxed, casual Kampung Baru neighborhood vibe. During my recent visits, I captured a few moments hanging out with my friends.

In this first photo is Rizky, a friend from Depok—known as the city of a thousand anomalies. He totally approved of Pak Saf and loves eating here.

Moving on, here is Naufal, my friend who is originally from Padang, West Sumatra. Well, even though he didn’t order satay in this particular photo, we usually eat satay together here too—it just didn’t get captured on camera that day, hehe. Upon tasting the thick golden-brown gravy and aromatic spices, Naufal immediately remarked that the flavor is genuinely authentic—tasting just like the satay back in his hometown. Hearing that directly from a native Minang palate is an indisputable seal of approval!

From RM 7 to RM 9, But Still Worth Every Ringgit!

There’s a bit of history regarding the pricing here. Back when I first became a regular, a portion of Sate Padang cost RM 7. Over time and with raw material cost adjustments, the price has risen to RM 9.

Despite the price increase, I find it thoroughly worth it. The meat is tender, the rich savory gravy is generous, and the fried shallots topping is delightfully abundant.

Rating & Recommendation

Overall, I give Sate Padang Pak Saf a solid 8/10.

The balanced spice blend, tender meat, and convenient proximity just steps away from home make this my top comfort food destination whenever I miss Sumatra cuisine.

Top Recommendation: If you visit, make sure to order Sate Lidah (Beef Tongue Satay). The texture of the beef tongue is exceptionally tender and absorbs the spicy gravy perfectly. Highly recommended!