Satay
Beef or chicken with spicy peanut sauce (sauce with hot chilies, peanuts, galangal, tamarind, sugar, and lemongrass)
This dish is a prime example of the Arab influence in Southeast Asia that occurred during the Pre-Classical domination of Arab civilizations that began to create diaspora trading communities throughout the southeast Asian islands. Inspired by the kebab or kabob, this is another classic favorite of both Americans southeast Asian food chains as well as local Asians alike. Mostly spread by the Sufi sect of Islam, many of these islands and regions are predominantly Islamic as a result of this cultural exchange. Another key feature in this dish pertaining to the southeast Asian cuisine is the use of galangal tamarind, and lemongrass which is another common combination often seen in southeast Asian cuisine. This flavor combination is the resulting tropical tangy flavor that Thai food and other such foods are most associated with. Hot chili peppers spread by both Arab and Portuguese traders during the 16th century have become another modern staple all throughout this region as well.