[CLOSED] Ah Pui Tiong Bahru Satay

Been wanting to head down to Ah Pui Tiong Bahru Satay for a while — turns out that while the plans were simply pushed backwards for all these while, we found ourselves winding up here on a day where we were supposed to head to somewhere else in the area, but was informed that they were not opened for the day when we made our visit. At this juncture, Ah Pui Tiong Bahru Satay doesn’t need too much of an introduction — starting off as a pushcart stall in 1970s within the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood, Ah Pui had previously settled at the now-defunct 195 Pearl Hill Cafe at Pearl’s Hill Terrace for a two-year stint after stopping operations as a pushcart stall (since it was illegal) — during its operation at 195 Pearl Hill Cafe, it is said that reservations had to be made several months in advance for the satay as well (there is currently no waiting list for the satay at Ah Pui Tiong Bahru Satay at Smith Street). The opening of Ah Pui Tiong Bahru Satay at Smith Street in 2021 marks the first time that it is being run as a standalone restaurant; they have also expanded their menu to include starters and appetisers such as crabmeat salad, main courses including western fare (i.e. Fish & Chips, Creamy Carbonara etc.), rice dishes (i.e. Thai Special Wings Rice, amongst others), an AP Orh Luak AKA Orh Jian (i.e. Oyster Omelette) and an AP Orh Neng (i.e. Oyster Egg), as well as a section dedicated to snack and bites with items that seem to work well with beer (think items such as Porky Balls and DiDi Har Cheong Gai). The list of beverages include alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks which ranges from Vietnamese Coffee, Thai Iced Milk Teas and canned beverages to beer and Somersby ciders — just to name a few.

Visiting Ah Pui Tiong Bahru Satay, it is a must to order the AhPui's Famous Satay 10 Sticks Special Peanut Sauce With Pineapple Purée — this is also the only satay option listed on the menu, which consists of pork. Costing $11.80 for a 10 sticks portion, one can argue that the satay at Ah Pui Tiong Bahru Satay is slightly on the pricey side — that being said, the meat portion per skewer is more generous than that of most hawker stalls elsewhere. Perhaps it is the size of the meats at play here, but the satay here does feel more juicy whilst carrying a substantial bite — the meat is still tender and easy to chew through, and extra points to them for that chunk of fatty meat in the middle of each stick that gives that extra burst of melt-in-the-mouth juiciness that makes it so good. Personally I would find the satay from City Satay at Satay by the Bay to be smokier than the ones here, but I would say that the ones here are beautifully marinated in spices and carries a distinct note of turmeric whilst also being on the sweeter side. While I am unable to try the peanut sauce, I did notice that the Special Peanut Sauce With Pineapple Purée does seem especially thick in consistency and is also heavily laden with chopped peanuts that honestly looked quite good.

Ah Pui had pretty much garnered its own following from its days as a push cart stall, and that was brought back during the days when he had settled down at the now-defunct 195 Pearl Hill Cafe previously — it is a little surprising how Ah Pui Tiong Bahru Satay does seem a little quiet these days operating at Smith Street, though it could be also due to the lack of tourists in the neighbourhood, the demise of the neighbouring Chinatown Food Street and the effects of COVID-19 safe management measures imposed on F&B establishments serving alcohol all at play here. Nonetheless, while Ah Pui Tiong Bahru Satay does seem a little of a pricey choice for local food in the area, the satay can be said as worth a try — would see how some will fall in love with this. It is no doubt that their satay would well satisfy any craving for a good satay at a convenient location.

I still remember trying to make order for his satay when it still operating at Pearl Hill, and was told the waiting list has booked until next year.

Surprisingly in the twist, he settled down with his own shop along Smith Street. Not sure what’s happening but at least I’m glad I could no longer need to join the waiting list.

But I really don’t know why, it seems the publicity for it suddenly turned very quiet. It even closed down all the associated social media for his new Satay shop in Chinatown. So technically you couldn’t find much information about the shop, except other people who have visited this place.

I came and visit on weekday night and there wasn’t even crowd or queue, with just one table occupied. So it is very easy to grab a seat now, probably also due to the latest safety measure for allowing only the fully vaccinated people to dine in.

His signature Hainanese satay is definitely a must, with minimum order of 10 sticks. You could catch him in action barbecuing the satay sticks.

The satay set comes together with pieces of rice cubes, cucumber/s and onions. I totally understand why people would love his satay, as it marinated with spices and secret ingredients. Most importantly you would find block of fats in between every stick, with thin layer of crisp that was so juicy! Each stick cost $1.10

The satay sauce can be order separately if you looking to get more of it.

Ah Pui’s Famous Satay 10 sticks (S$11.80)
That’s chunk of fat in every stick.