Have you ever had daging salai? This speciality dish, originating from Negeri Sembilan, consists of smoked beef often served with a curry gravy or sambal belacan.
Piquant, rich and flavoursome, it’s a spicy adventure that might take you a moment to appreciate – but once you do, you’ll be hankering for more!
Well, if you happen to be going on a road trip south, take the Rembau exit off the North-South Highway and make a beeline for Resipi Grobok Salai, located in the aptly named village of Pedas.
One of the most popular eateries in the area, it is known – as its name suggests – for its daging salai. Upon entering you will be asked how many people are in your party and given a table number – all very organized. From there, it is no different from a nasi kandar type place where you choose the dishes of your choice to accompany the rice. And there are indeed many dishes to choose from, most of them in the predominant colour of the state flag – yellow!
Have your pick of “masak lomak lado api” – smoked meat with cili padi, turmeric, and coconut milk – or freshwater prawns, siput sedut, rendang, daging masak hitam, and much more.Of course, you’d be remiss not to tuck into the daging salai. For a contrast in proteins, try the squid, and add on some lady’s fingers (okra) to meet your veggie requirements. True to its reputation, the Salai Daging here is spicy, all the ceilings.
Performing with a smoked shade that is not overwhelming, it has the right relationship of meat and tender fat, and it also presents itself in a generous portion. In fact, it’s so delicious that – like this writer – you may not be able to resist the urge to “tapau” some to enjoy later!
Meanwhile, the squid is cooked perfectly without being rubbery, and the curry is creamy and delicious with a mouth-watering aroma.
Overall, Resipi Grobok Salai is definitely a worthwhile stop for a thoroughly satisfying meal – if your stomach can handle the spiciness, of course!
